Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)? Transfer Guide
Istanbul's Two Airports: IST or SAW?
Almost every visitor flying into Istanbul lands at one of two airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) in the north of the European side, or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side. Ticket price usually decides which one you get, but because the airports sit at opposite ends of the city, your travel time and your transfer price change a lot depending on the choice. This guide compares them using the real distances, durations and fixed prices from our own route database.
How Far Is Each Airport From Central Istanbul?
The figures below are approximate distances and traffic-free driving times from our route database. If you are searching "how many km from Istanbul Airport to Taksim" or "Istanbul Airport to Levent distance", this is the answer:
| Destination | Istanbul Airport (IST) | Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) |
|---|---|---|
| Taksim | 45 km · 60 min | 43 km · 47 min |
| Sultanahmet | 53 km · 62 min | 42 km · 58 min |
| Besiktas | 46 km · 55 min | 39 km · 41 min |
| Sisli | 43 km · 50 min | 41 km · 45 min |
| Levent | 41 km · 56 min | 40 km · 42 min |
| Kadikoy | 57 km · 69 min | 34 km · 37 min |
| Atasehir | 61 km · 66 min | 27 km · 31 min |
On traffic-free times the two airports look close for the European side: about 47 minutes to Taksim from SAW versus 60 from IST, 41 versus 55 to Besiktas, 42 versus 56 to Levent. But every route from SAW to the European side crosses the Bosphorus by bridge or tunnel — the busiest pinch points in the city — so in traffic the trip can take far longer than the table shows, while the road from IST to the European centre does not cross the Bosphorus at all. For the Asian side (Kadikoy, Atasehir) SAW is the clear winner: Kadikoy takes 37 minutes from SAW and 69 from IST.
These are traffic-free estimates. On weekday mornings and evenings, especially around the Bosphorus bridges and ring-road exits, the trip can take noticeably longer, so leave some margin around flights and appointments.
The Bosphorus Crossing: Effect on Price and Time
Time is not the only factor. SAW is on the Asian side, so going to a hotel on the European side means crossing the Bosphorus, and that is reflected in the fixed tariff. Our current fixed prices for a VIP Mercedes Vito (6 passengers, 6 suitcases):
- Istanbul Airport → Taksim, Sultanahmet, Besiktas (Europe 1 zone): 2,300 TRY
- Sabiha Gökçen → the same districts: 3,000 TRY
- Istanbul Airport → Kadikoy (Anatolia 2 zone): 3,000 TRY
- Sabiha Gökçen → Kadikoy: no fixed Vito tariff is set for this route; the price is calculated on the booking screen from your address.
- Between the two airports (IST ↔ SAW): 3,500 TRY
So if you are staying on the European side, landing at IST saves 700 TRY on the transfer and, with no Bosphorus crossing, is also the more predictable option in traffic. Prices are per vehicle, not per person — for a group of four to six the difference per head is small.
Which Airport Suits Whom?
Staying on the European side
If your hotel is in Taksim, Sultanahmet, Besiktas or Sisli and the two flight prices are close, IST is cheaper for the fixed transfer. See the details on the Istanbul Airport to Taksim transfer and Besiktas transfer pages. If your ticket is to SAW, allow extra time for the Bosphorus crossing at rush hour: Sabiha Gökçen to Taksim transfer.
Staying on the Asian side
In Kadikoy, Atasehir or Kartal, SAW is both much closer and far more predictable because there is no Bosphorus crossing. From IST to Kadikoy you face a 69-minute drive and bridge traffic. See Sabiha Gökçen to Kadikoy and Istanbul Airport to Kadikoy.
Business trips and northern districts
For meetings in Levent, Maslak or Sisli the gap between airports is small; your flight time and traffic matter more. Compare both directions on the Istanbul Airport – Levent and Sabiha Gökçen – Levent pages.
Practical Points When Choosing a Flight
- Check the IATA code before you buy. IST and SAW are two different airports serving the same city; a search for just "Istanbul" shows both.
- On connecting tickets that change airports (arriving at IST, continuing from SAW) you must cross the Bosphorus, so leave a generous buffer. A private transfer between the two airports costs 3,500 TRY.
- For late-night arrivals a meet-and-greet transfer with flight tracking is less stressful than queuing for a taxi.
What If My Flight Is Delayed?
When you give your flight number at booking, the driver tracks the flight and waits for the updated landing time at no extra charge. This works the same at both airports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many km is Taksim from Istanbul Airport?
About 45 km, with a traffic-free drive of roughly 60 minutes, according to our route database. From Sabiha Gökçen to Taksim it is about 43 km and 47 minutes.
What is the distance between Istanbul Airport and Levent?
About 41 km and 56 minutes. From Sabiha Gökçen to Levent it is about 40 km and 42 minutes.
Which airport is closer to the city centre?
Both are 40-60 km from the central points in the table. For the European side the distances and traffic-free times are similar, but from SAW you have to cross the Bosphorus, so IST is more predictable at busy times. For the Asian side SAW is clearly closer.
Do you offer transfers between the two airports?
Yes. The IST ↔ SAW fixed price for a VIP Mercedes Vito is 3,500 TRY; just choose the route on the booking form.
Conclusion
Look beyond the ticket price when picking an airport: on the European side IST is cheaper for the transfer and more predictable, since it avoids the Bosphorus crossing; on the Asian side SAW is clearly the better fit. Whichever you choose, you can see all Istanbul airport transfer options and book at a fixed price.