How Many Airports in Istanbul – A Comprehensive Guide and Comparison

Recommendation: For the majority of travelers, start with Istanbul Airport (IST) for international travel and wide connections; Sabiha Gökçen International (SAW) serves domestic and regional routes with lower fares. never assume a single hub covers all flights–IST and SAW each have clear strengths and the right fit depends on your route.

Istanbul has two active hubs: IST on the European side and SAW on the Asian side. IST is built as a world-class gateway with extensive facilities, robust duty-free zones, and a broad network of international and intercontinental connections; SAW handles a strong roster of regional and domestic services with a faster security flow and simpler transfers.

IST’s terminal complex offers lounges, dining options, and coffee spots throughout, designed to handle current demand and future growth. Travel times from central districts to IST typically run 60–90 minutes by car in normal traffic, with faster options via dedicated road links when available. Its route map continues promoting new destinations across europes and beyond, reinforcing its role as a metropolis gateway for long-haul flight connections.

SAW serves mainly the eastern side of the city and targets regional and domestic travel. Its footprint supports quick turnarounds and lower operating costs for carriers serving Turkey’s interior markets and nearby regions. Travel times from the city center to SAW generally range from 60 to 120 minutes, depending on traffic, making it a practical choice for short-haul travel and budget itineraries. For those staying on the west side, IST is usually faster to reach, while SAW shines when domestic hops are the goal.

When choosing between IST and SAW, weigh your travel goals: IST is the right core gateway for international trips, extensive European and global networks, and earning miles with major alliances; SAW offers advantages for domestic legs, budget carriers, and rapid transfers on shorter routes. The istand map in this guide helps you compare hubs quickly by showing terminal locations, ground transport, and typical connection times, so you can plan with confidence and minimize wasted time.

Practical tips: verify your airline’s recommended terminal, check the exact flight number for IST or SAW, and use official shuttles or metro links when available. IST offers extensive duty-free zones and numerous coffee options for long layovers; SAW provides faster transfers and lower costs for regional routes. Align with your preferred airline and earning programs to maximize benefits as you travel.

How Many Airports Operate for Commercial Flights in Istanbul Today

There are two airports that operate for commercial flights in Istanbul today: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International (SAW).

IST is the largest hub on the European side, built to handle massive traffic and connect the city to global destinations with high reliability. SAW sits on the Asian side and serves many domestic routes, plus a growing slate of international services, often at a lower fare level than IST.

Atatürk Airport no longer handles commercial passenger traffic; its role shifted to cargo and limited operations, while IST and SAW remain the active options for travelers visiting Istanbul.

Passenger volumes reflect the split: IST exceeded 60 million passengers in 2023, with strong growth continuing into 2024–2025, while SAW handled roughly 30–35 million. IST accounts for the most global connections from Istanbul, making it the standout gateway for long-haul flights, while SAW sustains dense regional networks and budget-friendly options. Cargo operations at IST remain the largest in Turkey, supporting a global logistics backbone alongside passenger routes.

For a visit, choose IST if you want the most extensive international flight options and smoother access to a wide transportation network; choose SAW when you seek regional coverage, lower fares, or specific carriers that favor the Asian side. Marty, a traveler who recently checked both, notes that SAW can offer faster security lines and easier ground transport for short trips, while IST provides more nonstop flights and frequent nighttime arrivals.

Key differences at a glance:

• Largest airport: IST, with the biggest terminal complex and most international flight options.
• Asian side focus: SAW concentrates on domestic connections, regional international routes, and cargo.
• Global vs. local reach: IST dominates global connections; SAW shines for nearby destinations and affordable trips.
• Safety and efficiency: both airports maintain high safety standards and streamlined checkpoints for smoother passage.
• Connectivity: IST offers broader transportation links (metro, buses, taxis, rideshare) to the entire city; SAW provides reliable access to the Asian side and central neighborhoods via targeted routes.
• Flight mix: IST handles most long-haul and intercontinental flights; SAW hosts many domestic and budget-friendly international flights, with robust cargo activity.
• Facilities: both sites provide affordable dining and retail options, free wifi, and comfortable lounges; IST tends to offer more lounges and larger arrivals halls.

Practical tips for planning:

• Check which airport your airline uses and compare total transit time, especially if your trip includes overseas connections.
• For a global trip with convenience and extensive options, target IST; for Asian-side access or cheaper regional flights, SAW is a strong choice.
• In both airports, expect efficient security checkpoints and clear signage in English and Turkish.
• Public transportation and taxis provide affordable and reliable links to central Istanbul; consider passport-friendly Wi-Fi availability in terminals while you plan transfers.
• If you’re checking cargo services or business travel, IST remains the recognized hub for cargo and international freight activity.

IST vs SAW: Which Airport Should You Use and How to Decide

Choose IST for most international trips, thanks to its west European location, direct rail connections, and a wide range of connecting options. SAW is a strong pick for budget travelers and those staying on the Asian side, where lower fares and easier access to certain neighborhoods pay off.

This section compares position, network, and practical factors to help you decide, especially post-covid-19 travel patterns. British and foreign travelers alike weigh convenience against ticket price, and this guide keeps that in mind.

When IST Fits Your Plans

IST sits on the west European side of Istanbul and opened as the main international hub in 2018. If your itinerary includes long-haul departures, or you want a broad foreign carrier choice with a direct rail option to the city center, IST is the right choice. The airport promotes smooth transfers with a dedicated airport rail link and well-structured terminals, and experienced staff help you maintain quick connections even during peak departures. Marty, a British traveler, noted that the security lines move efficiently for connecting flights, and were,youre assessing options in a post-covid context, IST offers reliable services.

Criterion	IST	SAW
Location / Position	West European side, Arnavutköy area; main international gateway	Asian side, Pendik area; strong for budget routes
Transportation access	Direct rail link to city center (M11) and extensive road network	Road-based access; bus connections and limited rail options
Flight network & departures	Broad international network, long-haul and European links	Budget carriers, domestic and select international routes
Travel time to city center	Typically 40–60 minutes in light traffic	Typically 60–90 minutes in light traffic
Ideal for	Connecting flights to global destinations; frequent international departures	Lower fares; quick access to Asian-side neighborhoods

When SAW Fits Your Plans

SAW serves the Asian side and opened earlier to support regional traffic. It remains a solid option for budget trips and short-haul itineraries, with strong站 offers for domestic connections and some international routes in the region. If you’re recruiting third-party itineraries or prioritizing lower ticket prices, SAW can be the better pick. For foreign travelers who want straightforward processing and less congestion on busy days, SAW is a practical alternative, and although rail coverage is limited, taxi and bus options are well promoted.

Bottom line: prefer IST for broad international access and smoother central-city reach, whereas SAW suits budget plans and Asian-side stays. Check your airline’s terminal and plan your ground transport, especially if you’re coordinating connecting departures and post-covid-19 travel adjustments.

Travel Times and Distances: City Center to IST and SAW

From the city center, we recommend premium private transfer or the express Havaist service to IST; expect 40-60 minutes in moderate traffic and longer during rush hours.

Distances by road place IST about 40-45 km from central districts and SAW about 45-50 km. IST sits north of the historic core, SAW on the Asian side toward Pendik, so be ready for different traffic patterns inside the city’s areas and along connecting routes.

Options and timing: To maximize certainty, choose a premium transfer that is served by reliable services, with meeting at arrivals and inside the terminal. In good conditions, taxi or private car reaches IST in 40-60 minutes; during peak periods, longer times can happen, up to 90 minutes. Havaist express buses are a cost-friendly option and connect major districts to both airports; allow 60-90 minutes. Rail options are limited to IST via Marmaray connections, which offer reliable reaching to central links, but you should add buffers when combining trains with bus transfers. For SAW, ground routes follow similar ranges, with Asian-side traffic adding longer times. Timetables and road conditions shift year by year, so check live data before you head out. Each option offers a unique balance of speed, price, and comfort, and premium transfers often deliver significant time savings.

Practical tips: If you want to minimize delays, plan a buffer of 15-20 minutes to reach the terminal and choose a transfer that aligns with your flight time. Live-tracking apps help you adjust on the fly; booking a premium service saves time by reducing transfers and lines, a great option for families and business travelers alike. These options serve millions of passengers year-round, including turkeys’ holiday periods, and connect essential areas of the city with both airports. When reaching IST or SAW, the position of the airports matters: IST handles most international flights and SAW serves many regional and domestic routes, so your choice depends on flight time and connection needs. If you want clarity, you should map the north vs south routes and pick the option that minimizes longer drives and maximizes the time you have on the ground. Finally, consider the rach corridor used by some locals for quick access during peak hours; it can shorten routes by avoiding gridlock in central streets.

Ground Transport Options and Typical Costs to IST and SAW

Pick Havaist shuttle or the Metro for IST and SAW if you want predictable costs and steady schedules; they never leave you waiting with surprise surcharges and they offer earning efficiency by saving time. From Istanbul Airport (IST), Havaist tickets to central districts typically range 35-60 TRY, and Metro fares are around 8-12 TRY per ride, with connections to the city network. A private transfer costs roughly 180-400 TRY depending on distance and pickup, while official taxis use meters and run about 150-250 TRY in daylight and 250-400 TRY at night. From Sabiha Gokcen (SAW), Havaist routes toward Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, and Taksim sit in the 35-60 TRY band; city buses cost about 8-15 TRY; taxis run around 200-350 TRY to central areas; private transfers start near 180 TRY. For both airports, the Metro option on IST is expanding, with the M11 link offering continuous service, while from SAW you combine a bus to Kadıköy or Pendik with Marmaray to reach European-side hubs. Use cards or contactless payments on Havaist and Metro to speed checkout on every leg, and never carry cash for every ride; many travelers store value on a single card for convenience. If you want door-to-hotel service, a recognized private transfer or hotel-arranged ride offers direct pickup at arrivals; drivers like Adnan or Sophia’s team are common on north Anatolian routes and provide a simple pick-up. Checkpoints and security lines are visible and manageable after arrival, so plan enough time before you head to baggage claim and ground transport. Turkeys’ travel networks support continuous service across these routes, and lots of travelers rely on them for reliable recovery after long flights.

IST: Ground transport to the city center

Havaist serves Taksim, Beşiktaş, and Kadıköy with direct routes; Metro (M11) moves to Gayrettepe and connects to other lines for easy transfers. If you have a group or heavy luggage, private transfers offer fixed-price pickup and can reduce waiting time. Near the arrivals there are cafes and shops; grab refreshments and use cards to pay for the ride if possible, speeding up the process. Security staff help with checkpoints and guide you to the correct ground transport floor.

SAW: Ground transport to the city center

SAW options mirror IST: Havaist to Kadıköy or central districts, city buses, taxis, and private transfers. A direct transfer to your hotel avoids transfers and long walks. The Asian-side routes connect with Marmaray to cross to the European side; this is a common choice for visitors heading to districts like Beşiktaş, Şişli, or Kadıköy. For families or multiple suitcases, private transfers remain the easiest choice; drivers often coordinate with hotels and agencies. On the ground, you’ll find cargo and logistics facilities near SAW that support continuous service for travelers who extend their trips to Anatolian towns and beyond.

Airlines, Flight Networks, and Connectivity at Istanbul’s Two Main Airports

Recommendation: Use Istanbul Airport (IST) for most international flights, and keep Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) for domestic hops to reach eastern and southern cities.

IST is the largest hub in turkeys aviation system, hosting the most flights and offering a broad geographical reach. Turkish Airlines anchors the network, connecting IST to major European capitals, Middle Eastern hubs, and key cities in Asia and Africa. The facilities at IST support smooth transfers, shopping, and lounges, making it the preferred starting point for visitors seeking extensive connectivity.

The old ataturk airport legacy still influences routing choices, and SAW’s growth on the Asian side adds vital regional links. SAW concentrates on domestic Turkish routes and a curated set of international flights to nearby cities, complementing IST’s long-haul strength. For cities along Turkey’s western coast and interior regions, SAW provides practical options without looping back through IST.

Connectivity is supported by robust facilities, including coffee shops and lounges, efficient security lanes, and plenty of self-service options. Shuttle services link IST with central districts and key hotels, while SAW offers its own airport shuttles to major neighborhoods and bus terminals. The market remains a fighter for travellers’ time and money, and british operators maintain important links to IST from London and other hubs–officially expanding during january peak periods. weve observed that many visitors value quick transfers and predictable schedules.

Looking ahead, the future will bring more direct flights to turkeys largest cities and wider coverage across europe and asia. If you’re planning a multi-city itinerary, IST will be your most reliable starting point, and SAW will save you time on domestic hops. visited travellers often note the simplicity of switching between IST and SAW, and visitors can enjoy Turkish coffee during layovers while mapping routes. lets compare options and map the best paths for your craving to visit multiple cities in one trip.

Terminal Facilities, Amenities, and Transfer Tips at IST and SAW

Choose IST for a fast, comfortable visit with modern facilities and easy transfers between the terminals. This is the recommended option for most travelers, offering dining options, public spaces, and a layout that helps you quickly reach shops, lounges, and gates. The airport has been redesigned to handle year-round traffic and has surpassed many European hubs in efficiency. lufthansa desks and a lounge serve eligible travelers, and earning status is straightforward on the official website. IST has been updated over time to improve flow, and the year ahead will bring more improvements. originally the space was built to manage high volume; today you can move smoothly from check-in to security to gates with clear wayfinding. If you need a quick message to a colleague about a transfer, information desks can help. You can visit places inside the terminal area, rather than stepping out during a layover, which makes the travel experience more comfortable.

IST Terminal Facilities

IST provides a wide dining range, from quick-service counters to sit-down venues, plus lounges, duty-free, and business services. Facilities include free public Wi‑Fi, plentiful charging points, clean restrooms, prayer rooms, and family zones. The terminals are served by clear wayfinding and staff assistance at information desks, helping you reach gates quickly. Signage and staff direct you to them. The original design focused on fast flows between check-in, security, and gates, and it still operates efficiently with a modern, European-standard touch and genuine Turkish hospitality. You can visit places inside the terminal area, rather than stepping out during a layover, which makes the travel experience more comfortable.

SAW Terminal Facilities

SAW offers essential facilities in a compact footprint, with dining, shops, and seating arranged for short walks between touchpoints. The gokcen layout reflects a historical approach to domestic throughput, with clear public signage and helpful staff at information desks. The airport has been updated to support reliable operating hours and to serve international flights during peak season. For transfers, use licensed shuttle services or taxis listed on the official website; make sure to check the latest message about gate changes or delays. If you need information, staff can guide you through them. If you visit SAW during a longer trip, you should allow longer buffers, since the smaller footprint can magnify delays. Dining options focus on Turkish and simple international fare, with several places offering quick bites or longer meals before a flight.