Comparing Istanbul Airports: IST vs. SAW – Which One Should You Choose?
Quick answer: For most travellers, Istanbul Airport (IST) is the better choice. It sits closer to the European-side city centre, flies the widest international network, and has a fast M11 metro into town. Pick Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) if you are staying on the Asian side or flying a budget carrier such as Pegasus. Both are modern airports with full facilities; the right one depends on where you are headed and which airline you fly.
Istanbul is served by two airports on opposite sides of the city, and they are not interchangeable. Your ticket usually decides which one you use, but if you have a choice, the difference in travel time and route network is worth understanding before you book.
Istanbul Airport vs Sabiha Gokcen at a glance
IST is the giant new hub on the European side and the home base of Turkish Airlines. SAW is the smaller, low-cost-focused airport on the Asian side. Here is how they compare on the points that matter most.
| Istanbul Airport (IST) | Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) | |
|---|---|---|
| Side of the city | European side, Arnavutkoy (northwest) | Asian side, Pendik (southeast) |
| Distance to centre | About 40 km to Taksim and Sultanahmet | About 40 to 50 km, across the Bosphorus |
| Metro line | M11 to Gayrettepe, about 30 min | M4 to Kadikoy, about 52 min |
| Typical time to centre | 45 to 90 min door to door | 60 to 120 min door to door |
| Main carrier and focus | Turkish Airlines; long-haul and global network | Pegasus; budget and regional |
| Best for | European-side stays, connections, most international routes | Asian-side stays, low-cost flights |
Location and distance to the city
IST is on the European side in Arnavutkoy, roughly 40 km northwest of the historic centre. Because most visitors stay in European-side districts such as Sultanahmet, Taksim or Besiktas, the journey is usually more direct. SAW sits in Pendik, on the city's Asian shore, so reaching the European centre means crossing the Bosphorus, which adds time even when the distance on the map looks similar.
Getting into the city
Both airports are linked to Istanbul's public-transport network, but the connection is faster and more direct from IST. For a full breakdown of every option and current fares, see our guide to getting from the airport into the city.
From IST: the driverless M11 metro reaches Gayrettepe in about 30 minutes, where you can change to the M2 line for Taksim and Sishane. Havaist airport buses, taxis and private transfers also serve the city; by road, allow 45 to 60 minutes off-peak and up to 90 minutes in traffic.
From SAW: the M4 metro runs to Kadikoy in about 52 minutes. To reach the European centre you change to the Marmaray line under the Bosphorus, so a trip to Taksim can take 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. Havabus shuttle buses and taxis are the road alternatives, typically 60 to 90 minutes or more depending on traffic.
Flights and airlines
IST is the base of Turkish Airlines and connects to hundreds of destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, which makes it the natural choice for long-haul flights and connections. SAW is the stronghold of low-cost carrier Pegasus and handles a large share of domestic and short-haul regional routes, with a growing list of budget international flights. If you are hunting for a cheap fare within Turkey or to nearby countries, SAW is often where you will find it.
Which should you choose?
If your flight already names an airport, that decides it. The two are far apart, so never assume they are interchangeable. If you do have a choice:
- Choose IST if you are staying on the European side, flying long-haul, connecting through Istanbul, or you want the fastest and most reliable link to the centre.
- Choose SAW if you are based in Asian-side districts like Kadikoy, Uskudar or Pendik, flying a budget carrier, or a low fare matters more to you than travel time.
Frequently asked questions
Which Istanbul airport is closer to the city centre? IST is generally closer and quicker to the European-side centre, where most visitors stay. SAW is on the Asian side, so reaching European districts means crossing the Bosphorus and takes longer.
Can I use either airport for my flight? No. IST and SAW are on opposite sides of the city, about two hours apart by public transport. Always check which airport your ticket uses before you travel.
Is there a metro to both airports? Yes. The M11 serves IST (to Gayrettepe) and the M4 serves SAW (to Kadikoy). From IST the link to the European centre is more direct; from SAW you transfer to the Marmaray line.
Which airport is cheaper to fly into? SAW often has lower fares because it is the main base for budget airlines such as Pegasus. IST carries more full-service and long-haul flights.
Sources: Istanbul Airport (istairport.com), Sabiha Gokcen Airport (sabihagokcen.aero) and Metro Istanbul. Routes, times and fares change, so check official sites before you travel. Details reflect 2026.
About the author
Anastasia Maisuradze writes about Istanbul's airports end to end. She keeps this comparison updated against official iGA, Sabiha Gokcen and Metro Istanbul information each season.
