Comparison · Türkiye
Istanbul's Two Airports (IST vs SAW): Which One Should You Fly Into?
Istanbul has two airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side. We compare location, getting into town, which areas each suits and what to check when booking.
Published
Where the two airports are
Istanbul spans Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus, and it has an airport on each side: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side.
The old city of Sultanahmet (Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace), Karaköy and Galata, and Taksim with İstiklal Avenue are all on the European side. Kadıköy is the hub of the Asian side. So which airport you land at decides whether you need to cross the strait to reach your hotel.
A search for just 'Istanbul' can mix both airports in the results. Always check whether the airport code is IST or SAW before you book.
Istanbul Airport (IST): the main European-side airport
The two main ways into town are the M11 metro and the Havaist airport buses.
According to the airport, the M11 line links it with Gayrettepe, where you change to the M2 metro towards Taksim. The extension towards Halkalı opened in June 2026. You pay with an Istanbulkart; check the fare officially.
Havaist is the shuttle bus service listed on the airport's official site, running 11 routes into the city including Taksim and Sultanahmet. Board on the transportation floor (-2). It is handy with heavy luggage or if you'd rather avoid metro changes, but journey times depend on traffic, so allow extra time. Check fares and times officially.
Sabiha Gökçen (SAW): the Asian-side airport
SAW is on the Asian side and relatively close to Kadıköy. The M4 metro links the airport with Kadıköy in about 52 minutes, according to Metro Istanbul.
On the M4 you can change to the Marmaray line at Ayrılık Çeşmesi, which crosses under the Bosphorus to the European side. Or ride to Kadıköy and take a city ferry across to Eminönü or Karaköy, which doubles as a strait cruise on your first day.
Havabus airport buses also run between the airport and Kadıköy and Taksim. According to the airport, Taksim takes about 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic. Check fares officially.
What to know when booking flights
In our recent fare data, many flights to Istanbul Airport (IST) involved a connection, and flights to Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) were mostly connections. Routes and schedules change, so always check with the airline.
A cheaper SAW ticket can mean a longer trip to a hotel in the old city. Compare the fare difference together with the time and cost of getting from the airport to where you're staying.
If you arrive at one airport and leave from the other, double-check the day before which airport your return flight uses.
Side by side
Choose by where you're staying and how you plan to get around. At both airports one Istanbulkart gets you onto the metro.
- Location: IST on the European side, SAW on the Asian side
- Metro: IST has the M11 (change to M2 at Gayrettepe; Halkalı extension opened June 2026); SAW has the M4 (about 52 min to Kadıköy)
- Airport buses: IST has Havaist (11 city routes); SAW has Havabus (Kadıköy and Taksim, about 1 hr 30 min to Taksim)
- Best for stays in: IST for Sultanahmet, Taksim and the rest of the European side; SAW for Kadıköy and the Asian side
- Flights: in our recent fare data, IST often involves a connection and SAW mostly does (check with the airline)
- Fares: check official for both metro and buses
Your first day: a few essentials
One Istanbulkart covers the metro, tram, bus and ferries. Buy it and load lira at Biletmatik machines near stations, and keep enough balance if you're travelling as a group.
Korea's consulate general in Istanbul warns of frequent pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowded places like airports, stations and hotel lobbies. Keep your bag in front of you from the moment you leave baggage claim, and split your travel money.
- If you take a taxi, make sure the meter is on before you set off
- At rush hour the metro can be faster than buses or taxis
- Türkiye's entry conditions and passport validity rules can change; check with an official Türkiye embassy or government source
- Check your government's current travel advice for Türkiye before you go
Plan your Istanbul trip
We never take payment — compare, then book on the official partner site.
Services mentioned in this article
Affiliate links. You book on each company’s official site — OneWorld never takes payment.
FAQ
Which airport is closer to Istanbul's old city, IST or SAW?
Sultanahmet is on the European side, so from IST you don't need to cross the strait. From SAW on the Asian side you cross by M4 and Marmaray, or by ferry from Kadıköy.
How do flights from Incheon to Istanbul usually work?
In our recent fare data, many IST flights involved a connection and SAW flights were mostly connections. Check with the airline whether and when flights operate.
How long does it take from Sabiha Gökçen to Kadıköy?
About 52 minutes on the M4 metro, according to Metro Istanbul. Havabus airport buses also run to Kadıköy.
How much is the airport metro fare?
Fares change often, so check official sources. Both airport metro lines accept the Istanbulkart.
Related reading
ComparisonAirport to City: Train, Bus, Taxi or Transfer? A Practical ComparisonCompare the five ways to get from the airport into town, with tips for late-night…
SafetyHow to Avoid Taxi Scams Abroad: Riding Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps SafelyHow to avoid overcharging, detours and change tricks at airports and tourist spots, use…
Comparison · VietnamNha Trang vs Da Nang: Which Vietnam Beach City Suits You?Nha Trang or Da Nang? Compare seasons, beaches, day trips, airport transfers and budget…