Insights

Istanbul has two main airports but you should pick the right one to make a difference in your arrival time, hotel transfer and plans around Istanbul. IST and SAW are on two opposite sides of Istanbul, so please look carefully where they are located before booking your hotel.

🗺️ IST or SAW: Which Side of Istanbul Is Your Airport On?

Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) serve the European side, while Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) serves the Asian side; this matters because crossing Istanbul can take much longer than the map suggests, especially during busy traffic hours.

✈️ Istanbul Airport (IST): A convenient option for the European side

The airport is situated on the European side to the northwest of the city centre. It is the main gateway for many long-haul and connecting flights. When staying in the European side of the city, places such as Taksim, Beşiktaş, Şişli, IST may be a viable option.

IST may be an option if you have a few locations on the European side on your travel itinerary. For instance, if you arrive in the morning and are driving to a meeting near Levent, it might be easier to get the transfer with the start time of IST. If your hotel is close to the historic center, this can be useful if you want to take a private transfer to and from the hotel.

Istanbul travelers can make an airport transfer to their hotel with our chauffeur service. We can also help plan your return trip around your flight time.

🌉 Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW): Better for the Asian Side

Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located in Asian side of Istanbul, near Pendik. If you are heading to Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Ataşehir or any other part of the east of the city to stay overnight, it can be a convenient choice.

SAW can work well when your itinerary is focused on the Asian side. If you are meeting clients in an Asian-side business district, flying into SAW may save you an unnecessary cross-city transfer.

However, airport choice should not be based on distance alone. The real time of travel can vary a great deal on the roads in Istanbul. The map route is the shortest route, but when travelling in rush hour, on-road traffic may take a much longer time. Book a reliable chauffeur service Istanbul for a comfortable and private airport transfer.

🕌 Which Airport is closer to Sultanahmet?

Travelers who want to stay in the Sultanahmet area proceed from the airport with ease, and it is the more convenient of the two airports. Sultanahmet is located on the European side and features some of the city's highlights like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.

That does not make SAW a bad option. SAW may be more appealing on certain dates depending on flights, fares and schedules. For better flight, select SAW, if you are willing to take the time to get there, especially if you are crossing the Bosphorus Strait. Our limo service Istanbul offers a convenient way to travel between the airport, hotel, and city.

🚦 How Traffic Can Affect Your Airport Transfer

One of the most important factors in traveling between airports in Istanbul and the city is traffic. Journey times may be impacted by congestion at peak times or accidents on the roads, or during major events. This is particularly important when crossing over from the European side to the Asian side. The two are divided by the Bosphorus Strait, and to cross it might extend your trip.

It is recommended that you make your transfer plan according to your holiday plan and not according to an average travel time. If you have a business meeting, hotel check-in, or flight to catch, give yourself a comfortable buffer.

A private transfer also means that you won't have to arrange another transfer once you've landed. Our limo service in Istanbul allows travelers to reserve a car for pick up and drop off at the airport, hotel stays, business and city travels. Choose our limousine service Istanbul for comfortable rides tailored to your travel schedule.

🛬 Do Most International Flights Use IST or SAW?

Istanbul has two airports, both of which are capable of handling international flights; however, Istanbul Airport is the primary international airport for the city and receives many long-haul and connecting flights. Sabiha Gökçen also handles international flights, including some regional and European airlines.

Check flight schedules, as they are subject to change; make sure to check routes available for the time of travel. Before booking a ticket, check airport code and check airline, arrival time.

The cheapest flight is not always the easiest option. A slightly cheaper ticket to an airport on the opposite side of the city could mean a longer transfer and less time for your plans.

✅ Choosing the best Istanbul airport for your Istanbul trip

The selection of an airport should be based on your hotel and itinerary. A good criterion for comparing them is:

No single airport is best for every trip. Check your hotel, itinerary, and arrival or departure time.

🚖 Make your Istanbul Airport Transfer Easier

Once you know whether IST or SAW fits your itinerary, arrange your transfer. We can collect you from the airport and put you on the bus straight to your hotel, office or other location. Our limousine service Istanbul packages are tailored for visitors that would like to travel in a private vehicle instead of having to navigate the public transit systems of the city following a lengthy flight. Pre-book your transfer, select your available vehicles and arrange your transfer before arrival.

There is also an Android and iOS app to help you keep an eye on your booking while on the road. You can plan your transfer whether you go for work or for pleasure, at least one task is taken off your list. Contact us now to schedule your airport transfer, and travel from IST or SAW with a plan according to your Istanbul itinerary.