Sabiha Gokcen International Airport

Since its opening in 2001, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) has become a vital hub serving the Asian side of Istanbul and Southeast Turkey. It eases the burden on Istanbul's main airport (IST) and is the second busiest in the city in terms of passenger traffic. 

In this article, you'll learn about the services at Sabiha Gokcen Airport, how to reach it from various locations, and the best nearby hotels that enhance its status as a traveler-friendly facility.

Location and Key Information about Sabiha Gokcen Airport

Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is located in the Pendik district on the Asian side of Istanbul, about 35 kilometers from the European side's city center, and approximately 50 kilometers from Istanbul’s main airport. 

The airport is named after Sabiha Gokcen, the first female fighter pilot in the world and a symbol of modern Turkey. 

The establishment of this airport was part of a strategy to reduce pressure on Ataturk Airport, which was the primary airport in Istanbul before the opening of the current new airport.

The airport covers an area of about 6.2 million square meters and features a modern terminal building, one of the largest in Turkey, with a space exceeding 200,000 square meters. 

It also has a 3,000-meter runway capable of accommodating large aircraft. 

Ongoing plans for expansion and infrastructure development aim to keep pace with the increasing number of passengers and future developments in Turkey's aviation sector.

Sabiha Gokcen Airport is a major hub for low-cost airlines like Pegasus Airlines and offers flights to various domestic and international destinations, particularly in Europe and Asia, with a focus on the Middle East.

How to Get to the Airport

You can reach Sabiha Gokcen International Airport by car via the E80 highway and D-100 road. Public transportation options, such as buses and taxis, are also available, including airport shuttle services. Here are some key transportation options:

1. Sabiha Airport Metro - Tavsantepe  
   Launched in 2020, this was the first metro line dedicated to Sabiha Gokcen Airport. The 7.40-kilometer line passes through five stations: the airport, the Industrial Zone, Yayalar, the Hospital, and Tavsantepe on the Asian side of Istanbul.
2. Sabiha Airport Metro - Pendik  
   Opened in 2022, this line is also approximately 7 kilometers long and passes through four stations: the airport, Pendik, Anadolu Courthouse, and Kadikoy in Istanbul's Asian side.
3. Sabiha Airport Buses  
   Examples include the E-10 bus, which connects Kadikoy to the airport, and the E-3 bus, which runs from Levent station to the airport via the highway. There is also the SG-2 bus linking Taksim in the European part of Istanbul to Sabiha Gokcen Airport, and the E-9 bus connecting Bostancı on the Asian side to the airport.

Services Offered by Sabiha Gokcen Airport

The airport provides a wide range of passenger services, including a VIP lounge for first-class and business travelers, a modern and efficient baggage handling system, and shuttle buses that transport passengers between the airport and surrounding areas. Car rental services are also available.

Sabiha Gokcen Airport has duty-free shopping facilities offering a variety of products, as well as a selection of restaurants and cafes serving different types of food and beverages. Additionally, there is Wi-Fi available throughout the airport.

Sabiha Airport Procedures

Arrival and departure procedures at Sabiha Gokcen International Airport are very straightforward. After landing, passengers should proceed to the passport control checkpoint. 

Be sure to present your passport to the officers at the checkpoint. If you have luggage, you will need to go to the baggage claim area after passing through passport control. For international flights, you can collect your luggage and proceed to the exit.

Airport staff will escort you to your transport vehicle at the departure gate. The airport offers both individual and group transportation services for up to 4 passengers. 

Other passengers heading to the same destination may share your trip, with a maximum waiting time of 60 minutes, and each person is allowed one piece of luggage and one carry-on bag.

Private transportation is also available if you prefer a more exclusive experience with no waiting. This service is available 24/7 and includes door-to-door transportation without any delay.

For VIP travelers, Sabiha Gokcen Airport offers luxury transfer services with no luggage or waiting time restrictions, featuring high-end vehicles and excellent service. Upon reaching your destination, whether a hotel or elsewhere, airport staff will greet you at the arrival point, holding a sign with your name or company name to ensure everything runs smoothly.

The airport offers a large fleet of new vehicles, including Mercedes Benz Vito (8+1), Mercedes Benz Sprinter (13+1), and other luxury options to ensure your comfort. All services are available with various secure payment methods.

Hotels Near Sabiha Gokcen Airport

There are many hotels of varying standards around the airport, making them among the best accommodations on the Asian side of Istanbul. 

These hotels are essential to the modern travel experience that Sabiha Gokcen Airport management strives to provide.

These hotels offer travelers comfort and relaxation after long flights or preparation for upcoming journeys without worrying about time or distance.

Additionally, these hotels facilitate business and tourist connections, making them ideal for business travelers and tourists alike. 

Here is a list of some good options:

ISG Airport Hotel  

A 4-star hotel located within the boundaries of Sabiha Gokcen Airport, making it the closest option for travelers. This elegant hotel offers direct access to the airport. It is 10 kilometers from Mount Aydos, which overlooks stunning green forests, and 19 kilometers from the budget-friendly shops at Via Port Marina. The hotel provides comfortable rooms with free airport shuttle services, a restaurant, car rental services, and a fitness center, making it ideal for travelers with short layovers or early flights.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Asia  

This luxurious 5-star hotel is about 10 kilometers north of Sabiha Gokcen Airport. It consists of 16 floors overlooking Nezahat Gokyigit Botanical Garden and is 9 kilometers from the shops on Bagdat Avenue in Asian Istanbul. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee-making facilities. It also has an elegant restaurant, an outdoor pool, a spa, a traditional Turkish bath, a fitness club, and a business center. Shuttle services to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport are also available.

Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Kurtkoy  

A 4-star hotel located about 4 kilometers from Sabiha Gokcen Airport in the Pendik district. The hotel features comfortable rooms, free breakfast, a fitness center, and airport shuttle services. It offers reasonable rates for its excellent services, making it an economical choice for travelers looking to stay near the airport.

Zoom Hotel  

A simple 3-star hotel located 3 kilometers from the airport, in the Pendik district. It overlooks a roundabout on a tree-lined commercial street and is 9 kilometers from the beautiful Aydos Forest. The hotel's simple rooms feature colorful decor and flat-screen TVs. Some rooms have seating areas and sloped ceilings, and you can request a room with an in-room Jacuzzi. The hotel offers transportation services to and from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport.

The Sunshine Hotel  

About 3 kilometers from the airport, The Sunshine Hotel is ideal for travelers looking for affordable rates, offering only essential services like comfortable rooms, Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a fitness center. It features a friendly staff but does not provide airport shuttle services.