Updated: 30 October 2026
The two airports
- Istanbul Airport (IST) is on the European side, in the north of the city near the Black Sea. It is the main hub of Turkish Airlines and the airport most long-haul flights use.
- Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is on the Asian side, in Pendik in the south-east. It is the main base of Pegasus and AJet, and many European low-cost flights land here.
The old Atatürk Airport (ISL) no longer has passenger flights. If an old booking or a driver mentions it, check again.
How to check which airport is yours
- Look for the three-letter code on your ticket or booking email: IST or SAW. "Istanbul" alone is not enough; both airports are in Istanbul.
- Your airline is a hint, not proof: Turkish Airlines flies from both, and so do some foreign airlines.
- When you book a taxi or tell a driver where to go, say the code or the full name, not just "airport".
Distance and drive time from popular areas
From the European side, Istanbul Airport is usually the shorter drive; from the Asian side, Sabiha Gökçen is. From the old city both are about the same distance, but the drive to SAW crosses the Bosphorus, and the bridge traffic decides how long it takes.
| Pickup area | IST | SAW | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| km | Drive, min | km | Drive, min | |
| Sultanahmet | 50 | 50–95 | 48 | 50–90 |
| Sirkeci & Eminönü | 48 | 50–90 | 47 | 50–90 |
| Laleli & Beyazıt | 45 | 45–85 | 50 | 50–95 |
| Taksim | 42 | 45–80 | 45 | 45–85 |
| Galata & Karaköy | 45 | 45–85 | 46 | 45–90 |
| Beşiktaş | 45 | 45–85 | 43 | 45–85 |
| Ortaköy & Bebek | 45 | 45–85 | 42 | 45–80 |
| Nişantaşı & Şişli | 40 | 40–80 | 44 | 45–85 |
| Levent & Maslak | 30 | 35–65 | 42 | 45–80 |
| Balat & Fener | 40 | 40–80 | 52 | 50–100 |
| Kadıköy & Moda | 55 | 55–105 | 30 | 35–65 |
| Üsküdar | 50 | 50–95 | 35 | 40–70 |
| Ataşehir | 60 | 60–110 | 22 | 30–50 |
| Kartal | 75 | 70–135 | 15 | 20–40 |
| Pendik | 80 | 75–145 | 10 | 20–30 |
| Tuzla | 85 | 80–150 | 15 | 20–40 |
Distances are approximate road kilometres. Drive times are a usual range: the short end is a quiet road, the long end is rush hour. We use the long end when we suggest a pickup time.
What this means for your ride
- Staying in Sultanahmet, Taksim, Galata, Beşiktaş or Şişli: expect 45–95 minutes to either airport, depending on traffic. Plan on the long end in the morning and evening rush.
- Staying in Kadıköy, Üsküdar or Ataşehir: SAW is close; IST is a long drive across a bridge.
- Staying in Kartal, Pendik or Tuzla: you are next to SAW, usually 20–40 minutes away.
Bridge and highway tolls are included in all our prices, whichever way the driver goes.
Fixed prices to Istanbul Airport (IST)
- Sultanahmet1,900 TL
- Sirkeci & Eminönü1,900 TL
- Taksim1,700 TL
- Galata & Karaköy1,700 TL
- Beşiktaş1,700 TL
- Nişantaşı & Şişli1,700 TL
- Kadıköy & Moda2,150 TL
- Üsküdar2,150 TL
Fixed prices to Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)
- Sultanahmet2,300 TL
- Sirkeci & Eminönü2,300 TL
- Taksim2,100 TL
- Galata & Karaköy2,100 TL
- Beşiktaş2,100 TL
- Nişantaşı & Şişli2,100 TL
- Kadıköy & Moda1,500 TL
- Üsküdar1,500 TL
More guides
- Early morning flight from Istanbul: how to get to the airportWhen to leave your hotel, and how to book a taxi for 3–5 am.
- Taxi to the airport in Istanbul: what to check before you get inLicensed taxis, the price, tolls and paying: avoid surprises.
- When should you leave your hotel for the airport in Istanbul?A simple rule, drive times by area and the rush hours to avoid.
- Evening flight after hotel check-out: how to use your last dayLeave bags, keep exploring, get picked up from any address.
- Taxi pickup in Sultanahmet, Galata and Cihangir: when the car can't reach your doorPedestrian streets, steep lanes and how to agree a meeting point.
- Airport taxi with family and luggage in IstanbulUp to 4 people in a standard taxi, larger groups and children.
- Going to the airport on holidays and road closure days in IstanbulBayram, marathon and event days: when to allow extra time.
- Paying for your airport taxi in Istanbul: card, lira, euros or dollarsCard or cash, euros and dollars, tolls and tips explained.
- From the Asian side of Istanbul to Sabiha Gökçen AirportKadıköy, Üsküdar, Ataşehir and the coast: times and prices to SAW.