Istanbul Airports, IST, SAW, ISL

There are three airports in Istanbul city. One in the Asian side Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW ) and the other two in the European side Istanbul Airport (IST) and Ataturk Airport (ISL)

Istanbul Airports, IST, SAW, ISL
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Istanbul Airports

Istanbul is served by three main airports, each offering different levels of service and accessibility. Located across the city’s European and Asian sides, these airports cater to a vast number of international and domestic travelers. Knowing the differences between these airports can make your journey smoother and help you avoid common travel pitfalls.

All Istanbul Airports: A Quick Overview

Istanbul hosts three significant airports: Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) on the Asian side and two on the European side, Istanbul Airport (IST) and Ataturk Airport (ISL). While Ataturk Airport used to be Istanbul’s primary airport, it no longer serves public flights. It is now primarily used for cargo and private flights after the construction of the new airport in Istanbul. Therefore, when booking an airport transfer, ensure you are selecting the correct airport to avoid any inconvenience. If you mistakenly select Ataturk Airport, our system will not process your booking.

(IST) Istanbul Airport Code: New Airport in Istanbul

The new airport in Istanbul, officially known as Istanbul Airport (IST), is now the main hub for international flights, particularly those operated by Turkish Airlines. The Istanbul Airport location is on the European side of the city, significantly reducing travel time to many of Istanbul’s top destinations compared to the older airport. The Istanbul Airport code is IST, and it’s crucial to use this code when booking your airport transfer to ensure accuracy. For more information or to book your transfer, you can visit the official website of Istanbul Airport (IST).

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) assigns a unique 3-letter code, known as the IATA code, to each airport. This code is widely used in aviation and logistics to identify airports. When booking an airport transfer online, it's recommended to use this code to ensure accuracy and avoid any errors in your reservation.

If you’re planning your arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST), securing your airport transfer ahead of time is a wise choice to ensure a smooth journey to your destination. At RentoTransfer, we offer reliable and comfortable transfer services tailored to your needs. For more information and to book your transfer, visit our Istanbul Airport Transfer page.

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(SAW) Sabiha Gökçen Istanbul International Airport

On the Asian side, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) handles a significant number of international flights, especially those operated by Pegasus Airlines. Although SAW Istanbul Sabiha Airport is further from many of Istanbul’s historic sites and hotels compared to IST, it offers an essential gateway to the city’s Asian side. The airport Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen code is SAW, and it’s advisable to factor in extra travel time when heading to this airport due to potential traffic congestion during peak hours. For a hassle-free transfer, make sure to arrange your transportation in advance.

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Ataturk Airport (ISL)

Ataturk Airport Istanbul (ISL) was once the busiest airport in Turkey but is no longer active for commercial passenger flights. Although this airport served as the primary gateway with the IST code, its operations have been significantly scaled down following the opening of Istanbul International Airport (IST). Today, airport Istanbul Ataturk is reserved for cargo and private flights only. When planning your trip to Istanbul, be careful not to confuse this with other operational airports to avoid any booking errors.

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Istanbul Airport Transfer Services: Easy and Convenient

At Rento Transfer, we offer comprehensive airport transfer services across all Istanbul airports, including Istanbul Airport (IST), Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), and the still-operational Ataturk Airport for private and cargo flights. Whether you’re arriving at IST Istanbul Airport, SAW Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, or need a transfer from ISL Ataturk Airport, you can easily book your airport pickup on our website.

Istanbul How to Get From Airport to the City

Getting from Istanbul Airport to the city or Sabiha Gökçen Airport to the city can be a straightforward process if planned in advance. Istanbul Airport transportation services vary depending on your needs, ranging from private transfers to shuttle buses. For those wondering Istanbul how to get from the airport to the city, private transfers are often the most comfortable and direct option, especially during high season when public transportation can be crowded.

Istanbul Airport Area and Accessibility

Both Istanbul Airport IST and Sabiha Gökçen Airport SAW are well-connected to Istanbul’s main districts. The Istanbul Airport area is equipped with a variety of transportation options, ensuring you can easily reach your destination, whether it's the city center or a more distant neighborhood. Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport is similarly connected, though being on the Asian side, it requires a bit more travel time to reach European side attractions.

Book Your Istanbul Airports Transfer Today

Avoid the stress of last-minute travel arrangements by booking your transfer in advance. Whether you land at IST Istanbul Airport or SAW Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, our airport transfer service ensures a smooth and reliable journey. Visit our website to arrange your transfer, and enjoy a seamless experience from any of Istanbul’s airports to your final destination.




Here, you can find information about airport transportation services.

Istanbul airport code is IST, for more information about Istanbul airport codes you can check our blog about Istanbul airports.

ISL airport code is for the old airport in Istanbul named Ataturk Airport, in the past code for this airport was IST but now is ISL. This airport is not active anymore and already is closed

  • Istanbul Airport (IST): The primary international airport, located on the European side of the city, serving as a major hub for both domestic and international flights.

  • Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW): Situated on the Asian side of Istanbul, this airport handles both domestic and international flights and is a convenient option for those traveling from or to the Asian side of the city."

  • Ataturk Airport (ISL): Currently  closed

Previously, Ataturk Airport (now operating under the ISL code) was the main airport in Istanbul. However, Istanbul Airport (the new Istanbul Airport with the IST code) is now the primary airport in the city.

It stands for Istanbul Ataturk airport

Istanbul has 3 different airports, Istanbul Airport (IST), Sabiha Airport (SAW), Ataturk Airport (ISL)

The IATA code ISL stands for **Istanbul Ataturk Airport**. However, since the opening of Istanbul Airport (IST), Ataturk Airport is no longer used for commercial passenger flights and primarily serves as a cargo and general aviation hub.

Sabiha Airport is located 32KM southeast of Istanbul city in the Pendik District, Here is the address (Sanayi, 34906 Pendik/İstanbul ) and location ( https://maps.app.goo.gl/WiiWa9qVnu36ot149 )

In the past Ataturk Airport (Now with ISL code) was the main airport in Istanbul, But now the new airport, Recently known as ISTANBUL AIRPORT with IST code is Istanbul's new airport

The 3-letter code for Sabiha Gokcen Airport is SAW

You can check for the airport map in the link ( https://www.istairport.com/en/airport/maps/airport-map/?locale=en )

In the past the 3-Letters code for Ataturk Airport was IST, But from the time that Istanbul's new airport was established, the code changed to ISL.

The New Istanbul Airport, officially known as Istanbul Airport (IST), is located on the European side of Istanbul, near the village of Arnavutköy. It is situated approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the city center and is easily accessible by major highways and public transportation.(Tayakadın, Terminal Caddesi No:1, 34283 Arnavutköy)

 

 

Istanbul Airport is the new international airport in Istanbul that opened on 29 October 2018. Before its construction, Ataturk Airport was the busiest airport in Turkey. However, due to a lack of space for expansion, the new Istanbul Airport was built. Before Istanbul Airport was constructed, the IATA code IST was used for Ataturk Airport. After the opening of Istanbul Airport, the code for Ataturk Airport was changed to ISL and IST was assigned to the new Istanbul Airport.

There are two hotels inside Istanbul Airport: Yotelair on the airside and Yotel Hotel on the Landside. Also, there are many hotels in the Arnavutkoy area, just 15-20 minutes away from Istanbul Airport.

We offer 24-hour staff at Istanbul Airport to assist with luggage storage, Meet and Greet Service, Istanbul City transfers, and buy a sim card.

Yes, it’s advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in areas where card payments may not be accepted.

No direct metro currently exists from Istanbul Airport to the city center, but public bus options are available, and a metro line is under construction.

Istanbul’s city center (Sultanahmet) is approximately 40 kilometers from Istanbul Airport, taking around 30-60 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

Public transportation in Turkey is generally affordable, especially buses, metros, and trams, compared to private options.

Tipping is not obligatory, but it’s appreciated. Rounding up to the nearest amount is customary.

No, Uber is not forbidden, but traditional taxis are the dominant option at the airport.

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