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: Everything You Need to Know
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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.
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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 in advance is a wise choice to ensure a smooth journey to your destination. At Rento Transfer, we offer reliable and comfortable transfer services tailored to your needs.
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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.
Landing at SAW? Don’t Let Traffic Slow You Down
Sabiha Gökçen is farther out — but we’ll get you into the city efficiently with a private driver who knows the shortcuts. Avoid long waits and start your Istanbul trip the right way.
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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.
Istanbul Airport vs Sabiha Gokcen Airport: Which Airport in Istanbul Is Better?
When traveling to Istanbul, you’ll usually land at one of two main airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW).
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Find the Right Transfer for IST Airport or SAW Airport
Choosing the right airport in Istanbul can save you time, money, and hassle. Here's a side-by-side comparison:
Which Airport in Istanbul Should You Choose?
- Istanbul Airport (IST) is ideal if you’re flying internationally with a major airline, want premium facilities, or are staying on the European side of Istanbul.
- Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) is better if you’re flying domestically, looking for a budget airline, or staying closer to the Asian side of the city.
Both airports are modern and efficient, but the best airport in Istanbul for you depends on your travel plans and hotel location.
Istanbul Airport Transfer Services: Easy and Convenient
At Rento Transfer, we offer comprehensive airport transfer services across all Istanbul airports, including Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Although Atatürk Airport (ISL) is no longer open for commercial passenger flights and now operates primarily for cargo and private aviation, we still provide transfer services for private flights there. Whether you’re arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST), Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), or require a transfer from Atatürk Airport (ISL), you can easily book your reliable airport pickup through 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.
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