Istanbul Airports Guide (2026): IST, SAW, ISL — Codes, Locations & Transfers

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

Jan 31, 2026

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5 mins read

1. All Istanbul Airports: A Quick Overview
2. (IST) Istanbul Airport — New Main Airport in Istanbul
3. (SAW) Sabiha Gökçen Airport — Istanbul’s Asian-Side Airport
4. (ISL) Ataturk Airport — Closed for Commercial Flights
5. Istanbul Airport vs Sabiha Gokcen Airport: Which Airport in Istanbul Is Better?
6. Istanbul Airport Transfer Services: Easy and Convenient
7. How to Get from Istanbul Airport to the City (IST & SAW)
8. Istanbul Airport Transfer Services (IST, SAW & Private Flights at ISL)

If you’re flying to Istanbul, knowing which airport you’re landing at is critical. The city is served by three airports, each with different roles, locations, and flight types. Choosing the right airport — and booking the correct transfer — can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

This guide explains how many airports are in Istanbul, the IST airport code, the SAW airport, the current status of Ataturk Airport, and how to get to the city smoothly.

How Many Airports Are There in Istanbul?

Istanbul has three airports:

Istanbul Airport (IST) — Main international hub
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) — Secondary international & low-cost hub
Ataturk Airport (ISL) — No longer open for commercial passenger flights

Most travelers today will arrive at IST Airport or SAW Airport.

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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 — New Main Airport in Istanbul

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the largest and busiest airport in Turkey and the primary hub for Turkish Airlines and international long-haul flights.

Airport Code (IATA): IST
Location: European side of Istanbul
Best for: International travel, premium airlines, long-haul connections

The IST airport code is essential when booking flights or airport transfers to avoid mistakes.

Why Use a Private Transfer from IST?

IST is massive and busy. A pre-booked private IST airport transfer helps you:

Skip taxi queues
Avoid price negotiations
Reach your hotel faster and stress-free
Travel in a clean, premium vehicle

Flying into IST? Arrive like a VIP. Book Your IST Transfer Now -Easy booking is available via WhatsApp +90 543 615 2061

(SAW) Sabiha Gökçen Airport — Istanbul’s Asian-Side Airport

Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is located on Istanbul’s Asian side and serves many budget airlines, including Pegasus.

Airport Code: SAW
Best for: Low-cost flights, domestic routes, Asian-side hotels
Note: Further from historic city center — traffic can be heavy

Landing at SAW? Plan Ahead

SAW is farther from central Istanbul. A private airport transfer helps avoid:

Long taxi waits
Slow shuttle buses
Traffic delays

Reserve Your SAW Airport Transfer

(ISL) Ataturk Airport — Closed for Commercial Flights

Ataturk Airport (ISL) was once Istanbul’s main airport, but it no longer handles commercial passenger flights.

Today, it is used only for:

Cargo operations
Private aviation
Government & special flights

⚠️ If you accidentally select Ataturk Airport when booking a transfer, your reservation will not process — always choose IST or SAW unless flying privately.

Book Your Istanbul Airport Transfer Today

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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Let us help you choose the right transfer based on your flight, hotel, and schedule — no mix-ups, no stress.

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:

Feature	Istanbul Airport (IST)	Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)
Distance to City Center	40 km (approx. 45-60 min by car)	35 km (approx. 45-50 min by car)
Transport Options	Metro Line (M11), taxis, airport shuttle buses, private transfer	Bus (Havabus), taxis, private transfer
Airlines Mainly Served	Full-service airlines (Turkish Airlines, major international carriers)	Mostly low-cost airlines (Pegasus, AnadoluJet)
Facilities	Extensive shopping areas, luxury lounges, hotels nearby	Smaller terminal, limited shopping and dining options
Best For	International flights, luxury travel, long-haul connections	Budget flights, domestic and short-haul international trips

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.

How to Get from Istanbul Airport to the City (IST & SAW)

Travel options include:

Private airport transfer (fastest & most comfortable)
Taxi
Metro / bus
Airport shuttle services

For travelers searching “how to get from Istanbul airport to the city”, private transfers remain the most reliable option, especially during peak travel seasons.

Book Istanbul Airport Transfer or Sabiha Gökçen Airport transfer in Under 60 Seconds for more information contact us at : +90 543 615 2061

Istanbul Airport Transfer Services (IST, SAW & Private Flights at ISL)

We provide reliable airport transfers from:

Istanbul Airport (IST)
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
Ataturk Airport (ISL) — private aviation only

Why Travelers Choose Our Transfers

Fixed pricing — no surprises
English-speaking professional drivers
Meet-and-greet at arrivals
Clean, modern vehicles
24/7 availability

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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Whether it’s a midnight arrival at SAW or a VIP departure from IST, our drivers are on standby. Reserve Your Transfer in Under 60 Seconds - Easy booking is available via WhatsApp +90 543 615 2061

Frequently Asked Questions

Here, you can find information about airport transportation services.

The main Istanbul Airport code is IST, representing the new international airport located on the European side of the city.

The ISL code refers to the old Atatürk Airport, which now operates mainly for cargo and VIP flights.

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

Yes, there is free WIFI in Sabiha airport, But to connect wifi in Sabiha airport you need to enter your phone number and enter the code that comes to your phone number

Istanbul has two major airports — Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side.

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 )

You can use this link to the SAW airport map ( https://inmapper.com/sabihagokcen/en/ )

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.

There are hotels near SAW airport, including the ISG Airport Hotel inside the airport and the Cevvo Hotel just outside.

We offer 24-hour staff at SAW 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.

Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located on the Asian (Anatolian) side of Istanbul, in the Pendik/Kurtköy district.

Sabiha Gökçen has one main terminal that serves both domestic and international flights.

The airport is approximately 40–50 km from central districts like Taksim, taking about 45–60 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

You can reach the airport via:

Havabus shuttle (from Taksim, Kadıköy)
City buses (various lines)
Taxi or private transfer
Metro (M4 line extension is operational or near completion)

It’s one of Turkey’s busiest airports, handling over 35 million passengers annually, and serves as a major hub for low-cost carriers like Pegasus Airlines.

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the main hub for international long-haul flights. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) mostly serves domestic and regional routes, plus budget airlines.

Istanbul Airport (IST) is closer to Sultanahmet and Taksim compared to Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW).

Yes, the new extension of the M4 metro line connects to Sabiha Gökçen Airport as of 2024.

A taxi from Istanbul Airport to Taksim costs approximately €45–€50 depending on traffic.

Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is the main hub for budget airlines like Pegasus and AnadoluJet.

Yes, pre-booking guarantees a fixed price, eliminates the risk of scams, and ensures a smoother arrival, especially after long flights.

Yes, YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport Hotel is located inside the terminal for easy access.

Istanbul Airport (IST) is much newer and larger, with state-of-the-art facilities opened in 2019.

Yes, taxis, private transfers, and Havaist shuttles operate 24/7 from both IST and SAW airports.

Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is the best choice if your destination is on the Asian side.

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Istanbul Airports Guide (2026): IST, SAW, ISL — Codes, Locations & Transfers