Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia)
Built in the 6th century as a Byzantine cathedral, with an enormous dome that still amazes. Today it is a working mosque: respect prayer times and check the access rules.
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- to the centre
- 30 km
- terminals
- 1
- local time
- --:--
- IATA · ICAO
- SAW · LTFJ
About the airport
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport is in Pendik, on the Asian side of the city, about 35 km from the centre. It is named after Sabiha Gökçen, Türkiye’s first female combat pilot, and is the base of Pegasus Airlines, with many low-cost flights.
Terminals
The airport has a modern main terminal with international and domestic flights. Besides Pegasus, AJet and other full-service and low-cost airlines operate here.
Services
The terminal has cafés, restaurants, shops, free wifi, prayer rooms and car rental desks. The M4 metro station lets you reach the Asian side without depending on road traffic.
Getting to the city
Metro M4
Line M4 connects the airport with Kadıköy on the Asian side, with links to other lines and to the ferry. Allow a little over an hour for the trip.
Havabus
Airport buses to Taksim, Kadıköy and other parts of the city. Journey times depend heavily on traffic.
Taxi
Official rank outside arrivals, with a meter. About 40-60 min to Kadıköy depending on traffic.
Airport map
Terminal principal
A modern terminal with international and domestic flights. It is the hub of Pegasus and AJet, with many low-cost routes.
Istanbul
Things to do in Istanbul
Istanbul is Türkiye's largest city and spans two continents on either side of the Bosphorus. Byzantine and Ottoman monuments, bazaars, ferries and a lively food scene make it unique.
Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque)
A 17th-century Ottoman mosque with six minarets and an interior lined with blue İznik tiles. It is in use and closes to visitors during prayers.
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Galata Kulesi
A medieval stone tower rising above the Galata district. Its viewing platform looks over the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the skyline of mosques in the old city.
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Topkapı Sarayı
The palace of the Ottoman sultans for centuries, with courtyards, pavilions, the Harem and the Treasury. Today it is a museum: set aside half a day to see it properly.
Tickets →Frequently asked questions
How far is the airport from central Istanbul?
Estambul Sabiha Gökçen airport is about 30 km from central Istanbul.
How do I get from the airport to central Istanbul?
From Estambul Sabiha Gökçen airport you can take Metro M4 (metro), Havabus (bus), and Taxi. Pre-booked taxis and private transfers are also available.
How many terminals does Estambul Sabiha Gökçen airport have?
Estambul Sabiha Gökçen has one terminal: Terminal principal.
Landing in Istanbul?
Book your car and your stay before you arrive: more choice and better prices.
Photo credits
- The airport from the air, next to the sea: Apaleutos25, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Inside the terminal: aveaoz, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- An aircraft parked on the apron: Nabbegat, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia): Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque): Moonik, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Galata Kulesi: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Topkapı Sarayı: Carlos Delgado, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons