Istanbul has two major airports. Istanbul Airport (IST) is north of the city in Arnavutköy, about 41 km by road from the city centre (Taksim) and 49 km from Sultanahmet. Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is on the Asian side in Pendik: about 36 km from Kadıköy and 43 km from Taksim. The two airports are about 84 km apart.
Distance from Istanbul's airports to the main districts
| District | Istanbul Airport (IST) | Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) |
|---|---|---|
| Taksim | 41 km · ~40 min | 43 km · ~35 min |
| Sultanahmet | 49 km · ~45 min | 43 km · ~35 min |
| Beşiktaş | 43 km · ~45 min | 39 km · ~30 min |
| Şişli (Mecidiyeköy) | 38 km · ~40 min | 40 km · ~30 min |
| Levent–Maslak | 39 km · ~40 min | 40 km · ~30 min |
| Kadıköy | 51 km · ~50 min | 36 km · ~25 min |
| Üsküdar | 48 km · ~50 min | 36 km · ~25 min |
| Bakırköy | 46 km · ~40 min | 50 km · ~45 min |
| Ataşehir | 57 km · ~50 min | 28 km · ~20 min |
| Between the airports | 84 km · ~60 min | – |
Times without traffic; on weekdays 07:00–10:00 and 17:00–20:00 journeys can take twice as long.
Getting to the centre
- Private transfer: fixed price per vehicle (central districts VIP €65 / 3,600 TL, 1–6 people); the driver meets you and takes you to the door. Taxi fare comparison →
- By public transport: the M11 metro links Istanbul Airport with Gayrettepe (change to the M2 for Şişli and Taksim) and Halkalı; Havaist coaches run to central areas such as Taksim, Beşiktaş and Eminönü/Sultanahmet. With luggage, changes and stops, the trip takes considerably longer than a transfer; check current lines, times and fares with the official sources (metro.istanbul, istairport.com).
- By public transport: the M4 metro links Sabiha Gökçen Airport with Kadıköy (about 50 min); from Kadıköy, ferries cross to Eminönü, Karaköy and Beşiktaş. Airport coaches (Havabüs) also run to central areas. Check current lines, times and fares with the official sources (metro.istanbul, sabihagokcen.aero).
Meeting point: name boards are not allowed at Istanbul's airports. At IST you are met at exit door 13 with an SS1 sign, at SAW at the TÜRSAB Meeting Point (give your name to the attendant).
- Istanbul Airport meeting point guide →
- Sabiha Gökçen meeting point guide →
- Istanbul Airport distance chart (35 districts) →
- Sabiha Gökçen distance chart (35 districts) →
Frequently asked questions
How far is Istanbul Airport from the city centre?
About 41 km by road to Taksim (~40 min without traffic) and 49 km to Sultanahmet.
How far is Sabiha Gökçen from the city centre?
About 36 km to Kadıköy (~25 min), 43 km to Taksim and 43 km to Sultanahmet.
How far is Istanbul Airport from Sabiha Gökçen?
About 84 km by road; about 60 minutes without traffic.
Which airport is closer to the centre?
For the European side (Taksim, Beşiktaş) both airports are about the same distance; for the Asian side (Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Ataşehir) Sabiha Gökçen is clearly closer.