# Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) > Pendik, Istanbul, TR · 32 km (20 mi) southeast of Istanbul city centre Web: https://airport.flights/airport/saw JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/saw.json ## Facts - **IATA**: SAW - **ICAO**: LTFJ - **Timezone**: Europe/Istanbul - **Runways**: 2 - **Terminals**: 1 - **Passengers**: 37.1M/yr - **Hub for**: Pegasus Airlines, AJet - **Official site**: https://www.sabihagokcen.aero/ ## Overview ## Welcome Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) thrives as a bustling hub for budget travelers, thanks primarily to its association with Pegasus Airlines and AJet. Located in Pendik, about 32 kilometers southeast of Istanbul's city center, it feels more like a mega outstation for low-cost carriers than a traditional hub. The single terminal structure emphasizes speedy, no-frills transfers but compensates with a surprisingly rich array of Turkish and international dining options, ensuring passengers can always find a taste of local cuisine amid the standard array of global fast-food brands. While long lines and crowded spaces are common here, there's always a way to upgrade your experience with over 36 dining outlets and 5 lounges, including pay-per-use options and sleep pods that can provide a comfortable respite. ## At a glance Handling over 37.1 million passengers annually, SAW is equipped with two runways and a single terminal identified simply as 'T'. It serves as a significant base for Pegasus Airlines and AJet. This airport is a lifeline for budget travelers wanting to explore Turkey and beyond on economical fares. Belying its reputation as a budget hub, the terminal houses multiple local chains such as Turkish Kitchen and Simit Sarayı, alongside international names like McDonald’s and Starbucks. ## Terminals & layout Saw's single terminal is a hive of activity, with everything from check-in to boarding centered here. Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and AnadoluJet dominate the scene, making it a common sight to see their logos adorning boarding gates and lounges. After passing through security, passengers find themselves in a commercialized area full of dining and shopping options. Domestic and international travelers alike find a similar experience, with the post-security area featuring local culinary treats and relaxation zones. ## Getting to and from the city Transportation options abound for those traveling to and from the city. The Metro line M4 from Kadıköy to Sabiha Gökçen offers a reliable and cost-effective route, especially during Istanbul's infamous traffic congestion. For those journeying to the European side, transferring from the M4 to the Marmaray Line at Ayrılık Çeşmesi and then connecting on to Taksim via M2 is popular, particularly for stays in European-side hotels. Buses like the Havabus services to Kadıköy and Taksim also operate frequently, though they’re often at the mercy of traffic. Alternative options include Yellow Taxis, which offer fixed fares, and shared or private minivan services labeled VIP Shuttle. ## Traveller essentials It’s wise to build extra time into your itinerary as passenger volumes can lead to prolonged wait times, particularly at security checkpoints where queues often extend to 30–45 minutes during peak periods. For domestic-international connections on separate tickets, a buffer is essential due to the requirement of exiting and re-clearing security and passport control. The airport provides 60 minutes of free Wi-Fi through “Free Wi-Fi” network, though usage beyond this point requires a lounge network or mobile data connection. ## Dining & shopping highlights Sabiha Gökçen doesn’t disappoint on the culinary front. Turkish chains flourish here, with outlets like Mado for ice cream and baklava and Pidem for pide providing satisfying alternatives to the typical airport fare. Simit Sarayı, scattered across the terminal, serves as a go-to for inexpensive pastries and tea. For those with time to spare, BigChefs on the international departures mezzanine offers a sit-down meal in a quieter setting away from the hustle below. Meanwhile, shopping includes everything from duty-free essentials to memorabilia at Toyzz Shop or one of the Istanbul club stores. ## Lounges The airport features five lounges offering a variety of comforts. The Plaza Premium and Turkish Airlines lounges cater to international travelers with typical amenities. Primeclass Lounge remains another choice for those on international routes, whereas ISG Airport Hotel’s sleep pods offer hourly blocks for power naps or overnight rest for weary travelers. The Flypoint serves as an additional lounge for those seeking respite from the bustling terminal. ## Insider tips - **Insider:** Domestic departures feature 40’s Bar and Efes Pub Gate, a relaxed corner with local beers far from the main food court’s chaos. - **Time:** Threads consistently advise at least a 2-hour buffer for domestic-to-international transfers due to re-clearing security and passport control. - **Local:** Try Plus Kitchen in international departures for a lighter meal compared to the heavy offerings nearby; it’s a foodie favorite. - **Money:** Although prices at SAW are high for Turkey, they remain lower than comparable European airports; stock up on essentials in the city at local prices. - **Avoid:** Steer clear of crowded smoking terraces if on a tight schedule to avoid the 20-30 minute re-entry time from the terraces. - **Quiet:** Starbucks on domestic airside provides power outlets and decent seating where you can work undisturbed for the cost of a single coffee. - **Time:** The M4 metro is the quickest route to reach Istanbul city, acknowledged for its predictability compared to traffic-laden roads. ## Terminals (1) - **Passenger Terminal** — Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, AnadoluJet ## Dining (36) - **40’s Bar** - **Burger King** - **Dominos Pizza** - **Efes Pub Gate** - **Gate Cafe** - **Grab & Fly** - **Happy Moon’s Cafe Restaurant** - **HD Döner** - **Kara Fırın** - **Karafırın** - **KFC** - **Kiosko** - **Maca Cafe** - **Mado** - **Mado Cafe** - **Marmaris Büfe** - **McD Cafe** - **McDonald’s** - **Pidem** - **Plus Kitchen** - **Popeyes** - **Puro Gusto** - **Qfta Restoran** - **Refresh Turkish Ice Cream** - **Sbarro** - **Secco Cafe Kiosk** - **Secco Kafe** - **Simit&Çay** - **Simit Sarayı** - **Starbucks** - **Subway** - **Takamia** - **Take Off** - **Turkish Kitchen** - **Usta Dönerci** - **Usta Pideci** ## Lounges (5) - **Flypoint Lounge** — .json · International departures, independent · .json - **ISG Airport Hotel Sleep Pods** — .json · Airside, hourly use · .json - **Plaza Premium Lounge** — .json · International departures, pay-per-use · .json - **Primeclass Lounge** — International · International departures, Priority Pass · .json - **Turkish Airlines Lounge** — International · Domestic departures, airline status · .json ## Shops (26) - **Airport Market** - **Altis** - **AVEC Car Rental** - **Avis** - **Be Different** - **BJK Kartal Yuvası** - **Blue Diamond** - **Budget** - **D&R** - **Duty Free** — T · Duty Free - **Fenerium** - **GS Store** - **Istshop** - **Levent Shoeshine** - **New Bazaar** - **Nuray Pharmacy** - **Parfumarts** - **Portes Market** - **Post Office PTT** - **Seyyah** - **Super Store** - **Tobacco Market** - **Toyzz Shop** - **Türk Telekom** - **Turkcell** - **Vodafone** ## Parking (5) - **ISG Long-Term Car Park** — Long-stay parking - **ISG Motorcycle Parking** — Dedicated motorcycle area - **ISG Multi-Storey Car Park** — Covered parking - **ISG Open Car Park** — Short-term parking - **ISG Valet Service** — Valet parking ## Ground transport (10) - **Airport-authorized Private Transfer** — Pre-booked car service - **Havabus Kadıköy** — Airport coach - **Havabus Taksim** — Airport coach - **Intercity Coach Connections** — Regional bus services - **Marmaray Line** — Commuter rail connection via A - **Metro M4 Kadıköy–Sabiha Gökçen** — Metro line - **Public IETT Buses E-10** — City bus - **Public IETT Buses E-11** — City bus - **VIP Shuttle** — Shared or private minivan serv - **Yellow Taxis** — Metered taxi ## Insider tips - _Insider_: Domestic departures feature 40’s Bar and Efes Pub Gate, a relaxed corner with local beers far from the main food court’s chaos. - _Time_: Threads consistently advise at least a 2-hour buffer for domestic-to-international transfers due to re-clearing security and passport control. - _Local_: Try Plus Kitchen in international departures for a lighter meal compared to the heavy offerings nearby; it’s a foodie favorite. - _Money_: Although prices at SAW are high for Turkey, they remain lower than comparable European airports; stock up on essentials in the city at local prices. - _Avoid_: Steer clear of crowded smoking terraces if on a tight schedule to avoid the 20-30 minute re-entry time from the terraces. - _Quiet_: Starbucks on domestic airside provides power outlets and decent seating where you can work undisturbed for the cost of a single coffee. - _Time_: The M4 metro is the quickest route to reach Istanbul city, acknowledged for its predictability compared to traffic-laden roads.