Search Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport Flight Tickets

About Sabiha Gokcen Airport

Sabiha Gokcen Airport is located in Istanbul province, within the Pendik district on the Anatolian side of the city, approximately 40 kilometers from the historic city center. Opened to civil air traffic in 2001, the airport is operated by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad through Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport Investment Development and Operation Inc. As Istanbul's second major airport, it plays a strategic role in connecting the Marmara Region with Türkiye and key international markets.

The airport serves both domestic flights and international flights through an integrated terminal structure designed for efficient passenger flow. With an annual passenger capacity of around 40 million, Sabiha Gokcen Airport offers modern check-in areas, baggage systems, lounges, retail and dining options, car rental services, parking facilities and strong ground transportation links. Passenger traffic is steady throughout the year, with noticeable increases during summer holidays, public holidays and peak travel periods.

Major airlines operating from Sabiha Gokcen Airport include Pegasus Airlines, AJet and several international carriers that support a broad network of direct routes. Popular domestic destinations include Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Trabzon and Bodrum, while main international connections cover cities such as London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Dubai, Doha and Baku. Demand for flight tickets remains strong thanks to the airport's growing route network, competitive fares and convenient access for travelers on Istanbul's Asian side.

Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul City Center Transport

Sabiha Gokcen Airport is connected to Istanbul city center by municipal buses, Havabus airport shuttles, the M4 metro, taxis, car rental, and private transfers. The best option depends on your destination, luggage, budget, and the time of day.

Bus

Municipal IETT buses depart from Sabiha Gokcen Airport and connect the terminal with key districts on the Asian side and onward metro, Marmaray, ferry, or metrobus links. Travel time varies by route and traffic, but journeys to central transfer points usually take around 60 to 100 minutes.

• E-10: Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Kadikoy via Kurtkoy
• E-11: Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Kadikoy express route
• E-3: Sabiha Gokcen Airport to 4. Levent Metro
• E-9: Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Bostanci
• 16S: Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Uzuncayir Metrobus via Kozyatagi

Airport Shuttle Havas/Havabus

Havabus operates regular airport shuttle services from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to popular city stops. It is a practical choice for travelers going to major hubs without changing between local buses and metro lines. Average travel time is about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic and destination.

• Taksim: a useful stop for Beyoglu, Galata, and hotels around the European-side center
• Kadikoy: convenient for the Asian-side city center, ferries, and the M4 metro
• Yenisahra: useful for metro and road connections on the Asian side

Metro / Tram

The M4 metro line connects Sabiha Gokcen Airport directly with Kadikoy, one of Istanbul's main city-center districts on the Asian side. The end-to-end journey between the airport and Kadikoy takes about 52 minutes. From Kadikoy, travelers can continue by ferry, bus, or metro; from Ayrilik Cesmesi station, Marmaray provides onward access toward the European side.

• M4: Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Kadikoy
• Ayrilik Cesmesi: transfer to Marmaray for connections toward Sirkeci, Yenikapi, and other central areas
• Kadikoy: transfer point for ferries, buses, and local city transport

Taxi

Taxis are available 24/7 outside the terminal and offer direct door-to-door transport from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul city center. Average travel time is usually 45 to 90 minutes, depending heavily on traffic, bridge conditions, and whether the destination is on the Asian or European side.

Car Rental

Car rental companies have offices at Sabiha Gokcen Airport, making it possible to collect a vehicle shortly after arrival. Pickup is typically arranged at or near the terminal exit. Renting a car can be useful for regional trips or flexible travel plans, but it is less convenient for central Istanbul because of traffic, parking limits, and busy urban roads.

Transfer

A private airport transfer is the most comfortable option for direct transport from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul city center, especially for families, groups, late-night arrivals, or passengers with heavy luggage. Booking in advance is recommended so the driver can meet you at the terminal and take you directly to your hotel or address.