Tips for a Smooth Transit Through Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport

Whether you’re catching a flight to Türkiye or connecting to cheap flights to Trabzon, Cappadocia or Izmir, chances are your journey might bring you through Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. Known also as SAW Airport, this is Pegasus Airlines’ main hub and one of Türkiye’s busiest—and most efficient—airports. Located on the Asian side of the city, Sabiha Gökçen Airport (often called Istanbul SAW Airport or simply Sabiha) offers a quieter alternative to the city’s larger hub. If you’re wondering where is SAW Airport, you’ll find it around 40 km southeast of the city center. Whether your route is SAW Airport to Istanbul or a layover between Istanbul SAW and another regional hop, this guide will help you make the most of your transit.

Why Sabiha Gökçen? What Makes This Airport Unique

Compared to Istanbul’s main airport (IST – one of the largest airports in the world), Sabiha Gökçen Airport is relatively smaller, faster to navigate, and offers more low-cost carrier options. It’s especially convenient for Pegasus passengers using airline flights tickets with tight transfer windows. If your Istanbul flight ticket lands you here, you’ll notice how compact the terminal is something that makes transfers a breeze.

Before You Fly: What to Know About Your Transit

Before arriving at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen, check your ticket carefully. If you’re transiting internationally, you may need to go through passport control before reaching your next gate. If you’re flying domestic (say, cheap flights to Gaziantep or Kayseri), transit is even easier. Pegasus travelers can manage bookings, check-ins, and add an upgrade package directly through the app or website before departure. Knowing how to find cheap flights through hubs like SAW can also save you a bundle.

Arrival Made Easy: Getting Through Security and Passport Control

Sabiha Gökçen Airport arrivals are generally smooth and efficient. Passport queues are shorter than those at IST, and there are separate lanes for domestic and international passengers. If you’re arriving from abroad, have your documents ready and be prepared for a short wait. Domestic travelers connecting to Pegasus routes will find clearly marked signs pointing to their gates.

Need to Move Fast? Your Transit Time Strategy

If you have less than an hour between flights at SAW Istanbul, don’t panic. The airport’s compact design works in your favor. From Sabiha Gökçen Airport departures to new check-ins or gate changes, it rarely takes more than 15–20 minutes to move through the terminal. Just make sure your baggage is checked through if you’re flying on separate tickets.

Layover Like a Pro: What to Do If You Have Time to Kill

Got a few hours? Browse duty-free shops, grab a snack, or find a seat near a charging station to relax. If you’re flying Pegasus, enjoy a bite from the Pegasus Cafe onboard your flight a convenient and cost-effective way to sample Turkish flavors while in the air. Browse duty-free shops or just grab a seat near a charging station to relax. There’s solid free Wi-Fi, and plenty of signage in Turkish and English. If you have extra lira, you can even buy lounge access.

What to Eat: Some outlets offer casual Turkish cuisine —great if you want a quick lahmacun or simit before takeoff.

Tips for International Transfers and Visa-Free Zones

If you’re flying from Europe to the Middle East (or vice versa), Sabiha Gökçen Airport is a common transfer point. Some travelers never leave airside, while others pass through immigration. Be sure to check visa rules if you plan to enter Türkiye. For UK travelers, travel to Türkiye from UK is typically visa-free for short visits. Also helpful: Istanbul airport to Sabiha Gökçen Airport transfers are possible by shuttle or taxi, but plan for at least 90 minutes if switching airports because the traffic can vary wildly depending on the time of day.

Getting Into the City from Sabiha Gökçen

If your layover extends or you’re ending your journey here, getting from SAW Airport to Istanbul Ciry Center is relatively easy. Options include airport shuttles, local buses, taxis or the metro. Prices are reasonable, and you’ll find help desks and information points in English. You can pay for public transportation with a contactless credit card, and probably the easiest way into the city is to simply take the metro to the last stop in Kadikoy. From there, you can ferry across to the European side or take any other kind of transport from there. Our Istanbul travel guide will help you navigate the route to Sultanahmet, Taksim, or elsewhere.

Final Boarding Call: Last-Minute Tips Before You Fly On

Double-check Sabiha Gökçen Airport departures screens and keep your passport handy—boarding times are often prompt and security re-checks can happen unexpectedly. Download our Türkiye travel guide, prep your next stop (whether it’s via Mardin travel guide, Antakya travel guide, Ankara travel guide, or Trabzon travel guide), and you’ll be well on your way. Heading to a balloon ride in Cappadocia? Planning extreme sports in Antalya? This is your gateway.

Whether your destination is leisure, adventure, or a culinary tour via your Izmir travel guide or Konya travel guide, Sabiha Gökçen Airport is the ideal place to land, connect, and launch your journey.