Flights to Sabiha Gökçen Airport, Istanbul

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, code SAW, is Istanbul's second airport and the gateway to the city's Asian shore. Named after Türkiye's first female combat pilot, it is a busy base for low-cost and regional flights across Türkiye, Europe and the Middle East. For travellers from Singapore, flying into Sabiha Gökçen usually means a connection, but it can be the most convenient option if you plan to stay in Kadıköy, Moda or Üsküdar, or if you are hopping on to Cappadocia, Izmir or the Turkish coast.

About Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Istanbul

Location

The airport lies in the Pendik district on the Asian side of Istanbul, inland from the Sea of Marmara and close to the motorway towards Ankara. It is closer to Kadıköy and Üsküdar than to the historic peninsula, so a transfer to Sultanahmet means crossing the Bosphorus. The larger Istanbul Airport (IST) serves the European side.

Terminals

Sabiha Gökçen has one main passenger terminal where international and domestic flights share the same building, with separate areas for each. It is noticeably smaller than Istanbul Airport, so walking distances are shorter, though it gets crowded in the early morning and late evening waves.

Getting to and from Sabiha Gökçen

The M4 metro line connects the airport with the Asian side, running through Kartal, Bostancı and on to Kadıköy, where ferries cross to Eminönü and Karaköy. Airport coaches link Sabiha Gökçen with Kadıköy and Taksim, which is useful if you have large bags. Taxis are easy to find at arrivals, but crossing the Bosphorus bridges at rush hour can be very slow.

Direct and connecting flights to Sabiha Gökçen

Long-haul nonstop flights from Changi generally arrive at Istanbul Airport, so reaching Sabiha Gökçen from Singapore is typically a one-stop trip through a Gulf or European hub. When you search on Traveloka, filter by number of stops and layover length, and sort by total journey time to find the most comfortable connection.

Choose SAW if your base is on the Asian side, if you are flying in from elsewhere in Türkiye or Europe on a regional carrier, or if the arrival time suits you better. If you want the nonstop option from Singapore, look at IST instead, or search the all-airports Istanbul page to compare both at once.

When to fly to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen

Istanbul's seasons are clear-cut. Spring warms up gradually and the Asian-side parks turn green, summer is hot and humid with sea breezes along the Marmara coast, autumn stays pleasant well into October, and winter is cool and wet. The shoulder seasons are the easiest for exploring both sides of the city on foot and by ferry.

Sabiha Gökçen is busiest when Turkish families travel, especially around the Eid holidays and in the summer school break. From Singapore, demand peaks over the June and December school holidays and Chinese New Year. Setting a Price Alert early is a good way to track fares for those periods.

Popular places on Istanbul's Asian side

Kadıköy market streets

The lanes around the Kadıköy fish market are packed with greengrocers, delis, pickle shops and meyhanes. It is the best place in the city to eat like a local and people-watch over tea.

Moda seafront

A short walk from Kadıköy, Moda has a long seaside promenade, leafy streets and cafes with views back towards the old city skyline. Sunset here is a local ritual.

Üsküdar and the Maiden's Tower

Üsküdar is known for its Ottoman mosques and waterfront tea gardens. Just offshore, the small Maiden's Tower sits on its own islet and can be reached by boat.

Çamlıca Hill

The highest point on the Asian side offers sweeping views of both Bosphorus bridges and the European skyline. The large modern mosque on the hilltop is also open to visitors.

The Princes' Islands

Ferries from Bostancı and Kadıköy reach these car-free islands in the Sea of Marmara. Hire a bicycle on Büyükada and ride past old wooden mansions and pine woods.

Where to stay near Sabiha Gökçen and in Istanbul

Kadıköy and Moda are the most popular Asian-side bases, with lively food streets and quick ferries to Europe. Üsküdar is quieter and more traditional, while Ataşehir is modern and business-oriented. For an early departure, the Kartal and Pendik areas are close to the airport on the M4 line. If you would rather stay among the historic sights, Karaköy on the European side is just one ferry ride from Kadıköy.

Food to try in Istanbul's Asian neighbourhoods

Midye dolma

Mussels stuffed with spiced rice and served with a squeeze of lemon, sold by street vendors in the evening. Locals eat them by the handful.

Mantı

Tiny dumplings filled with spiced meat, topped with garlic yoghurt and chilli butter. A comforting, homely dish found in many local restaurants.

Kokoreç

Grilled lamb intestines chopped with herbs and spices and stuffed into bread. It is a late-night favourite after an evening out in Kadıköy.

Lokum

Turkish delight in rose, pistachio or pomegranate flavours makes a classic gift. The confectioners around Kadıköy's market sell it fresh and let you sample.

Sabiha Gökçen opens up a side of Istanbul many visitors miss. Compare connecting flights on Traveloka, set a Price Alert for your dates and enjoy 24/7 customer service if your plans change. Check the entry requirements for your passport before you fly.