Short answer: Istanbul's two airports are on opposite sides of the city. Istanbul Airport (IST) is on the European side, in Arnavutköy; Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is on the Asian side, in Pendik. If you are staying in Taksim, Beşiktaş or Sultanahmet and flying into IST, pick up your car at IST. If you are staying in Kadıköy or Üsküdar, or heading on to Sapanca or Bursa, SAW is closer. We have an office at both airports and can also meet you at the arrivals exit.
| Destination | From Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) | From Istanbul Airport (IST) |
|---|---|---|
| Sultanahmet (Old City) | 41 km · ~45 min | 47 km · ~63 min |
| Taksim | 43 km · ~47 min | 47 km · ~69 min |
| Kadıköy | 33 km · ~36 min | 58 km · ~77 min |
| Sapanca | 103 km · ~76 min | 181 km · ~139 min |
| Bursa | 125 km · ~96 min | 196 km · ~161 min |
Times are approximate and assume no traffic; bridges and rush hour can add a lot in Istanbul. The two airports are about 81 km apart, so double-check the airport code on your ticket: IST or SAW.
Your hotel usually decides more than your flight. If you land at Sabiha Gökçen but are staying on the European side, you do not have to cross the whole city after a long flight: we can deliver the car to your hotel or address, free within Istanbul on rentals of 3 days or more.
Sabiha Gökçen is served by the M4 (Kadıköy – Sabiha Gökçen Airport) and M10 (Pendik Merkez – Sabiha Gökçen Airport) metro lines; Istanbul Airport is on the M11 (Gayrettepe – Istanbul Airport – Halkalı) line. If you would rather pick up the car the next morning, you can also collect it at one of our points in the city.
We take your flight number and landing time when you book, and adjust the hand-over if your flight is delayed. For late-night or early-morning landings, a few hours' notice is enough. Collect the car at our airport office or be met at the arrivals exit. For the step-by-step process, read how to rent a car at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, or see our Sabiha Gökçen and Istanbul Airport pages.
A passport with an entry stamp from the last six months, an international driving licence and a Visa or Mastercard in your name. Deposits on foreign cards are refunded within 10–15 working days. Our cars cannot be taken out of Türkiye. More in our guide to renting a car in Istanbul as a foreign visitor.
Without traffic, about 45 minutes from Sabiha Gökçen and about 63 minutes from Istanbul Airport. Coming from SAW you cross a Bosphorus bridge, so at busy times the gap can close.
Yes. Returning the car to a different point is a one-way rental; the fee depends on the drop-off point. Just mention it when you book.
Yes. We have an office at both airports and can also meet you at the arrivals exit.
