Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) Lounges and Food Options
Ahmet Yılmaz
Travel Expert
The Gateway to the Asian Side
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is Istanbul's second busiest airport, located on the far Asian side of the city. Primarily serving low-cost carriers like Pegasus Airlines and AnadoluJet, it is incredibly popular for domestic flights and budget-friendly routes across Europe and the Middle East.
Because it is a hub for low-cost carriers, the terminal is almost always bustling and crowded. Finding a quiet corner to work or relax before your flight requires a bit of insider knowledge.
Lounge Access: Escaping the Crowds
The best investment you can make at SAW is lounge access. The terminal features several lounges, but the standout is the Plaza Premium Lounge, located in both the domestic and international departure halls.
- Amenities: The lounge offers hot buffet food, comfortable quiet zones, high-speed Wi-Fi, and panoramic views of the runway.
- Access: You can enter using a Priority Pass, DragonPass, or simply by paying a walk-in fee at the door. It is highly recommended if you have a layover exceeding two hours.
Food Options in the Terminal
If you prefer not to use a lounge, SAW has a large food court located on the mezzanine level after security. You will find global chains like Burger King, McDonald's, and Starbucks, alongside local favorites like Simit Sarayı and Usta Dönerci.
Warning: Airport food and drink prices in Turkey are significantly inflated compared to city prices. A simple coffee and sandwich can easily cost upwards of €15. We recommend eating a hearty meal in the city before heading to the airport.
How Far is Sabiha Gökçen from the City Center?
Further than most first-time visitors expect. Sabiha Gökçen Airport is about 45 km from both Taksim and Sultanahmet, and the journey crosses the Bosphorus by bridge or the Eurasia Tunnel — both prone to severe rush-hour congestion. Plan on 60 to 90 minutes to Taksim (fixed transfers from €55) and the same to Sultanahmet (from €60). Staying on the Asian side? Kadıköy is just 30 km and 40 to 60 minutes (from €45).
Public Transport, Havabüs or Private Transfer?
SAW is connected to the M4 metro line, and the Havabüs shuttle runs to Kadıköy and Taksim — both solid budget options when traffic is light and your luggage is light too. Our Sabiha Gökçen public transport guide and Havabüs guide cover routes, fares and timetables in detail. For a departure flight, though, be honest about the risk: buses sit in the same bridge traffic as everything else, with no Plan B.
Getting to SAW Stress-Free
Do not risk missing your flight by relying on public buses that can get stuck in traffic, or standard yellow taxis that may try to renegotiate the fare halfway there. Pre-book a VIP Transfer. Our drivers track traffic patterns in real-time, know alternative routes, and provide a comfortable, climate-controlled space where you can relax on the long drive to the Asian side.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Sabiha Gökçen Airport from Taksim?
About 45 km, crossing the Bosphorus by bridge or the Eurasia Tunnel. By car allow 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic; a fixed-price private transfer costs from €55 with tolls included. Public transport takes roughly two hours door to door.
Is there a lounge at Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
Yes. The Plaza Premium Lounge operates in both the domestic and international departure areas, with hot food, quiet zones and showers. Entry is via Priority Pass, DragonPass or a walk-in fee paid at the door.
How early should I get to Sabiha Gökçen for my flight?
Three hours before an international flight and two before a domestic one. SAW's security and check-in queues move slower than its compact size suggests, especially at peak low-cost departure banks in the early morning and evening.
Does the metro go to Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
Yes — the M4 metro line serves the airport, connecting toward Kadıköy on the Asian side. For the European side you continue with the Marmaray train across the Bosphorus, which is reliable but slow with luggage: budget around two hours to Taksim or Sultanahmet.
Is food expensive at Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
Noticeably. Airport prices in Turkey run well above city prices — a coffee and a sandwich can reach €15. Eat in the city before you travel, or use a lounge where food is included in the entry fee.
What is the easiest way to get from Sabiha Gökçen to my hotel?
A pre-booked private transfer is the only door-to-door option with a fixed price: your driver waits in arrivals with a name sign, tracks your flight, and the fare — from €45 to Kadıköy or €55 to Taksim — is agreed before you land, tolls included.
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