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Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport Reviews

Real travelers, real opinions - we've got the inside scoop on Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport. From navigating the terminals to getting help when you need it, our community shares their honest thoughts on what to expect.

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My Top Tips for Saving Money and Navigating Sabiha Gokcen Airport Like a Pro

Name: My Top Tips for Saving Money and Navigating Sabiha Gokcen Airport Like a Pro
Item: Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport Reviews
Rating: 4
Author: bykopiluwak

summarizeEditor's Summary

I've lived in Turkey for 3 years, and I'm still surprised by how many people get ripped off at Sabiha Gokcen Airport. So, I wanted to share my top tips for saving money and navigating the airport like a pro. First, you gotta know that there are 2 operational airports in Istanbul: Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı (SAW) on the Asian side and İstanbul Havalimanı (IST) on the European side. Sabiha Gökçen Airport is named after Ataturk's adopted daughter, who became the first female pilot. When it comes to getting to the airport, it's pretty straightforward. You can take the M4 metro line (Kadıköy - Sabiha Gökçen Hvl.) from the Asian side, or use Metrobüs (a large bus with its own lane), a regular bus, or take a ferry. Just remember to buy an Istanbulkart (a city pass) at the metro stations or piers. I've found that the current prices for public transportation are a bit steep - bus, metro, tram are 27 lira, Metrobüs is 40 lira, and Marmaray is 60 lira. Now, let's talk about the good stuff. The staff at Sabiha Gokcen Airport are super friendly and helpful. There's a pharmacy and medical assistance available, which is a huge plus. You can easily get to the airport using public transportation, like the M4 metro line or Metrobüs. There are plenty of currency exchange booths and souvenir shops to choose from. The airport staff speak English, which makes it easier for tourists to navigate. The airport has a great duty-free section with some amazing deals. But, there are some downsides to consider. The food after customs is ridiculously overpriced - it's like they're taking advantage of tourists. There aren't many places to sit and rest, which can be a real problem if you're traveling with a lot of luggage. The airport could use more power outlets - it's a real pain to find a spot to charge your phone. Make sure you have a biometric passport, or you won't be able to connect to Wi-Fi. The airport is a bit old and could use some renovations. The prices for food are some of the highest I've seen in Europe.

settingsSpecifications

Kararİyi

TaksiFiyatları7/10

NavigasyonKalite9/10

HavalimanıKalite8/10

Hello everyone!

I've been living in Turkey for 3 years now, and I'm still surprised by how many people get ripped off at Sabiha Gokcen Airport. So, I wanted to share my top tips for saving money and navigating the airport like a pro.

✈️GENERAL INFORMATION✈️

There are 2 operational airports in Istanbul: Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı (SAW) on the Asian side and İstanbul Havalimanı (IST) on the European side. Sabiha Gökçen Airport is named after Ataturk's adopted daughter, who became the first female pilot.

✈️HOW TO GET THERE✈️

Getting to the airport is pretty straightforward. You can take the M4 metro line (Kadıköy - Sabiha Gökçen Hvl.) from the Asian side. If you live on the European side, it's easier to get to Asia via Marmaray (land metro), and then transfer to M4. You can also use Metrobüs (a large bus with its own lane), a regular bus, or take a ferry. Just remember to buy an Istanbulkart (a city pass) at the metro stations or piers.

Current prices are: bus, metro, tram - 27 lira. Metrobüs - 40 lira. Marmaray - 60 lira. Ferry - 35 lira (but if you're going to an island, it's 105 lira).

Taxi

I wouldn't recommend taking a taxi if you're looking to save money. Taxi drivers will take you on a longer route or charge you extra for the Bosphorus Bridge if they see you're a tourist. I've lived in Turkey for 3 years and only use taxis when necessary. It's just gotten too frustrating dealing with them. However, if you do decide to take a taxi, you can book one through the BiTaksi or Uber apps. Payment is either cash or card. You can also hail yellow taxis in the city center without an app.

Minimum fare is currently 175 lira (135 lira for the ride + 40 lira for service). The cost per kilometer is 28 lira.

IMPORTANT!

When you first get in the taxi, always check the meter. It should show 44 lira (the current fare). If it shows more, you're being ripped off. Ask the driver to lower the meter to the fare for the ride. Taxi drivers don't speak English, so a translator is your friend here.

✈️CHECK-IN ZONE✈️

There are several entrances to the airport: ground level, underground with metro, and with parking. We took a taxi, so we used the ground-level entrance.

Checking in at Sabiha Gokcen Airport After you check in, you'll need to put your bags on the conveyor belt. Then you'll enter a wide corridor with check-in counters.

On the departure board, you'll see the letter of your gate.

Departure board at Sabiha Gokcen Airport The airport has pharmacies, currency exchange, and restrooms.

Plus, there's a food court with fast-food restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. You can pay either at the counter yourself (Russian language is available) or at the cashier.

I highly recommend eating in the check-in area because after customs, the restaurants will be the same, but the prices will be three times higher (I checked personally). Check-in

Now, the most interesting part - check-in. If you're flying with Pegasus or Ajet, you can use self-service check-in and follow the photo below. They'll give you your boarding pass, weigh your luggage, and attach a sticker to it. The self-service check-in counters have Russian language, so you'll easily understand all the steps. You'll just need to scan your passport.

If you want to be checked in the "traditional way", there's a separate check-in counter for that, where a staff member who speaks English will assist you. It's located next to the self-service check-in counters.

Then comes baggage drop-off. Here, everything happens automatically with the help of technology. You'll just need to place your baggage on the conveyor belt and when three green lights appear, your baggage will be automatically sent further down the conveyor belt. If you need help, there's an airport staff member sitting at one of the counters who will assist you with sending your baggage.

Baggage drop-off at Sabiha Gokcen Airport Passport control

One thing you'll need to do for international flights is get your passport stamped with an exit stamp from the country.

Pre-flight security check

After queuing up, your luggage gets checked again, they take away your water and any prohibited items, and then you're let through to the gate. If you're on an international flight, you'll also get access to duty-free on the way.

Pre-flight security check at Sabiha Gökçen AirportAfter security, you'll also have access to various restaurants, but the prices here are already higher than in the registration area restaurants.

Food court after security at Sabiha Gökçen Airport Waiting area

At the entrance to the gates, you'll see a sign that says:

This is what the waiting area looks like.

Here, you can buy water, tea, and something for a quick snack. Boarding

You'll be invited to board the plane 40 minutes before departure. Passengers get to the plane either by a walkway or on a bus. We were lucky and walked on the walkway.

Walkway at Sabiha Gökçen Airport

✈️ARRIVAL ZONE✈️

After arriving in Istanbul, we were taken to Sabiha by bus, but sometimes they give you a walkway.

Then, a short corridor leads to the passport control zone if it's an international flight. Or directly to the baggage claim area if it's domestic.

This is what the baggage claim area looks like.

Baggage claim area at Sabiha Gökçen AirportIn the center of the area, there's a huge display board showing the baggage claim belt number for each flight.While waiting for our luggage, we grabbed a snack or hit the restroom. Luggage took about 10 minutes to arrive.

Once we got our luggage, we headed into the main area, where they greet passengers.

The huge corridor with food courts and currency exchange is where you'll find the restrooms.

There are two exits from the airport: into the city or to the metro. Here's what the city exit looks like.

And here's the metro exit. Just follow the signs.

✈️MY OVERALL IMPRESSION✈️

I have to say, I prefer Sabiha to the new Istanbul Airport. It's older, yes, but it's smaller and easier to navigate.

As a tourist, you might encounter issues with phone charging. To be honest, there are very few power outlets in the airport. And, be warned, food prices in Istanbul airports are the highest in Europe. So, if you've got a long layover, grab a bite before passport control in the registration area. For example, a combo meal at Burger King in the registration area will set you back 8 euros, but after passport control, it's 24 euros. Sneaky trick, Turks...

I've learned that there are very few spots to sit in the airport. The only comfortable seating is in the boarding area, but in other areas, you're stuck sitting in cafes and ordering something, of course.

What's more, if you don't have a biometric passport, you won't be able to connect to Wi-Fi, which is a bummer.

On the plus side, the staff is friendly and speaks great English. Every time I had a bit of extra luggage, they never made me pay extra.

There are plenty of food courts, clean restrooms, currency exchange, a pharmacy, and emergency services. You can even buy souvenirs and gifts.

I highly recommend eating in the check-in area because after customs, the restaurants will be the same, but the prices will be three times higher. Grab a bite before passport control in the registration area to save some cash.

Considering my recommendations, your experience at Sabiha Gökçen Airport should be a positive one. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments. Wishing you a pleasant flight!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

How do I get to Sabiha Gokcen Airport from the city?

You can take the M4 metro line (Kadıköy - Sabiha Gökçen Hvl.) from the Asian side, or use Metrobüs (a large bus with its own lane), a regular bus, or take a ferry. Just remember to buy an Istanbulkart (a city pass) at the metro stations or piers.

Are there any currency exchange booths at Sabiha Gokcen Airport?

Yes, there are plenty of currency exchange booths available throughout the airport.

Can I use my credit card to pay for things at Sabiha Gokcen Airport?

Yes, most places at the airport accept credit cards, but it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand.

Is there a pharmacy at Sabiha Gokcen Airport?

Yes, there is a pharmacy available at the airport, as well as medical assistance if you need it.

Can I connect to Wi-Fi at Sabiha Gokcen Airport?

Yes, you can connect to Wi-Fi at the airport, but make sure you have a biometric passport or you won't be able to access it.

Are there any restaurants or cafes at Sabiha Gokcen Airport?

Yes, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes available throughout the airport, but be warned that the food after customs is ridiculously overpriced.

Can I smoke at Sabiha Gokcen Airport?

No, smoking is not allowed anywhere in the airport.

Are there any souvenir shops at Sabiha Gokcen Airport?

Yes, there are plenty of souvenir shops available throughout the airport, with a wide range of Turkish goods and gifts.

check_circlePros

•The staff at Sabiha Gokcen Airport are super friendly and helpful.
•There's a pharmacy and medical assistance available, which is a huge plus.
•You can easily get to the airport using public transportation, like the M4 metro line or Metrobüs.
•There are plenty of currency exchange booths and souvenir shops to choose from.
•The airport staff speak English, which makes it easier for tourists to navigate.
•The airport has a great duty-free section with some amazing deals.

cancelCons

•The food after customs is ridiculously overpriced - it's like they're taking advantage of tourists.
•There aren't many places to sit and rest, which can be a real problem if you're traveling with a lot of luggage.
•The airport could use more power outlets - it's a real pain to find a spot to charge your phone.
•Make sure you have a biometric passport, or you won't be able to connect to Wi-Fi.
•The airport is a bit old and could use some renovations.
•The prices for food are some of the highest I've seen in Europe.