Practical

Airports

Istanbul has two main airports: IST (new, far north) and SAW (Asian side, Sabiha Gökçen). Use Havaist/Havabus shuttles or the M11 metro from IST. Allow 60–90 min from city centre.

What to know

  • IST is on the European side; SAW is on the Asian side.
  • Use Havaist/Havabus or M11 metro from IST.
  • Allow 60–90 minutes to/from the city centre.
  • Check terminal before leaving — IST is large.
  • Carry passport and printed boarding pass as backup.

Official source reminder

Use this as a starting point, then verify current prices, opening hours, rules and emergency details from official sources before travel. Beware of unofficial websites.