Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Istanbul by Rental Car

Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is Istanbul's second international airport, located on the Asian side of the city near Pendik. While it handles fewer passengers than Istanbul Airport (IST), it serves dozens of domestic and international routes — and for many travelers, it is actually the more convenient option. If you land at Sabiha Gökçen, renting a car is one of the best decisions you can make.

Location and Distance

Sabiha Gökçen is approximately 50 kilometers from Istanbul's European side and roughly 35 kilometers from the Asian side's main districts like Kadıköy and Üsküdar. Getting from the airport to Taksim by taxi can easily take 60 to 90 minutes in moderate traffic — more during rush hour. With a rental car, you move on your own schedule and avoid expensive metered rides.

Routes from Sabiha Gökçen

The primary motorway from SAW is the TEM (Trans-European Motorway), which connects the Asian side to the European side via the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, the 15 July Martyrs Bridge or the Eurasia Tunnel. For destinations on the Asian side — Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Bostancı, Maltepe — you stay on the D-100 coastal road or cut through via local roads. Travel time to central Asian side neighborhoods is typically 30–45 minutes.

For European side destinations, factor in bridge traffic. Morning and evening rush hours on both bridges can add 30–60 minutes. Using Yandex Maps or Google Maps with live traffic is essential for timing your crossing.

HGS Tolls on Both Sides

The Bosphorus bridges and TEM motorway both require HGS. HGS tolls are electronic; confirm at booking how the HGS toll tag is handled for your car and how toll usage is billed.

Exploring the Asian Side

Many visitors come to Istanbul but overlook the Asian side entirely. It would be a mistake. Kadıköy's food market, Moda's waterfront cafes, Üsküdar's historic mosques, Bostancı's seaside promenade, and the elegant residential neighborhoods of Moda and Caddebostan are all worth your time. Having a rental car makes moving between these areas effortless.

Airport Pickup and Parking at SAW

Sabiha Gökçen has designated rental car pickup areas. Auris Cars coordinates precise pickup logistics via WhatsApp so you can head straight to the right spot without confusion after a long flight. On-airport parking is available if you need to leave the car temporarily.

Renting a car at Sabiha Gökçen is a smart start to your Istanbul visit — especially if you want to explore the Asian side before heading across the Bosphorus. HGS tolls are electronic; confirm at booking how the HGS toll tag is handled for your car and how toll usage is billed.