April 10, 2025

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport Guide by Travel Code

Planning a layover or flying via Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport soon? Our comprehensive airport guide covers everything you'll need, including lounges, sleeping arrangements, Wi-Fi details, dining options, and tips on nearby airport hotels. Brought to you by Travel Code, your trusted source to book flights, organize corporate travel management, and find comfortable airport hotels.

Airport Overview

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) offers passengers a modern single-terminal design, hosting shops, eateries, lounges, and amenities. Despite the modern infrastructure, travelers mention long waiting times and busy conditions. For additional comfort, travelers may purchase access to premium lounges.

Sleeping at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport

Finding a spot to rest is easiest around departure gates. Although seats generally feature armrests, some benches with movable rests can be found airside. Sleeping on floors is technically restricted; however, airport security typically doesn't enforce this rule especially in quieter gate areas. To enhance sleep quality, earplugs or headphones and sleep masks are advisable. For ultimate convenience, travelers should consider hotels located inside or near the airport.

Airport Hours

The terminal remains open 24/7 throughout the year.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

No dedicated relaxation or sleeping zones currently available. If this changes, please update us.

Airport Hotels & Sleeping Pods

Prefer more comfort? Check these airport accommodation options:

  • Kepler Sleeping Pods: Located airside; pods with showers, Wi-Fi, luggage storage, beverages. Hourly rate starts at €12. Reservations available on-site.
  • ISG Airport Hotel: Only a 3-minute walk or shuttle ride from Terminal. Call upon arrival for shuttle pickups.
  • Airport Residence Kurtköy: Comfortable stay nearby without a shuttle service.
  • Miracle Istanbul Asia Hotel: Offers scheduled airport shuttles from morning until late evening.
  • Crowne Plaza Istanbul Asia: Connected to a vibrant shopping mall featuring entertainment options. Scheduled shuttles available.

Discover more hotels near SAW on Travel Code’s curated listing of airport hotels.

Airport Lounges

Domestic Departures:

  • ISG Domestic CIP Lounge: Pay at entrance, airside upper-level, open 24 hours.
  • Plaza Premium Lounge: Near Gate 206, available 24 hours.

International Departures:

  • Kepler Club: Mezzanine Floor, prepaid passes and memberships accepted, 24-hour availability.
  • ISG International CIP Lounge: Upper-level airside, payment at door facility.
  • Plaza Premium Lounges (Bosphorus & Marmara): Located near Gates 204-205, open around-the-clock.
  • Turkish Airlines Lounges: Available for premium passengers at designated international/domestic locations.

Food & Drinks

Multiple eateries available, operating hours vary. Consult on-site listings upon arrival for 24-hour options.

Mobile Charging

Charging stations limited but found near seating areas and select restaurants airside; landside plugs notably rare. Confirm availability at cafés like Starbucks or Simit Sarayı in Domestic Terminal.

Wi-Fi & Internet Access

Unlimited free Wi-Fi is accessible through a personalized activation code from a dedicated machine landside, near the terminal entrance. Ask airport staff for help locating this Wi-Fi kiosk.

Additional Facilities & Services

  • Luggage Storage: International Arrivals area, available 24 hours.
  • Showers: Currently unavailable; hotel pods recommended for this amenity.
  • Currency Exchange & Banking: Several forex counters and bank branches available landside and airside, open continuously.
  • Medical Services & Pharmacy: 24-hour First-Aid unit, plus pharmacy service located within international terminal.
  • Duty-Free Shopping: Setur Duty-Free Shops positioned in Departure & Arrival Halls, including gate-specific stores.
  • Smoking Areas: Designated open-air smoking locations available airside.

Getting To & From SAW Airport

  • Buses: Public buses connect SAW airport to central Istanbul locations. Consult official airport transport website for details.
  • Car Rentals: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt offices at Arrivals Level.
  • Shuttles & Taxis: Frequent Havataş shuttles commute to Kadıköy/Taksim. Metered taxi service directly outside terminal Arrivals area.

For seamless business journeys, Travel Code offers personalized corporate travel management services, covering itinerary optimization and bookings to reliably book flights and more.

Please note, details mentioned here, including pricing and hours, are provided as a guideline and may change without notice. Verify latest airport status before traveling.

Source: Travel Code Research and Official SAW Airport communications.

 

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