Istanbul serves as a major international hub with two primary airports that cater to different traveler needs. Understanding which airport best suits your.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-06
9 min read
Ready to explore your options in Istanbul?
Connect with our coordination team for a personalised treatment plan, verified provider matching, and travel logistics support.
Content is educational and planning-oriented. It does not replace diagnosis, treatment, or personalized medical advice from a licensed healthcare professional. Outcomes vary by individual case.
This content is general education and does not replace evaluation by a licensed clinician. If you have symptoms, complications, or urgent concerns, seek in-person medical care.
Key takeaways
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the main international hub; Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) serves more budget carriers and is closer to the Asian side
Havaist shuttle buses cost approximately 40-80 TL to central destinations; taxis range from 400-1,800 TL depending on traffic and destination
Foreign tourists do NOT pay Turkey's departure tax—only Turkish citizens are required to pay this fee
Private transfers may be worth the extra cost for medical travelers needing door-to-door service and luggage assistance
Allow extra time for airport transfers—Istanbul traffic can be severe, especially during rush hours
Understanding Istanbul's Two Airports
Istanbul serves as a major international hub with two primary airports that cater to different traveler needs. Understanding which airport best suits your medical travel plans can significantly impact your budget and convenience. For a broader overview of travel options in Istanbul, visit our Travel Istanbul hub.
Istanbul Airport (IST) - Major International Hub
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the larger of the two facilities and serves as Turkey's primary international gateway. As the main hub for flag carrier Turkish Airlines and most international carriers, it offers the widest range of flight connections from North America, Europe, and beyond S1.
For medical tourists, IST offers several advantages:
More flight options from various international hubs
Greater availability of direct routes from major cities
More facilities and services for travelers with reduced mobility
However, IST is located on the European side, approximately 40 kilometers from central Sultanahmet (the tourist district) and about 30 kilometers from Taksim. This distance means transportation costs and travel time can be significant.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) - Budget Carrier & Asian Side Option
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) sits on the Asian side of Istanbul and primarily serves budget carriers including Pegasus Airlines and various European low-cost airlines S4. It is closer to the Asian side neighborhoods like Kadıköy and Üsküdar.
For medical tourists considering SAW:
Flight costs may be lower, which can offset higher transportation costs if your destination is on the Asian side
It is approximately 35 kilometers from Kadıköy and 50 kilometers from Sultanahmet
Fewer international airline options compared to IST
Which Airport to Choose for Your Medical Trip
The choice between IST and SAW depends on several factors:
Your clinic location: If your medical facility is on the Asian side (Kadıköy, Üsküdar), SAW may be more convenient. Check our facilities page for clinic locations across Istanbul
Flight availability: Check which airlines serve your departure city and compare costs
Budget considerations: Consider total travel cost including flights and ground transportation
Accessibility needs: Discuss with your coordinator which airport offers better accessible transport options
Getting from Istanbul Airport (IST) to the City
Several transportation options connect IST to central Istanbul, each with different price points and convenience levels S1.
Havaist Shuttle Bus Routes and Costs
Havaist operates official airport shuttle buses from IST to various city center locations. These are a reliable and affordable option for most travelers.
| Route | Approximate Cost (TL) | Travel Time |
|-------|----------------------|--------------|
| IST to Taksim | ~80 TL | 60-90 minutes |
| IST to Sultanahmet | ~70 TL | 90-120 minutes |
| IST to Kadıköy (via bridge) | ~100 TL | 90-120 minutes |
Frequencies vary by route and time of day, but buses typically depart every 30-60 minutes. You can check current schedules and exact fares on the official Istanbul Airport transportation page.
Metro (M11) Option and Pricing
The M11 metro line now connects IST to the city center, offering a reliable alternative to road transport. The metro connects to the broader Istanbul Metro network at various interchange points. Current metro fares are approximately 40-50 TL for a standard journey, making it one of the most economical options S1.
The metro is particularly useful if your destination is near a metro station, though you should factor in walking with luggage and potential station stairs/elevators.
Taxi Costs and What to Expect
Taxis from IST to central destinations are widely available but costs can vary significantly based on traffic S3.
Istanbul taxi fares are metered, but traffic can dramatically increase your fare
Bridge and tunnel tolls (approximately 15-30 TL each) are added to your fare when crossing between continents
Agree on using the meter (taksimetre) before starting your journey
Rush hour (7-9 AM and 5-8 PM) can double travel times and costs
Private Transfer Options
Private transfers offer door-to-door service and can be pre-booked through various providers. These typically cost 1,500-3,000 TL depending on destination and vehicle type. Our travel coordination services can help arrange private transfers as part of your complete medical travel package.
For medical tourists, private transfers may be worth the premium because:
You can arrange wheelchair-accessible vehicles in advance
No navigation or language concerns
Fixed pricing regardless of traffic
Door-to-door service reduces walking and luggage handling
Your coordinator can arrange this service as part of your travel package
Getting from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to the City
Sabiha Gökçen offers similar transportation options, though the routes and providers differ S4.
Havabus Shuttle Services and Fees
Havabus operates shuttle services from SAW to key destinations:
The Kadıköy route is particularly convenient as it terminates at the Kadıköy ferry terminal, where you can cross to European side attractions via ferry.
Note that crossing from Asian to European side via taxi requires the Eurasia Tunnel toll, adding approximately 50-70 TL to your fare.
Complete Cost Comparison Table
Feature
Option
Cost Range (TL)
Best For
Metro (M11)
40-50 TL
Budget travelers, those near metro stations
Havaist/Havabus
50-100 TL
Solo travelers with moderate luggage
Taxi (off-peak)
400-1,000 TL
Groups, those with significant luggage
Taxi (rush hour)
1,000-2,200 TL
Those prioritizing speed over cost
Private Transfer
1,500-3,000 TL
Medical travelers, accessibility needs
Important Fees Every Traveler Should Know
Overseas Departure Fee - Who Pays and Who Doesn't
One of the most common misconceptions is that all travelers must pay Turkey's departure tax. According to official Istanbul Airport information S2, foreign tourists do NOT pay Turkey's departure fee.
The overseas departure fee applies only to Turkish citizens departing for international destinations. As of January 2025, the fee can be paid digitally at self-service kiosks or online before arriving at the airport. If you hold a foreign passport, you simply proceed to your gate without paying this fee.
However, always verify your specific situation at the check-in counter, as policies can occasionally change.
Visa and eVisa Requirements
Visa requirements for Turkey vary by nationality S5:
US and Canadian citizens: As of 2024, you no longer need an advance e-visa. You receive a visa on arrival at the airport.
UK citizens: Eligible for e-visa; costs approximately £35 (or free with certain passport types)
EU citizens: Most EU nationalities do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days
Other nationalities: Check eligibility at evisa.gov.tr
The visa on arrival or e-visa typically costs $50 USD (or equivalent) for eligible nationalities.
Action Checklist for Medical Travelers
Pre-Arrival Checklist
[ ] Confirm which airport your flight arrives at (IST or SAW)
[ ] Book transportation in advance if using private transfer
[ ] If needing wheelchair assistance, contact your airline and transport provider 24-48 hours ahead
[ ] Have your coordinator's contact information accessible for arrival
[ ] Download offline maps of Istanbul as backup navigation
[ ] Inform your coordinator of expected arrival time so they can track your flight
Carry some Turkish Lira for bus tickets and small purchases
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted at airports and hotels
Inform your bank of travel dates to prevent card blocks
Have a small amount of cash (100-200 TL) as backup for incidentals
Timing Recommendations
For morning departures from IST, consider staying nearby the night before
Allow 3 hours minimum for international flights
Traffic in Istanbul can be severe—leave 4+ hours before your flight during rush hours
Early morning (6-9 AM) typically offers the lightest traffic
For Patients with Mobility Considerations
Accessibility Note
Patients with limited mobility should confirm wheelchair-accessible transport at least 24 hours in advance. Havaist offers accessible buses with advance notice. Discuss with your coordinator whether a private transfer with wheelchair access would be more appropriate for your situation.
Medical tourists traveling shortly after a procedure should discuss with their coordinator whether the convenience of a private door-to-door transfer outweighs the lower cost of public transportation options.
Plan Your Airport Transfer
Understanding your airport and transportation options helps you budget accurately for your Istanbul medical journey. The right choice depends on your specific situation—flight arrival times, destination, luggage, mobility considerations, and budget.
Browse our general resources for additional planning guides to help prepare for your medical travel to Istanbul.
