Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Quick Links
Its always noisy (children and announcements) but people and security were kind of friendly. I saw people snoring in their sleeping-bags. -33cem34
SAW Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport.
What to Expect
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (Code: SAW) is a modern single terminal facility with a decent selection of airside and landside shops and eateries, some offering 24-hour service. While the terminal is new, service is described as disorganized, inefficient and chaotic, with long, slow lines, likely due, in part, to the overall undercapacity of Istanbul’s airports. For comfort while you wait, economy class passengers can pay to use one of the first-class airport lounges.
Sleeping in Sabiha Gökçen Airport
Reviewers describe departure areas and gates as being the best spots for finding a place to sleep. Most seats have armrests, but some benches in the departures lounge are said to have moveable armrests. While sleeping on the floor in the airport is reportedly against the rules, several reviewers noted that authorities did not bother them when they slept on carpeted areas in the international departures area or empty gate areas. As noise and bright lighting were cited as the most significant sleep disturbance, earphones/noise-cancelling headphones and eyeshades are recommended. For uninterrupted sleep, there is a hotel inside the airport, and some others are just a quick shuttle ride away. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Airport Hotels & Sleep Pods
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport:
- Kepler – Located inside the International Departures area (airside, mezzanine/upper level), Kepler offers private sleep pods, showers, luggage storage and a small lounge area. Open 24 hours. Rates: €12 per hour (VAT included) • €108 for 24 hours. Rates include a bed, shower access, Wi-Fi, complimentary tea and coffee, and luggage storage. Reservations can be made on arrival, subject to availability. During peak travel times, space may be limited. » Check Rates
- ISG Airport Hotel – a 3-minute walk from the terminal, plus a free airport shuttle departs every 30 minutes from the arrivals floor, outside the terminal in column 17. For airport pick-up, go to one of the Information Desks at the airport for assistance in calling the hotel for pick-up, or call 0216 588 50 00. » Check Rates
- Airport Residence Kurtkoy – No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
- Miracle Istanbul Asia Otel & Spa – Free scheduled airport shuttle runs from 6:45 AM to 11:30 PM. For transfers outside of this time, there is a fee. » Check Rates
- Crowne Plaza Istanbul Asia – The hotel is part of the open-air shopping mall with a movie theatre, go-karts, ATVs, bowling, and an amusement park. A free scheduled airport shuttle is available. Confirm shuttle times with the hotel. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Istanbul Sabiha Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.
Domestic Departures
- ISG Domestic CIP Lounge – Location: Airside, Domestic Departures — upper level. Hours: open 24 hours.
Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door. - Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: Airside, Domestic Departures level, near Gate 206. Hours: open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.
International Departures
- Kepler Club – Location: Airside, International Departures mezzanine level, after passport control. Hours: open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: Yes (private sleeping cabins with beds). Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.
- ISG International CIP Lounge – Location: Airside, International Departures, between Gates 203 and 204. Hours: open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
- Plaza Premium Bosphorus Lounge – Location: Airside, International Departures level, near Gate 205. Hours: open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.
- Plaza Premium Marmara Lounge – Location: Airside, International Departures level, near Gate 204.
Hours: open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.
Airline Lounges
If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.
Turkish Airlines Lounge – Location: Airside, International Departures, mezzanine level of Turkish Airlines area. Hours: Based on flight schedules (typically from first to last departure each day). Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Only for Turkish Airlines Business Class passengers, Miles&Smiles Elite/Elite Plus members (with guest) • Star Alliance Gold members when flying on Turkish Airlines or partner airlines (with one guest) • Airline invitees.
Drinking Water
Drinking water fountains are reported airside near Gates 201A, 204 and 205. Availability may vary. Bottled water is sold from vending machines (reported price: 40 TL for a 0.5L bottle – February 2026).
Food & Drinks
Dining options are available both landside and airside, but many close overnight. At the time of writing, it has not been confirmed whether any food outlets operate 24 hours. Vending machines are available.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Luggage storage is located in the International Arrivals Hall (Landside). Reported hours: 24 hours.
Mobile Charging
Power outlets can be limited and may be difficult to find. Reported locations include:
- Landside (Domestic Terminal): Corner table at the back of Simit Sarayı.
- International Departures: Outlets on large metal pillars near seating areas.
- Gate 204A: Charging station located on a small blue column (May 2025).
Bring a portable power bank if possible, especially for overnight stays.
Showers
Public showers are not available. Showers are available only inside select lounges. Access requires lounge entry. See Airport Lounges.
WiFi / Internet
Free Wi-Fi is available. Access typically requires verification via:
- A code obtained from a Wi-Fi kiosk (reportedly located landside near the main check-in information screens), or
- A mobile verification code sent by SMS after registering on the Free Wi-Fi network.
Security & Safety
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
Fast Track – Speed through security with Fast Track service. Purchase online in advance; limited same-day purchases may be available on site. Rates: 180 TL (International or Domestic).
Hair Salon – R/A Kuafor Hairdresser offers basic hairstyling services. Location: International Departures, 3rd level.
Luggage Porters – Porter service is available for a fee.
Luggage Wrapping – Baggage wrapping service is available on the Departures level (landside).
Medical Services
- Medical Services – A First Aid unit provides urgent and emergency care 24 hours daily. If you need assistance, contact airport staff.
- Pharmacy – Nuray Pharmacy is located landside in the International Departures Hall. Open 24 hours.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available from multiple banks. Fees may apply; check your bank’s international withdrawal policies before travelling.
- Banking Services – Türkiye İş Bank and Yapı Kredi Bank have branches in the Arrivals Hall. Hours vary.
- Currency Exchange – Exchange offices operate in the International Terminal (Arrivals and Departures, landside and airside). Reported as open 24 hours.
Post Office – A post office is located in the Arrivals Hall.
Prayer Room – Two prayer rooms (one for men, one for women) are located in Domestic Arrivals. Hours: 4:00 AM – 11:30 PM (closed nightly for cleaning).
Shopping – Setur Duty-Free shops operate in both Departures and Arrivals. A “Last Minute” Duty-Free shop is located in International Departures near Gate 306. Additional retail stores are available throughout the terminal.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Smoking Area – A designated smoking area is available airside. According to traveller reports, it is not covered and offers little protection from weather.
Buses
SAW airport is well connected to the public bus system. To plan your route, visit the Istanbul Sabiha Airport website.
Car Rentals
The following car rental companies are available at Istanbul Sabiha Airport Gökçen: Avis, Bostanci, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt and more. Location: Arrivals Level.
Hotel Shuttles
See also Airport Hotels above.
Shuttles
Havataş travels between the airport and Kadıköy for 35 TL or Taksim for 50 TL (as of July 2022). The white-coloured Havataş shuttles can be found outside the terminal in front of the Arrivals exit, in front of the Point Hotel in Taksim (across from Taksim Divan Hotel) and at Kadıköy Pier.
Taxis
Taxis are available at the ground transportation area. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required.
Last updated: 2026-02-25
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.