Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport Guide
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Last updated: 2026-02-25
This guide is for planning purposes only. Details, including rates and hours, may change without notice. Information comes from airports and service providers, their websites, and traveller submissions. We do not represent these providers. To share corrections or updates: write a review or update the airport guide.