Car Hire Sabiha Gökçen Airport — Your Gateway to Istanbul's Asian Side
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) sits on the Asian side of the city, making it the right starting point for travellers whose plans centre on Kadıköy, Üsküdar, the Princes' Islands or roads heading east into Anatolia. Named after Turkey's first female fighter pilot, the airport handles a mix of short-haul European and domestic flights. Collecting a rental car here means you can skip the Bosphorus bridges entirely if your itinerary stays on the Asian side, and it often means shorter queues at the rental desk than at the larger European-side airport. The Asian side of Istanbul is less tourist-heavy than Sultanahmet or Taksim, but that is part of its appeal. Neighbourhoods like Moda and Caddebostan offer waterfront cafés and local markets, while ferries from nearby piers reach the Princes' Islands in under an hour. For drivers, the real advantage is the quick connection to the TEM motorway, which runs east toward Sapanca, Bursa and beyond.
Major rental brands and Turkish operators keep desks inside or near the arrivals hall at SAW. The terminal is compact enough that you will not need a shuttle bus to reach the car park in most cases. Have your driving licence, passport and credit card ready. If your licence is not issued in Turkey, an International Driving Permit is usually required by the supplier and by local traffic police, so arrange one before you travel. The voucher you receive after booking will state the exact desk location and any after-hours contact number.
SAW
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Asian side, Istanbul
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Asian Istanbul, Anatolia, Islands
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TEM (O-4) east-west
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Match collection to the actual itinerary
Include transfers, parking days, opening hours and return timing when comparing the two options.
Compact for city hopping
A small hatchback or economy car is ideal for weaving through Kadıköy's narrow streets, finding street parking near the Moda waterfront and nipping onto ferries at Harem. It keeps fuel costs down and is easy to manoeuvre in busy Asian-side traffic.
SUV or crossover for longer trips
If you are heading east toward Sapanca Lake, Bursa or the Black Sea coast, a crossover or SUV adds comfort on motorways and gives you more luggage room for multi-day trips. Winter visits to inland areas may also call for all-season or snow-rated tyres, which you can request at booking.
Plan the handover, price and first drive
Sabiha Gökçen Airport was named in honour of Turkey's pioneering female aviator, and the airport's role has grown steadily since it opened. What began as a domestic-focused facility is now a genuine alternative to the larger European-side hub, especially for travellers whose plans lean toward the Asian shore.
The Asian side of Istanbul has its own rhythm. In Moda, locals sit on seawall benches drinking tea at sunset. In Üsküdar, the call to prayer echoes across the Bosphorus toward the towers of the old city. A car collected at SAW lets you experience this side of Istanbul without fighting cross-continental traffic every day.
From here, the road network fans out in every direction except west across the water. East takes you toward Izmit, Adapazarı and the lake district. North leads to the Black Sea coast through green hills and hazelnut orchards. South connects back toward Yalova and the ferry crossing to Bursa. The Asian side is not a consolation prize; for many itineraries, it is the smarter place to start.
Check the conditions behind the price
The selected supplier’s terms and booking voucher control the rental. Review them before payment and again before collection.
Total payable price
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Deposit and payment card
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Excess and cover
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Fuel policy
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Mileage and territory
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Extras and return
Price additional drivers, seats, after-hours service and one-way return before payment.
Choose for people, bags and roads
A category normally represents a group of similar cars, not a promise of one exact model.
- Compact: convenient for couples and tighter parking.
- Intermediate: more room for bags and longer journeys.
- Family or SUV category: useful only when the required capacity justifies it.
- Transmission: select automatic explicitly if manual is unsuitable.
Practical planning before departure
Leaving the airport
Follow signs for the TEM motorway from the terminal ring road. Eastbound takes you deeper into Anatolia; westbound leads toward the Bosphorus bridges if you do need to cross to the European side. Allow extra time for traffic around the bridge approaches, especially weekday mornings and late afternoons.
Tolls
Turkey uses an electronic toll system (HGS/OGS). Most rental cars include a transponder. The supplier will bill you after return, usually adding a small service fee. Ask how toll charges are handled when you collect the keys.
Fuel
Petrol stations sit just off the airport access road and along the TEM. Prices move with global markets, so check current rates before filling up. Many stations accept card payment; keep a small amount of cash for rural stops.
Parking on the Asian side
Kadıköy and Moda have metered street parking and a few multi-storey car parks. Residential areas can be tight, so read signs carefully. The Princes' Islands are car-free; leave your vehicle on the mainland and take the ferry.
Local access, road and operating conditions can change. Check current signs, your supplier instructions and the linked source before travelling: Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
Build a realistic first journey
Sabiha Gökçen to Kadıköy and Moda
This is the classic Asian-side introduction. Drive west on the TEM, exit toward Kadıköy and follow the coast road through Moda. The waterfront promenade is pedestrian-friendly, so park in a nearby garage and explore on foot. There are fish restaurants, tea gardens and local shops that most European-side visitors never see.
Sabiha Gökçen to the Princes' Islands
The islands are car-free, but having a car on the mainland helps you reach the ferry piers at Bostancı or Maltepe on your own schedule. From there, ferries run to Büyükada, Heybeliada and the smaller islands. Check the latest ferry timetable before leaving your hotel.
Sabiha Gökçen toward Sapanca and Lake Abant
For a countryside break, head east on the TEM past Izmit and turn north toward Sapanca. The lake is a favourite weekend escape for Istanbul locals, with lakeside restaurants and walking trails. In winter, nearby mountains attract skiers heading to Kartepe.
Frequently asked questions
Is an International Driving Permit required at Sabiha Gökçen?
Yes, most suppliers ask for an IDP if your licence was not issued in Turkey. Carry it together with your original licence. Traffic police may also request it during roadside checks.
Can I drive from Sabiha Gökçen to the European side?
Yes, the TEM motorway connects to the Bosphorus bridges. However, bridge tolls are electronic and traffic can be heavy. If your trip is centred on the Asian side, you may not need to cross at all.
What type of car should I book for a family trip?
A compact SUV or mid-size saloon gives enough room for luggage and child seats. Book early if you need automatic transmission or winter tyres, as fleet mix varies by season.
Are there toll roads I should know about?
The main motorways around Istanbul are tolled electronically. Your rental car should have a transponder fitted. Clarify with the supplier how post-rental toll billing works to avoid surprises.
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