Rent a Car at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)
Convenient Rental Car Pick-Up at Sabiha Gökçen Airport
Renting a car at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is the most convenient way to begin your journey across Istanbul and beyond. Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, around 32 km (20 miles) from the city center, this airport serves millions of travelers each year who prefer easy mobility and comfort. Istanbul City Center (Taksim): ~32 km (45–60 minutes) via TEM or E-5 highways Kadıköy District: ~25 km (30–40 minutes) – vibrant nightlife and ferry access Pendik Marina: ~9 km (15 minutes) – restaurants and seaside views Sultanahmet: ~40 km (1 hour) – Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace Gebze: ~40 km (45 minutes) – industrial hub and gateway to the Marmara region Sabiha Gökçen’s location near major highways (E80, E5, and O-4) allows easy access to both European and Asian sides of Istanbul, as well as cities like Bursa, Sapanca, and Izmit. Airport Code: IATA: SAW, ICAO: LTFJ Location: Pendik District, Istanbul, Turkey Distance from City Center: ~32 km (20 miles) southeast of central Istanbul Overview: Opened in 2001 and named after Sabiha Gökçen, Turkey’s first female fighter pilot, this modern airport handles over 35 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest in Europe. It serves as a hub for both domestic and international flights and is known for its efficient layout and quick access routes. Single modern terminal for both domestic and international flights 24/7 car rental counters in the arrivals area Free Wi-Fi, ATMs, duty-free shopping, and restaurants Currency exchange and banking services Baby-care and prayer rooms Accessibility ramps, elevators, and VIP lounges Access Roads: The airport is directly linked to TEM (E80) and E5 highways, providing quick connections to Istanbul’s main business districts and coastal roads. Car rental desks are located in the Arrivals Hall, offering a variety of vehicle categories—from compact cars for urban exploration to SUVs and premium models for long-distance travel. After collecting your luggage, follow the “Rent a Car / Araç Kiralama” signs to the rental counters. Driving: The fastest and most flexible way to reach Istanbul’s districts or nearby cities. Public Transport: Limited to buses and metro lines; travel time can exceed 1.5 hours to reach central Istanbul. Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Available, but traffic and surge pricing make them costlier during peak hours. Best Option: A rental car from Sabiha Gökçen Airport gives you full control, comfort, and affordability, especially if exploring multiple destinations across the Asian and European sides. Parking: Multi-level parking garage for short- and long-term stays, including rental car sections. Family & Accessibility: Family zones, elevators, and accessible parking areas available. Peak Hours: Fridays and Sundays between 9 AM–2 PM and 5 PM–9 PM are the busiest; book your car in advance. Unique Feature: Sabiha Gökçen serves as a key link between Istanbul and Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean regions, ideal for road trips. Address: Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), Sanayi Mahallesi, Pendik, Istanbul, Turkey Phone: +90 (216) 588 88 88 Website: www.sabihagokcen.aero Enter “Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)” as your pick-up location. Choose your dates and times to view available vehicles and special offers. Compact Cars: Easy parking and fuel-efficient for city use. Mid-size Cars: Comfortable for couples or small families. SUVs: Great for longer journeys or mountain drives. Vans/7-Seaters: Ideal for groups or family trips. Luxury Sedans: Perfect for business or premium travel. Provide your name, license details, and payment information (credit card required). Receive instant confirmation and prepare your documents for pickup. Read the rental agreement carefully, checking insurance coverage, fuel policy (usually full-to-full), mileage limits, and age requirements (minimum 21 years). Once you arrive, head to the rental counter in the arrivals area. Present your passport, driver’s license, and credit card. If your license isn’t in Latin script, carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). Inspect the car, note existing damage, and sign before driving off. Returning the car is equally convenient. Follow the “Car Rental Return” signs to the designated area in the airport parking complex. Most agencies offer 24-hour return options or after-hours key drop boxes for early or late departures. Complete the inspection and return keys to the staff or drop box. Car rentals at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport operate 24/7, ensuring you can pick up or drop off your car regardless of your flight time. Car rental counters at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) are located on the ground level of the passenger terminal, close to the baggage claim area, exit gates, and check-in counters. This setup makes it easy to find your provider upon arrival. Most car rental companies operate 24/7, offering seamless service for early or late flights. Once you collect your keys, vehicles are parked just a short walk away in the airport’s rental car parking area. The average rental price at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport is around $25 (₺850) per day, depending on the car type and season. Smaller cars typically start from $21 (₺720) daily, SUVs from $29 (₺1,000), and premium vehicles from $46 (₺1,600). The most affordable months to rent a car are November and February, when rates can drop by nearly 30–40% compared to peak summer prices in August, which can reach $43 (₺1,500) per day. Sabiha Gökçen Airport lies approximately 50 km (31 miles) southeast of the Istanbul city center. You can drive to Taksim or Sultanahmet via Highways E-80 or D-100, which are the main routes connecting the airport to the city. Depending on traffic, the journey takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. Renting a car is the most time-efficient way to travel between the airport and downtown, as public transportation can take over 90 minutes during rush hours. You’ll find a diverse fleet at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, catering to all needs and budgets: Small cars: from $21/day Medium cars: from $20/day Vans: from $20/day Station wagons: from $23/day SUVs: from $29/day Premium cars: from $46/day The cheapest time to book a car rental at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is typically in November or February, when prices average $19–$22 per day (₺670–₺770). This is up to 50% cheaper than August, which is the costliest month due to peak tourist demand, with prices averaging around $43/day (₺1,480). Booking 2–4 weeks in advance during off-season months ensures better rates, wider car selection, and faster pick-up times upon arrival. In Turkey, you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits are 50 km/h (31 mph) within city areas, 90 km/h (56 mph) on rural roads, and 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, and all passengers must wear seat belts. Always keep your driver’s license, passport, and rental documents in the car. Using a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free device is strictly prohibited and subject to fines. All rentals at Sabiha Gökçen Airport include basic third-party liability insurance, but it’s strongly advised to add Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection for full coverage. Some travelers also opt for zero-excess insurance, which eliminates personal liability in case of an accident. Review your coverage when booking online with Finalrentals or check if your credit card or travel insurance includes car rental protection to avoid paying for duplicate coverage. Most car rental companies at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport require a credit card in the renter’s name for deposits and payments. Accepted cards include Visa and Mastercard, while debit cards may be accepted under certain conditions, often with higher deposits. The standard deposit ranges between $150 and $400 (₺5,000–₺13,000) depending on the car type. Cash payments are rarely accepted for security reasons, so it’s best to confirm payment options while booking online. The nearest gas station is the Total Kurtköy Station, located at Şeyhli Mahallesi, Ankara Cd. No. 94. It’s less than 20 minutes away from the airport and operates 24/7, making it ideal for refueling before returning your vehicle. Most SAW Airport car rentals follow a full-to-full fuel policy, so be sure to refill the tank before drop-off to avoid refueling fees. Keep the receipt as proof in case the agent requests verification. You can freely drive from the Asian side (Sabiha Gökçen Airport) to the European side using either the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, or the Eurasia Tunnel. All crossings use the HGS electronic toll system, which is automatically billed to your rental. Toll fees vary by route, typically costing $2–$5 (₺70–₺175) per trip. These charges are deducted after your return, so no need to carry cash for tolls. Parking in Istanbul’s central areas, like Taksim, Kadıköy, or Sultanahmet, can be limited and expensive. Street parking typically costs $1–$3 (₺35–₺100) per hour, while indoor parking lots and private garages offer better security. Many hotels and shopping centers offer validated parking for guests. Use mobile apps like İSPARK to locate available public parking spaces. Always park in designated areas to avoid towing or fines, which can range from $20–$50 (₺700–₺1,750). Most travelers renting from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) keep their vehicles for around 10–12 days, which allows time to explore Istanbul and surrounding regions like Sapanca, Yalova, or Bursa. Longer rental periods (a week or more) often come with discounted daily rates, making it more cost-effective than hiring taxis or using transfers. If you plan multi-city travel, choose flexible return options that allow drop-offs in another city or airport. Renting without a credit card is possible with select providers, but usually requires higher deposits and stricter verification. For age requirements, most companies rent to drivers 21 and above with a valid license held for at least one year. Drivers aged 21–24 may incur a young driver surcharge of about $7–$10 (₺250–₺350) per day. Always bring your valid documents and check the rental agreement before confirming your booking online.Proximity to Key Destinations
About Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)
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Car Hire at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)
Transportation Between the Airport and Local Areas
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How to Book Your Rental Car at Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
Step 1: Visit Finalrentals Website or App
Step 2: Select the Right Vehicle
Step 3: Book Securely Online
Step 4: Review Rental Terms
Step 5: Pick Up Your Car at SAW
Returning the Car
FAQs About Car Rental at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)
Where are the car rental counters located at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport?
How much does it cost to rent a car at Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
How far is Sabiha Gökçen Airport from central Istanbul?
What types of vehicles are available for rent at Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
When is the best time to book a car rental at Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
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What insurance coverage is recommended for car rentals at SAW Airport?
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Can I drive my rental car across the Bosphorus to the European side of Istanbul?
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Can I rent a car at Sabiha Gökçen Airport without a credit card or as a young driver?