IST · Huge single-terminal Turkish Airlines hub: excellent TK and iGA lounges, unlimited Wi-Fi, and a real metro, offset by two security layers, transfer re-screening, and long pier walks. 2025 traffic was 84.4 million, not the 90 million capacity slogan.
SAW · Busy Pegasus and AJet hub with strong 2026 punctuality and cheap metro and coach links, but crowded halls and lounges at peak times.
15% · Food and retail quality and variety.
IST7.5+1.0
SAW6.5
Ground access
15% · Transit, taxi, and parking to the city.
IST7.8
SAW8.2+0.4
Reliability
15% · Delays, cancellations, and weather resilience.
IST7.2
SAW7.6+0.4
Lounges
10% · Worth-it density and access quality.
IST8.2+1.7
SAW6.5
SAW
Budget carriers and Pegasus flightsMetro access to Asian Istanbul24/7 lounge options via Priority Pass
No official IST–Taksim taxi flat fare
SAW
Crowded security during Pegasus banksPacked Plaza Premium lounges at peak timesLong road transfer to the European side
Duty-free shopping
Accessibility services
Budget three hours for originating flights
Two security layers plus a huge single terminal make a late check-in expensive.
Transfers still go through security
Stay airside and follow Transfer / Connecting Flights — you still re-clear transfer security.
Lounge first if you have access
Airside food is fine; the TK and iGA lounges are the reliable sit-down.
SAW
Free Wi-FiFast TrackAirport HotelDuty FreeFamily Play AreaResting Units
Arrive 3 hours early for international
The airport recommends 3 hours before international and 2 hours before domestic departures.
Domestic and international share one building
Departures sit one floor above arrivals, with separate domestic and international halls.
The international food court is upstairs
After passport control, the mezzanine has Burger King, Popeyes, Mado, Starbucks, BigChefs and Simit Sarayı.
