Home / Istanbul Airports
Arriving in Istanbul

Two airports, one easy choice.

Istanbul has two international airports on opposite sides of the city. Here's the difference, and which one to pick when you're coming to the clinic in Şişli.

 Istanbul Airport (IST)Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)
Side of the cityEuropean (same as clinic)Asian
Distance to Şişli~35–42 km · 40–75 min~50+ km · longer transfer
Main airlines from UKTurkish Airlines, British Airways, Wizz Air, easyJetPegasus, AJet
TypicallyFull-service, most direct routesBudget fares, modern terminal
Best for our patientsRecommended — shorter transferFine if the fare is right
Our tip: if the price difference is small, choose Istanbul Airport (IST). You'll be on the same side of the city as the clinic, which means a shorter, easier transfer — and that matters most on the way back when you're recovering.

Getting from the airport to the clinic

We arrange a private transfer for your arrival and departure, and between your hotel and the clinic for appointments. You'll be met after you land — no taxi queues, no language barrier, no working out the metro after a long flight or after surgery.

See the full journey →

From your city

Direct flights from the UK

Pick your nearest city for airlines, flight times and routes.

LONIST

From London

Direct flights
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MANIST

From Manchester

Direct flights
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BHXIST

From Birmingham

Direct flights
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GLAIST

From Glasgow

Nearest direct + connections
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EDIIST

From Edinburgh

Direct flights
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LBAIST

From Leeds

Nearest direct + connections
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BRSIST

From Bristol

Direct flights
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LPLIST

From Liverpool

Nearest direct + connections
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NCLIST

From Newcastle

Nearest direct + connections
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CWLIST

From Cardiff

Nearest direct + connections
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Questions

Frequently asked

Which Istanbul airport should I fly into?
For our clinic in Şişli, Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side is usually the more convenient choice — it's the same side of the city as the clinic. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is on the Asian side and works well too, but the cross-city transfer takes longer.
How far is Istanbul Airport from the clinic?
Istanbul Airport (IST) is around 35–42 km from central Şişli — roughly 40–75 minutes by car depending on traffic. We arrange your transfer so you don't have to worry about it.
Is Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) a bad choice?
Not at all — it's a modern airport and often has cheaper fares with Pegasus and AJet. The only trade-off is that it's on the Asian side, so the transfer to Şişli is longer. If the fare saving is worth it to you, SAW is perfectly fine.
Do I need to arrange my own airport transfer?
No. We arrange transfers between the airport, your hotel and the clinic. After surgery especially, the last thing you want is to be working out taxis — so we handle it.
Are there direct flights to Istanbul from the UK?
Yes — several UK airports fly direct, including London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted), Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh. Most direct flights take around four hours; from Scotland it's nearer four and a half.
Which airlines fly into Istanbul Airport (IST)?
Turkish Airlines and British Airways are the main carriers into IST on the European side, with Wizz Air and easyJet on some routes. Pegasus and AJet generally fly into Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side.

Not sure which airport?

Tell us your city and we'll recommend the best airport, airline and route — and arrange your transfer to the clinic.

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