Car Rental at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)

Sabiha Gökçen airport (SAW) on the Anatolian side of Istanbul is one of Turkey's busiest airports with a total of 58 rental companies on site. The airport is located in the Pendik district, approximately 45 km from Taksim and 35 km from Kadıköy, and is an excellent starting point for car journeys east toward Ankara or along the Sea of Marmara coast. SAW primarily serves low-cost carriers such as Pegasus and SunExpress.

From here it's only 15 km to Gebze and 50 km to Izmir via the E80. The Osmangazi Bridge is within reach – perfect for continuing to Bursa in under 2 hours. With 58 rental companies, competition is high – compare prices carefully and book early during the summer season.

Keep in mind that traffic toward central Istanbul can be heavy on the E80 – plan your journey outside rush hour. Check whether the rental company allows driving to the European side of Istanbul. How do I get from SAW to central Istanbul by rental car?

Take the E80 westbound toward Kadıköy and then via the Marmaray tunnel or the Bosphorus bridges – expect 45–90 minutes depending on traffic. Can I return the rental car at another location in Turkey? Yes, many of the 58 rental companies offer one-way rentals to cities such as Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya for an additional fee.

Are there rental companies open 24/7 at SAW? Several major chains such as Hertz, Avis, and Sixt are open 24/7 at SAW to cover late and early flights.

We compare prices from all major providers at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport so you can see the total cost upfront — including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.