Car Rental Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) — Istanbul Asia Side Car Hire Guide (PNUM7032)

Updated: 2026-10-12 | Writer: TurkExim | Page ID: PNUM7032

Car rental at Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is the most convenient way to start a driving trip on Istanbul's Asian side, the broader Marmara region, the Aegean coast, or the Turkish Mediterranean. Sabiha Gokcen — named after Sabiha Gokcen, the world's first female combat pilot and the adopted daughter of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk — is the second-largest international airport serving Istanbul and the busiest single-runway airport in the world for passenger traffic. Located in the Pendik district on Istanbul's Asian side, approximately 35 km southeast of the central Kadikoy district and 50 km from Taksim on the European side, the airport handled over 35 million passengers in 2023 and is the primary arrival point for low-cost carrier passengers flying into Istanbul with Pegasus Airlines, AJet, Wizz Air, and other budget airlines.

This page is a comprehensive guide to car rental Sabiha Gokcen: which rental companies operate on-site at SAW, what vehicle categories and price ranges you can expect, what documents you need to rent a car in Turkey, how insurance options work, where to drive from Sabiha Gokcen, what toll roads and driving rules apply, and how to compare rental offers to get the best deal. Whether you are arriving for a business trip, a family holiday on the Aegean or Mediterranean coast, or a self-drive tour of Cappadocia and the Turkish interior, this guide covers everything you need to know before booking your Sabiha Gokcen car rental. We also include a comparison table of the major car rental companies at Sabiha Gokcen, a category-by-category price guide, a list of the most popular driving destinations from SAW, and a six-question FAQ that addresses the most common concerns of international visitors.

1. About Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)

Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (IATA: SAW, ICAO: LTFJ) is Istanbul's second international airport, located in the Pendik district on the city's Asian side. The airport is named after Sabiha Gokcen (1913–2001), the world's first female combat pilot and the adopted daughter of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic. Operated by Malaysia's AirAsia parent company Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad under a build-operate-transfer concession running until 2033, the airport opened on 8 January 2001 and has since grown into one of the busiest airports in the Europe-Middle East region.

The airport handled 35.1 million passengers in 2023, making it the second-busiest airport in Turkey (after Istanbul Airport on the European side) and one of the 50 busiest airports in the world. SAW is the principal hub for Pegasus Airlines, Turkey's largest low-cost carrier, and a major operating base for AJet (the low-cost subsidiary of Turkish Airlines), Wizz Air, and several other budget carriers. The airport's single runway (06/24, 3,000 m) handles an average of 700+ daily flight movements during peak season, making it the world's busiest single-runway airport by passenger traffic — a record it has held since 2017.

For car rental customers, three features of Sabiha Gokcen matter most. First, the airport's location on the Asian side of Istanbul makes it the natural arrival point for travellers whose primary destination is on the Asian side (Kadikoy, Uskudar, Atasehir, Maltepe, Tuzla), the broader Marmara region (Bursa, Izmit, Sakarya, Bilecik), the Black Sea coast (Sile, Agva, Kastamonu), or any destination that requires driving east — including the entire Aegean coast (Izmir, Cesme, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye) via the Izmir-Ankara highway, the Mediterranean coast (Antalya, Alanya, Mersin, Adana) via the Mediterranean highway, and Cappadocia (Nevsehir, Urgup, Goreme) via the Ankara highway. Second, the airport's ground transportation connections include the M4 Kadikoy–Sabiha Gokcen metro line (opened in October 2022, providing direct rail access from Istanbul's Asian-side city centre in 50 minutes), the Havabus shuttle service, IETT public buses, taxis, and the E-80 and D-100 highways — all of which make rental car pick-up and drop-off straightforward. Third, the airport's modern car rental facilities — concentrated on the arrivals level of the terminal — host 15+ rental companies, providing one of the widest choices of any Turkish airport.

2. Car Rental Companies at Sabiha Gokcen — On-Site Operators

Sabiha Gokcen Airport hosts more than 15 car rental companies, ranging from major international chains to leading Turkish local operators. All on-site rental companies have their counters on the arrivals level of the passenger terminal, with their vehicle pick-up and drop-off areas located in the adjacent ground-level parking lot (P2). The table below summarises the major operators at SAW.

When choosing between international chains and Turkish local operators at Sabiha Gokcen, the trade-offs are well-defined. International chains typically offer: more transparent booking conditions and English-language customer support; broader loyalty programme benefits; a more consistent fleet standard; and easier integration with travel insurance products. Turkish local operators typically offer: more competitive prices (often 15–30% lower than international chains for the same category); more flexible insurance and mileage policies; and a more localised service that may include route advice, mobile hotspot rental, or child seat rental at no extra cost. For short leisure rentals of 3–7 days, international chains usually deliver better overall value because of standardized policies; for longer rentals of 2+ weeks, Turkish local operators often become significantly cheaper.

3. Vehicle Categories and Price Guide

Car rental companies at Sabiha Gokcen offer a full range of vehicle categories, from economy hatchbacks to luxury sedans, SUVs, family vans, and increasingly electric vehicles. The price guide below reflects typical daily rental rates for a 7-day rental in mid-season (April–May or September–October) including basic CDW insurance but excluding optional extras. Rates fluctuate significantly with season — high season (June–August and religious holidays) can be 50–100% higher than low season (November–March).

4. Documentation Required to Rent a Car in Turkey

To rent a car at Sabiha Gokcen as a foreign visitor, you will need to present several documents at the rental counter. The documentation requirements are consistent across all major rental companies at SAW, although some local operators may have slightly different policies.

Three additional points are worth highlighting. First, additional drivers must also present their passport and driving licence at the counter and are typically subject to an additional driver fee of €3–€10/day — but most companies offer the first additional driver free for spouse/partner. Second, one-way rentals (e.g. picking up at Sabiha Gokcen and dropping off at Istanbul Airport on the European side, or at Antalya, Izmir, or Ankara airport) are usually allowed but carry a one-way fee ranging from €30 to €200+ depending on distance. Third, cross-border rentals — taking the rental car outside Turkey — are typically not permitted by major rental companies; if you plan to drive to Bulgaria, Greece, or Georgia, you must check with the rental company in advance and obtain written permission, which may incur additional insurance requirements.

5. Insurance Options — CDW, Theft Protection, Full Coverage

Insurance is one of the most confusing aspects of car rental, and Sabiha Gokcen is no exception. Rental companies typically quote a base rate that includes minimal insurance, then offer multiple optional insurance products at the counter that can significantly increase the total price. Understanding the insurance options before booking is critical to making an informed decision.

Standard Inclusions (Usually Included in Base Rate)

Most base rates at Sabiha Gokcen include: Third-Party Liability Insurance (mandatory in Turkey, covers damage to other people and property) and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) with excess (covers damage to the rental car, but with a deductible — typically €500–€2,000 — that you are responsible for). Some base rates also include Theft Protection (TP) with excess. Always check the inclusions carefully when comparing rates — two companies quoting the same daily rate may have very different insurance inclusions.

Optional Insurance Products

• Super CDW / Zero Excess: Reduces the CDW excess to zero — typically €10–€15/day. Recommended for peace of mind; if you decline this, you are responsible for the full excess amount in case of damage.
• Super Theft Protection: Reduces the theft excess to zero — typically €3–€8/day.
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers in case of accident — typically €3–€6/day.
• Windscreen / Tyre / Underbody Coverage: Covers damage to windscreen, tyres, and underbody which are often excluded from standard CDW — typically €3–€5/day.
• Full Coverage Package: Combines Super CDW, Super TP, PAI, and Windscreen/Tyre coverage — typically €15–€25/day, often cheaper than buying each option separately.

6. Popular Driving Destinations from Sabiha Gokcen

Sabiha Gokcen's location on Istanbul's Asian side makes it an ideal starting point for driving trips to a wide range of Turkish destinations. The most popular driving destinations from SAW, with approximate driving times and distances, are summarised below.

Short Trips (1–3 hours from SAW)

Sapanca Lake and Kartepe (1 hour, 80 km): A popular weekend getaway from Istanbul, Sapanca Lake offers scenic lakeside relaxation while Kartepe mountain offers winter skiing. Izmit (Kocaeli) (1 hour, 70 km): Industrial city with historical Ottoman-era architecture. Bursa (2 hours, 150 km via Osmangazi Bridge — first Ottoman capital, with the Yesil Cami (Green Mosque), Grand Mosque, and Uludag mountain ski resort. Sile and Agva (1–1.5 hours, 70–90 km): Black Sea coast resorts with sandy beaches and natural scenery.

Medium Trips (3–6 hours from SAW)

Eskisehir (3.5 hours, 300 km): University city known for its parks, Porsuk River, and Sazova Park. Edirne (3 hours, 250 km via Northern Marmara Highway and O-3): Former Ottoman capital with the magnificent Selimiye Mosque (UNESCO World Heritage). Ankara (4.5 hours, 450 km via O-4 Ankara highway): Turkish capital with Anitkabir (Ataturk mausoleum), Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and a modern city centre. Bolu and Abant Lake (3 hours, 250 km): Mountain resort area with forests, lakes, and traditional Turkish cuisine.

Long Trips (6+ hours from SAW)

Cappadocia (Nevsehir/Urgup/Goreme) (7 hours, 700 km via O-4 and O-21): Famous for fairy chimneys, hot air balloon rides, cave hotels, and rock-cut churches. Izmir and the Aegean Coast (6–7 hours, 550 km via O-5 and O-30): Third-largest Turkish city with nearby Cesme, Kusadasi, and Ephesus (UNESCO World Heritage). Antalya and the Mediterranean Coast (7–8 hours, 700 km via O-4 and O-21): Major resort city with beaches, ancient sites (Perge, Aspendos, Side), and the Turquoise Coast. Trabzon and the Black Sea Coast (10+ hours, 1,000 km): For adventurous drivers, the Black Sea coast offers alpine scenery, Sumela Monastery, and traditional Laz culture.

7. Turkish Driving Rules, Toll Roads (HGS/OGS) and Parking

Driving in Turkey is generally straightforward, with a modern highway network connecting major cities and well-maintained secondary roads. However, several specific rules and systems are worth knowing before you start driving your rental car from Sabiha Gokcen.

Key Driving Rules

• Drive on the right, overtake on the left.
• Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas (often reduced to 30 km/h in school zones), 90 km/h on divided highways outside urban areas, 110–140 km/h on toll motorways (O-3, O-4, O-5, O-7, etc.). Speed cameras are common.
• Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants, front and rear.
• Alcohol limit: 0.05% BAC for private drivers, 0.00% for commercial drivers. Random breath tests are common.
• Mobile phones: Handheld use is prohibited; hands-free is permitted.
• Headlights must be on at all times, day and night, on all roads.
• Children: Under-12s cannot travel in the front seat; appropriate child seats are required for under-8s.
• Petrol stations: Most are full-service (attendants pump fuel); tipping is not expected. Major brands: Petrol Ofisi, BP, Shell, Total, Opet.

Toll Roads — HGS and OGS

Turkey has an extensive network of toll motorways (Otoyol, prefixed "O-") and toll bridges (Bosphorus Bridge, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, Osmangazi Bridge, 1915 Canakkale Bridge). All Turkish tolls are collected electronically via two systems: HGS (Hizli Gecis Sistemi — Fast Pass System) and OGS (Otomatik Gecis Sistemi — Automatic Pass System). There are no cash or credit card toll booths. Rental cars at Sabiha Gokcen are equipped with either an HGS or OGS transponder; the toll charges are automatically recorded and added to your rental invoice at return. Always confirm with the rental company which system the car has and how tolls will be billed — some companies apply a service fee per toll transaction. Expect to pay approximately €0.10–€0.25 per km on Turkish motorways; crossing the Osmangazi Bridge (Izmit Bay) costs approximately €15 one-way; the 1915 Canakkale Bridge costs approximately €15 one-way.

Parking in Istanbul and Other Cities

Parking in central Istanbul (especially the European-side old city, Taksim, and Kadikoy on the Asian side) is challenging — street parking is limited and heavily regulated, and many streets are narrow. The best option for visitors is to use paid parking lots (otopark), which are widely available in tourist areas. Expect to pay approximately €2–€5/hour or €10–€25/day for city-centre parking. Most shopping malls (Kanyon, Istinye Park, Akasya, Emaar Square, Viaport Asia near Sabiha Gokcen) offer free or low-cost parking with purchase validation. Avoid parking in no-parking zones — your car may be towed, and retrieving a towed car costs €50–€100 plus taxi fare to the impound lot.

8. How to Compare Rental Offers and Avoid Common Pitfalls

Comparing car rental offers at Sabiha Gokcen requires attention to several factors beyond just the headline daily rate. The following tips will help you make an informed comparison and avoid common pitfalls.

Comparison Tips

• Compare total cost, not daily rate: A €30/day rate with full insurance may be cheaper overall than a €20/day rate plus €15/day optional insurance.
• Check the fuel policy: "Full-to-full" (you pick up with a full tank and return with a full tank) is the most economical; "full-to-empty" (you pay for a full tank at pick-up and return empty) is convenient but expensive.
• Check the mileage policy: Most rentals at SAW include unlimited mileage, but some cheaper local operators may have daily limits (e.g. 150 km/day) with per-km charges for excess.
• Check the deposit amount: Higher-category vehicles require larger credit card deposits; ensure your card has sufficient available credit.
• Check the driver age policy: If you are under 25, confirm the young driver surcharge and category restrictions.
• Book in advance: Booking 4–6 weeks in advance typically saves 20–40% versus walk-up rates, especially in high season.
• Use comparison sites: Sites like Rentalcars, Skyscanner Car Hire, Kayak, and Carrentals.co.uk compare offers across multiple rental companies at Sabiha Gokcen.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Hidden insurance costs: The quoted rate may include only basic CDW with a high excess; the counter agent may pressure you to buy additional insurance. Know what you need before arriving.
• Fuel charges: If you return the car with less fuel than at pick-up, you will be charged a premium per litre (often 2x the local pump price).
• Cleaning charges: Some companies charge a cleaning fee if the car is returned excessively dirty (e.g. mud on the exterior from off-road driving — which is usually not covered by insurance anyway).
• Damage charges: Always inspect the car at pick-up and document any pre-existing damage with photos; otherwise you may be charged for damage you did not cause.
• Late return fees: Most companies allow a 30–60 minute grace period; after that, you may be charged a full additional day.
• One-way fees: Confirm the one-way fee before booking a pick-up at SAW and drop-off elsewhere — these fees can be significant.

9. Frequently Asked Questions