There are dozens of hotels not far from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, but one stands out as the best and most convenient choice: the 128-room ISG Airport Hotel. It's a good, reasonably-priced hotel right on the airport property, walking distance from the terminals.
Depending upon your flight departure time of day, an airport hotel may or may not save you time and money. If you must travel to the airport during the morning or afternoon-evening rush hours, an airport hotel may make sense.
But if you've found a good lodging in Old Istanbul or Beyoğlu that fits your budget, and you will be going to the airport at night or early in the morning, you might as well stay where you're already comfortable.
A taxi from the city can reach the airport in 35 minutes between 10 pm and 5 am, 45 minutes to an hour at most other times (here are typical taxi fares).
A private airport transfer takes about the same time, but is more reliable, comfortable and safe. More...
The Bağcılar-Kabataş tram and Aksaray-Havalimanı Metro line will take you from Old Istanbul to Atatürk Airport terminal in an hour at best. You should allow more time, perhaps 90 minutes or even more, in case of delays.
You should be at the airport one hour before a domestic flight, and two hours before an international flight, to get through security, check-in for your flight, and the second security check.
So here are the best hotels near Istanbul's Atatürk Airport (see the bottom of this page for hotels near Sabiha Gökçen Airport):
WOW Istanbul Airport Hotel
Located less than 1 km east of the airport and even nearer to the World Trade Center (Dünya Ticaret Merkezi) and the CNR Convention & Exhibition Center, this luxury high-rise 360-room hotel offers free airport shuttle service, free Wifi, and surprisingly moderate prices. It's near the DTM/CNR Metrostation, making it fast and easy to get into the city. It's your first choice. More...
Radisson BLU Conference & Airport Hotel
On the E-5 highway just north of the airport (3 km, 1.9 miles), this is a largeish modern place with 245 rooms, swimming pool, restaurants, bars and of course conference rooms. Airport runway views and comfortably moderate prices. More...
Holiday Inn Istanbul Airport Hotel
This fairly new 300-room, 5-star hotel has comfortable guest rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and free hotel shuttle service to and from Atatürk Airport on request (a 10-minute drive). More...
Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel by Marriott
A modern tower right on the Sea of Marmara shore in nearby Yeşilköy, the Polat has all the 5-star services and Marriott hospitality in a quiet location just 4 km (2.5 miles) from the airport, a 15-minute TL10 taxi ride. Prices are moderate, sea views are good. More...
Çınar Hotel
Among the oldest deluxe hotels in Istanbul, it has been renovated and kept up-to-date over the years, and still boasts a good seaside location (near the aforementioned Renaissance Polat), a swimming pool, restaurants and bars, and quite moderate prices for what you get, 4 km (2.5 miles) from the airport. More...
Sheraton Istanbul Ataköy Hotel
Seaside high-rise with 285 comfortable rooms, views of the Sea of Marmara, and only 4 km (2.6 miles) from Atatürk Airport. Rates are higher here, but so is the standard. More...
Novotel Istanbul Hotel
The location is curious: at the seaside 6.8 km (4.2 miles) east of the airport and about halfway to the city center, it offers Sea of Marmara views and easy access to the coastal highway, but nothing is within walking distance, so you must ride. Luckily, a free shuttle bus takes you to Sultanahmet to see the sights. Guest rooms can accommodate up to three persons, and are moderately priced. More...
Ibis Istanbul Hotel
Adjoining the aforementioned Novotel, the Ibis offers the same location, simpler rooms and services, and lower prices. More...
TAV Airport Hotel
The airport hotel, right in the International Terminal, is small, with a restaurant, bar, and business facilities. It's certainly the closest, but not perhaps the best value.
The 48 "airside" rooms are within the airport's security area and thus open only to international passengers arriving, departing, or in transit. The airside rooms can be rented for an hour or two, two to four hours, four to six hours, six to nine hours, or overnight, depending on your needs: perfect for taking a nap, a shower, or a few hours' work time. Prices are fairly high, but so is the convenience.
The 85 "landside" rooms outside the security area are open to travelers as well as to the general public, and may be rented for day use or overnight.
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