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- Where are car rental desks located at Sabiha Gökçen Istanbul Airport (SAW)?
- Where to return rental car at SAW Airport?
- Flexible car rental deals at Sabiha Gokcen Airport
- Popular one-way car rentals from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport
- VIP Cars’ tips for Istanbul SAW Airport car rental
- Frequently Asked Questions
Rent a car at Sabiha Gokcen Istanbul Airport
Many travelers planning a trip to Istanbul fly into Sabiha Gokcen Istanbul Airport (SAW), the main gateway to the city's Asia side and a convenient starting point for exploring northwestern Turkey. From the lively streets of Kadikoy and the modern business district of Atasehir to weekend favourites like Sapanca and Bursa, many journeys begin here. And what could be better than having your own vehicle that gives you the freedom to explore the city at a relaxed pace?
VIP Cars is an online platform that brings together affordable car rental deals from trusted suppliers, making it easier to compare prices, vehicle options, and rental terms in one place. For instance, if you are a solo traveler, you can browse through mini or economy cars depending on your needs. Or, if you are driving outside the city to mountain ranges, you can consider an SUV. Business travelers, corporate event attendees, and travelers wanting to drive in style often book luxury cars.
Picking up your rental car from SAW Airport is ideal, as you can drive to places you wish to explore. Moreover, you get a wider choice of vehicles at the airport and if booked in advance, you also get better prices than last-minute bookings. So, make up your mind, search & compare available deals on our platform and book the ride that fits perfectly with your plans.
Where are car rental desks located at Sabiha Gökçen Istanbul Airport (SAW)?
Car rental desks at SAW Airport are conveniently located on the Ground Floor of the Arrivals Hall, close to the baggage claim area and terminal exits. Most leading international and local car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Green Motion, Hertz, and SIXT operate directly from the terminal, allowing travelers to complete the rental process and collect their vehicle soon after landing. Many on-airport suppliers are available 24 hours a day, making them suitable for both early morning and late night arrivals.
Steps to reach your supplier’s rental desk
- After collecting your baggage, follow the overhead 'Car Rental’ signs in the Arrivals Hall.
- Locate your rental supplier's desk on the Ground Floor and complete the rental formalities.
- A representative will direct you to the designated vehicle pickup area.
- Take a quick look at your vehicle, get familiar with it and hit the road to begin your journey.
Note: If you have booked with an off-airport supplier such as Autovia and SurPrice, follow the instructions provided in your booking voucher to reach the designated shuttle meeting point. Many off-site providers offer complimentary shuttle transfers between the airport and their rental office.
Where to return rental car at SAW Airport?
Returning your rental car at SAW Airport is straightforward. Simply follow the steps below.
- Follow the airport signs for 'Car Rental Return’.
- Park the vehicle in your supplier’s designated return area.
- Remove all personal belongings and check that the agreed fuel policy has been met.
- Return the keys to the supplier’s staff member and complete the vehicle inspection, if required.
Note: The exact return location and process may vary by supplier. Check your Rental Confirmation Voucher for exact details.
If you have booked with an off-airport supplier, return the vehicle to the specified branch before taking the complimentary shuttle back to the terminal.
After-hours return service
Many car rental companies like Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Enterprise, and Sixt at Sabiha Gökçen Airport offer after-hours returns. If your supplier provides this service, park the vehicle in the designated return area, lock it, and place the keys in the secure key drop box or follow your supplier's after-hours instructions mentioned in your booking voucher.
Flexible car rental deals at Sabiha Gokcen Airport
From weekend getaways to extended road trips, car rental at SAW airport is available for different travel durations and travel styles.
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Short-term car rentals (1 day to a week)
Short-term rentals are ideal for travelers visiting Istanbul for a weekend getaway, business trip, or a short holiday. Pick up your car at Sabiha Gökçen Airport and once you have settled down, you can enjoy the flexibility to explore popular districts like Kadıköy, Üsküdar, and Beşiktaş, or take day trips to Şile, Polonezköy, and Sapanca, without depending on public transport.
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Long-term car rentals (several weeks to months)
If you are staying in Istanbul for several weeks or using the city as a starting point to explore different parts of Turkey, a long-term booking can be a practical choice. In fact, these bookings come at a lower daily rate compared to short-term deals. Travelers relocating temporarily, working on an extended project, studying abroad, or planning a relaxed trip to Bursa, İzmir, Cappadocia, and the Turkish Riviera can consider this.
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Last-minute car rentals (within 48 hours of pickup time)
Some trips are planned spontaneously and travelers end up booking last-minute rentals at the airport. Now, the best thing is that with VIP Cars, you can compare available last-minute deals, regardless of your plans changing unexpectedly. However, the choices may be limited depending on the time of the year you are booking.
Popular one-way car rentals from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport
One-way car rental from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport allows you to pick up your vehicle from the airport and return it to another city or location in Turkey. It is ideal for road trips, multi-city travel, or travelers not planning to return to Istanbul.
Popular one-way trips from SAW Airport:
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Bursa
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Ankara
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Sapanca
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Şile
Sabiha Gökçen Airport: Overview & passenger facilities
| Address: | Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, Sanayi Mah., 34906 Pendik, Istanbul, Turkey |
|---|---|
| IATA Code: | SAW |
Located on Istanbul's Asian side in the district of Pendik, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is one of the city's two major international airports. Named after Sabiha Gokcen, the world's first female combat pilot, the airport serves millions of domestic and international travelers each year and is a major hub for Pegasus Airlines, while also handling flights operated by Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Lufthansa, and several other carriers.
The airport operates from a modern single terminal that handles both domestic and international flights under one roof, with arrivals on the ground floor and departures on the upper levels. Passengers can reach their onward destination using airport shuttles, a pre-booked rental car, or public transport. For those with an early departure, late arrival, or a long layover, the ISG Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel is located within walking distance of the terminal.
Passenger facilities
- Duty-free shops
- Restaurants & cafes
- Airport lounges
- Currency exchange
- ATMs
- Free Wi-fi
- Luggage storage
- Lost & found
- Smoking areas
- Car rental services
- Short-term & long-term parking
- ISG Sabiha Gokcen Airport hotel
VIP Cars’ tips for Istanbul SAW Airport car rental
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Understand Turkey's toll system
Many motorways, bridges, and tunnels around Istanbul use the HGS electronic toll system. Check with your rental supplier whether toll charges are included automatically, billed separately at the end of your rental, or if there is a different method.
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Plan your journey around Istanbul
Traffic around SAW Airport and on major routes in Istanbul can be busy, especially between 7:00 to 10:00 AM and 4:30 to 8:00 PM on weekdays. If you are heading into the city or returning your vehicle before a flight, allow extra travel time to avoid delays.
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Adhere to speed limits
Unless posted otherwise, speed limits in Turkey are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 to 140 km/h on motorways, depending on the road type. You must always follow local speed signs to avoid fines.
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Use navigation for airport exits
Roads around Sabiha Gökçen Airport connect directly to major highways such as the O-4 (TEM) and D100, with multiple exits leading towards different parts of Istanbul. Using a navigation app like Google Maps or Waze before leaving the airport can help you choose the most efficient route to your hotel or next destination.
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Refuel before returning your vehicle
If your rental agreement follows a full-to-full fuel policy, refuel the vehicle before returning it to avoid additional refuelling charges. There are several fuel stations located within a short drive of SAW Airport, making it convenient to fill up your tank before drop-off.
