Cheap flights to Istanbul, Türkiye from $196

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 5/5. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
WAS — IST
Mar 24 — Mar 311

Flights to Istanbul in 2024

Find the latest flights to Istanbul in 2024, with up-to-date prices and availability. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 3,145,932 searches and data was last updated on March 19, 2024.

Popular in

July

Cheapest in

January

Average price

$942

Round-trip from

$594

One-way from

$196
High demand for flights, 15% potential price rise
Best time to find cheap flights, 2% potential price drop
Average for round-trip flights in March 2024
From New York to Istanbul
One-way flight from New York to Istanbul

Cheap flights to Istanbul in March & April 2024

Discover affordable flights and deals to Istanbul in March and April 2024. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 3,145,932 searches and data was last updated on March 19, 2024.
The below flights offer some of the lowest fares to Istanbul in March and April 2024. Prices refresh often so be sure to come back soon for more deals.
Thu 4/45:15 pmMIA - IST
1 stop27h 50mMultiple Airlines
Mon 4/294:50 amIST - MIA
1 stop16h 45mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$578
Wed 4/2411:20 amMIA - IST
2 stops25h 40mMultiple Airlines
Fri 5/34:50 amIST - MIA
1 stop16h 45mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/17$585
Wed 4/245:15 pmMIA - IST
1 stop19h 45mMultiple Airlines
Fri 5/34:50 amIST - MIA
1 stop16h 45mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/17$590
Thu 4/45:15 pmMIA - IST
1 stop27h 50mMultiple Airlines
Mon 4/2911:55 pmIST - MIA
2 stops45h 40mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$592
Fri 3/296:10 pmMIA - IST
2 stops58h 20mMultiple Airlines
Wed 5/228:05 pmIST - MIA
1 stop30h 20mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/17$593
Mon 4/156:20 pmJFK - SAW
1 stop19h 05mMultiple Airlines
Thu 5/168:35 amSAW - JFK
1 stop20h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$594
Tue 4/306:20 pmJFK - SAW
1 stop16h 30mMultiple Airlines
Sat 5/1810:35 amSAW - JFK
1 stop18h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$595
Wed 4/246:20 pmJFK - IST
1 stop18h 40mMultiple Airlines
Thu 5/24:50 amIST - JFK
1 stop18h 05mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$595
Fri 4/266:20 pmJFK - SAW
1 stop21h 10mMultiple Airlines
Tue 5/211:30 pmSAW - JFK
1 stop15h 45mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$596

Istanbul 2024 flight deals

Explore flight deals for Istanbul in 2024, offering the best prices and options to suit your preferences. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 3,145,932 searches and data were last updated on March 19, 2024.
The lowest fares on flights traveling to Istanbul in March and April 2024. For more flight deals, be sure to check back very soon.
Wed 5/85:15 pmMIA - IST
1 stop27h 50mMultiple Airlines
Wed 5/228:05 pmIST - MIA
1 stop30h 20mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$573
Mon 5/65:15 pmMIA - IST
1 stop27h 50mMultiple Airlines
Mon 5/204:50 amIST - MIA
1 stop16h 45mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/17$575
Sat 6/155:15 pmMIA - IST
1 stop20h 00mMultiple Airlines
Thu 6/204:50 amIST - MIA
1 stop16h 45mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/17$578
Wed 4/2411:20 amMIA - IST
2 stops25h 40mMultiple Airlines
Fri 5/34:50 amIST - MIA
1 stop16h 45mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/17$585
Mon 5/205:15 pmMIA - IST
1 stop27h 50mMultiple Airlines
Sun 5/269:20 pmIST - MIA
1 stop25h 05mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/17$586
Wed 4/245:15 pmMIA - IST
1 stop19h 45mMultiple Airlines
Fri 5/34:50 amIST - MIA
1 stop16h 45mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/17$590
Fri 6/145:15 pmMIA - IST
1 stop27h 50mMultiple Airlines
Sat 6/224:50 amIST - MIA
1 stop16h 45mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/17$591
Thu 4/45:15 pmMIA - IST
1 stop27h 50mMultiple Airlines
Mon 4/2911:55 pmIST - MIA
2 stops45h 40mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$592
Fri 3/296:10 pmMIA - IST
2 stops58h 20mMultiple Airlines
Wed 5/228:05 pmIST - MIA
1 stop30h 20mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/17$593

Flights to Istanbul departing soon

Discover available last-minute flight options to Istanbul, providing immediate availability and potentially lower prices. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 3,145,932 searches and data was last updated on March 19, 2024.
Browse some of the flights available to Istanbul departing last-minute. Make sure to double check the price, time, and destination to confirm all are correct.
Sun 3/2412:55 amJFK - SAW
1 stop15h 35mMultiple Airlines
Sat 3/3012:20 pmSAW - JFK
1 stop18h 10mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$632
Sun 3/2412:55 amJFK - SAW
2 stops26h 00mMultiple Airlines
Sat 3/3012:20 pmSAW - JFK
1 stop18h 10mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$637
Sat 3/2312:55 amJFK - SAW
1 stop33h 15mMultiple Airlines
Tue 4/212:10 amSAW - JFK
2 stops29h 05mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$638
Sun 3/2412:55 amJFK - SAW
2 stops54h 05mMultiple Airlines
Mon 4/1510:25 amSAW - JFK
1 stop18h 50mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$646
Sun 3/2412:55 amJFK - SAW
2 stops24h 00mMultiple Airlines
Sat 4/131:30 pmSAW - JFK
1 stop15h 45mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$650
Sat 3/2312:55 amJFK - SAW
1 stop33h 15mMultiple Airlines
Wed 4/37:15 amSAW - JFK
2 stops22h 00mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$653
Sat 3/2312:55 amJFK - SAW
1 stop33h 15mMultiple Airlines
Wed 4/31:30 pmSAW - JFK
1 stop15h 45mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$656
Sat 3/2312:55 amJFK - SAW
1 stop33h 15mMultiple Airlines
Fri 3/2910:30 pmSAW - JFK
2 stops32h 00mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$667
Sat 3/2312:55 amJFK - SAW
1 stop33h 15mMultiple Airlines
Fri 3/2910:40 amSAW - JFK
1 stop19h 50mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$684

One-way flights to Istanbul

Explore one-way flight options to Istanbul for greater flexibility in your travel plans. Find up-to-date pricing and availability for one-way flights. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 3,145,932 searches and data was last updated on March 19, 2024.
These are some of the best available deals on flights to Istanbul. If you're in need of a round-trip flight to Istanbul instead, make sure to update the search form at the top of page.
Sun 5/56:20 pmJFK - IST
1 stop19h 20mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$196
Sat 5/41:30 amJFK - IST
1 stop19h 35mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/16$215
Sun 5/56:20 pmJFK - IST
1 stop14h 55mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/16$221
Sun 4/282:51 pmDFW - IST
2 stops29h 14mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$229
Sun 4/2810:56 amIAH - IST
2 stops33h 09mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/17$230
Sun 5/56:20 pmJFK - SAW
2 stops43h 20mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$234
Mon 4/296:20 pmJFK - IST
1 stop26h 45mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/17$237
Wed 5/16:20 pmJFK - IST
1 stop26h 45mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/18$249
Fri 5/36:20 pmJFK - SAW
1 stop21h 10mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/17$250

Direct flights to Istanbul

Sat 4/2712:20 amJFK - IST
Nonstop9h 55mTurkish Airlines
Thu 5/97:05 amIST - JFK
Nonstop10h 40mTurkish Airlines
Deal found 3/17$868
Mon 4/1512:40 pmJFK - IST
Nonstop9h 40mTurkish Airlines
Mon 5/206:45 pmIST - JFK
Nonstop10h 45mTurkish Airlines
Deal found 3/18$874
Sat 4/2712:20 amJFK - IST
Nonstop9h 55mTurkish Airlines
Mon 5/137:05 amIST - JFK
Nonstop10h 40mTurkish Airlines
Deal found 3/17$880
Sun 4/2812:40 pmJFK - IST
Nonstop9h 40mTurkish Airlines
Mon 5/137:05 amIST - JFK
Nonstop10h 40mTurkish Airlines
Deal found 3/17$881
Tue 4/912:40 pmJFK - IST
Nonstop9h 40mTurkish Airlines
Mon 4/221:45 pmIST - JFK
Nonstop10h 45mTurkish Airlines
Deal found 3/18$887
Sun 4/2112:20 amJFK - IST
Nonstop9h 55mTurkish Airlines
Mon 5/67:05 amIST - JFK
Nonstop10h 40mTurkish Airlines
Deal found 3/18$890
Mon 4/812:20 amJFK - IST
Nonstop9h 55mTurkish Airlines
Wed 4/177:05 amIST - JFK
Nonstop10h 40mTurkish Airlines
Deal found 3/17$895
Mon 5/67:25 pmJFK - IST
Nonstop10h 10mTurkish Airlines
Mon 5/207:05 amIST - JFK
Nonstop10h 40mTurkish Airlines
Deal found 3/16$897
Mon 4/1512:20 amJFK - IST
Nonstop9h 55mTurkish Airlines
Tue 5/147:05 amIST - JFK
Nonstop10h 40mTurkish Airlines
Deal found 3/18$898

Find flights to Istanbul within your budget

Locate flights to Istanbul that fit your budget, with regularly updated fares and availability. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 3,145,932 searches and data was last updated on March 19, 2024.

Fly from

Any airport

Budget

$468 - $886

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Los AngelesIstanbul

LAX - IST

LAXIST

Los Angeles

Sun 4/28

1 stop25h 40m

Istanbul

Fri 5/17

2 stops53h 45m

$468

MiamiIstanbul

MIA - IST

MIAIST

Miami

Sun 4/21

1 stop35h 55m

Istanbul

Tue 4/30

1 stop32h 35m

$717

New York John F Kennedy IntlIstanbul

JFK - IST

JFKIST

New York John F Kennedy Intl

Mon 4/8

1 stop19h 00m

Istanbul

Fri 4/12

1 stop32h 45m

$738

Washington, D.C. Dulles IntlIstanbul

IAD - IST

IADIST

Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

Sat 8/17

1 stop17h 50m

Istanbul

Sat 9/14

1 stop27h 05m

$815

Washington, D.C. Dulles IntlIstanbul

IAD - IST

IADIST

Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

Tue 5/7

1 stop23h 30m

Istanbul

Tue 5/14

1 stop19h 05m

$849

Washington, D.C. Dulles IntlIstanbul

IAD - IST

IADIST

Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

Wed 9/11

2 stops15h 30m

Istanbul

Wed 9/18

1 stop16h 55m

$854

Washington, D.C. Dulles IntlIstanbul

IAD - IST

IADIST

Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

Wed 8/14

2 stops23h 35m

Istanbul

Fri 8/30

1 stop16h 05m

$862

Washington, D.C. Dulles IntlIstanbul

IAD - IST

IADIST

Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

Sat 4/6

1 stop31h 50m

Istanbul

Mon 4/22

1 stop22h 10m

$869

New York LaGuardiaIstanbul

LGA - IST

LGAIST

New York LaGuardia

Wed 9/11

2 stops16h 00m

Istanbul

Fri 9/27

2 stops21h 10m

$886

Flights are sorted by cheapest first

Deals found on 3/17

Average price of flights to Istanbul by month

Plan your trip to Istanbul by taking into account the cheapest months to travel. The average price of a one-way flight to Istanbul is currently $229 while a round-trip flight costs $784. Price data was last updated on March 10, 2024.

Currently, November is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight to Istanbul (average of $919). Flying to Istanbul in June will prove the most costly (average of $1,414). There are multiple factors that influence the price of a flight so comparing airlines, departure airports and times can help keep costs down.

January

$967

February

$939

March

$985

April

$1,043

May

$1,142

June

$1,414

July

$1,305

August

$1,200

September

$1,072

October

$1,002

November

$919

December

$969

With snowy, scenic winters and sultry summers, Istanbul is a desirable destination for every season. Here are some details on when the best time to fly to this beautiful city is, and what periods you may want to avoid if you can.

Peak Season:

The main tourist season runs from April to the end of October, with the busiest period being July and August. Flights to Istanbul are most expensive and accommodations busiest during these peak months so it’s best to book as early as you can to ensure availability and save money. The sunshine of summertime may have Istanbul residents heading out of town and to the waterfront, but it’s also the most popular time for tourists to visit the city. If you travel in June or July, you might catch the International Music Festival which is held in the city. It showcases classical music, opera, ballet and traditional music performances. Flights and accommodations around festival dates can also be pricey and hard to find so again, it’s wise to book in advance.

Off Season:

Flights to Istanbul from November through the end of February are far less crowded than the planes landing at Ataturk or Sabiha during the summertime. The winter tends to be very wet and cold so tourism is at a low. That being said you’ll find cheap flights to Istanbul and get good hotel deals too. Just be aware that potentially cold and blustery weather conditions might wreak havoc on your ideal travel plans.

Temperature and rainfall in Istanbul by month

Plan your trip to Istanbul by taking into account the average temperature and rainfall totals by month.

IST

Temperature

41 - 73.4 °F

If weather is an important factor for your trip to Istanbul, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, July is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 73.4 F. Travelers looking to avoid the cold should look outside of January, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 41.0 F).

When is the best time to book a flight to Istanbul?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a round-trip flight to Istanbul. Price data was last updated on January 28, 2024.

To find the cheapest flights to Istanbul, try to book as early as 8 weeks before you wish to travel. Sometimes you might get a deal on flight tickets 2 weeks before departure, although generally 6-8 weeks is the sweet spot. After this the prices will rise the closer it gets to the day of travel. If you don’t have a specific date you want to travel, then you can shop around for your flight tickets to grab the best prices. January and February offer the cheapest flights to Istanbul so if you book at least a few weeks before you should be able to save money. Sitting on the left side of the plane gives you the best views as you approach Istanbul, although this is dependable on the wind and air traffic congestion.

Search Deals

When is the cheapest time to fly to Istanbul?

Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly round-trip to Istanbul. Price data was last updated on March 17, 2024.
Morning
Noon
Afternoon
Evening
All times are departure.
Users looking for the lowest fares to Istanbul should consider flying on Thursday at noon, when prices are typically cheapest. Budget-minded travelers will want to avoid Friday mornings, when prices are usually at their highest.
Search Deals

Reviews of airlines servicing Istanbul

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Istanbul. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Istanbul. Reviews last updated March 19, 2024.
Get a feel of what it's like to fly with Lufthansa, Egypt Air and Delta to Istanbul by reading reviews from past customers. You can also see how each airline stacks up in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
8.1
Very good
4,215 reviews

Crew

8.3

Food

7.9

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

8.3

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.1

Reviews

1 / 10

Food could have been better they served beef on the flight to India so they did not have enough option of the veg option for customers and half the flight did not get a meal

8.1
Very good
4,215 reviews
8.1
Very good
4,215 reviews

Crew

8.3

Food

7.9

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

8.3

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.1

Reviews

1 / 10

Food could have been better they served beef on the flight to India so they did not have enough option of the veg option for customers and half the flight did not get a meal

8.1
Very good
11,551 reviews
8.1
Very good
4,215 reviews

Crew

8.3

Food

7.9

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

8.3

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.1

Reviews

1 / 10

Food could have been better they served beef on the flight to India so they did not have enough option of the veg option for customers and half the flight did not get a meal

8.1
Very good
933 reviews
8.1
Very good
4,215 reviews

Crew

8.3

Food

7.9

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

8.3

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.1

Reviews

1 / 10

Food could have been better they served beef on the flight to India so they did not have enough option of the veg option for customers and half the flight did not get a meal

7.8
Good
1,720 reviews
8.1
Very good
4,215 reviews

Crew

8.3

Food

7.9

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

8.3

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.1

Reviews

1 / 10

Food could have been better they served beef on the flight to India so they did not have enough option of the veg option for customers and half the flight did not get a meal

7.7
Good
4,578 reviews
8.1
Very good
4,215 reviews

Crew

8.3

Food

7.9

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

8.3

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.1

Reviews

1 / 10

Food could have been better they served beef on the flight to India so they did not have enough option of the veg option for customers and half the flight did not get a meal

Istanbul Travel Guide

Istanbul is one of the greatest historic cities in the world and it’s an absolute wonder to behold. Perched on the Bosphorus, a narrow, natural strait, the city straddles Europe and Asia, making it as diverse as any capital city can be. Istanbul is the main seaport and financial center of Turkey, but the city is also full of adventure for travelers booking airline tickets to Istanbul. As one of the most popular destinations in the world, cheap flights to Istanbul can always be found. Whether you plan on touring the European side or the Middle Eastern side of the city, Istanbul won’t disappoint.

The city boasts a glorious imperial history. Istanbul has been the capital city of four empires – Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman. Today, Istanbul is home to almost 15 million people, but for visitors who want to take a step back in time, visit Istanbul’s Old City and stroll through the historic area. Roman amphitheaters and artifacts decorate the streets and ancient relics from the Byzantine Empire are everywhere. Its cultural heritage practically sings from the cobbled stones of the Grand Bazaar where traders and tourists haggle over treasures; in the Aya Sofya (also known as Hagia Sophia, its Greek name), and in the magnificent Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi), which was the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years.

It would be a waste to take cheap flights to Istanbul and not visit a traditional hamam (bathhouse) or take a ferry trip between Eminönü (Europe) and Anadolu Kavagi (Asia).

A European capital of culture in 2010, Istanbul has caught the public imagination. It is an increasingly popular destination for anyone with an appetite for the out of ordinary. Starting with the Blue Mosque, probably the city’s best-known landmark, through the bazaars including the Grand Kapali Carsi and spice, and the nearby Istanbul Archaeology Museums, Istanbul is no ordinary city. Cap it off with a night cruise of the Bosphorus to see the city from another perspective.

One of the best ways to experience Istanbul is through the mouth-watering Turkish cuisine. Specialties include mam bayildi (an eggplant and tomato dish, mam bayildi (translates as “the priest wept” such is its deliciousness), mercimek corbasii (red lentil soup), kofte (meatballs), testi kebab, borek (a pastry that has hundreds of varieties) and sweet, sticky, syrupy baklava.

Whether you’re heading to the city for business or pleasure, there’s much to do and see. Here are some tips to help you plan and enjoy the smoothest possible trip. And, if you happen to get a window seat on your flight to Istanbul, you may catch a view of the skyline from 35,000 feet – it’s one of the most breathtaking views of the city’s domed cathedrals and Islamic mosques.

Shoulder Season:

The shoulder seasons of late March/April through May and September through October have mild weather, fewer tourists, and slightly lower hotel and flight prices. It is also when the Tulip Festival takes place. Although tulips are widely associated with Holland, they are also an important symbol in Turkish and Ottoman history and can be seen on tiles in mosques, literature and on royal clothing. The Tulip Era also signifies an Ottoman Empire period in history. To celebrate it, Istanbul parks are filled with different colored tulips, for about 10-15 days during either March or April. This coincides with art exhibitions, photo contests and other events in Sultanahmet and Taksim Square. Another event which takes place during this period is The International Istanbul Film Festival which offers movie buffs the chance to view Turkish movies with English subtitles. Starting late March and lasting two weeks, this festival is definitely for those travelers who are looking for something slightly different. Flights to Istanbul will vary around these events so book earlier on in the year to save money on your flight tickets.

Getting to and around the city of Istanbul

There are two international airports that serve the city of Istanbul. The busier – and larger – of the two airports is Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST), located around 12 miles from the city on the European side of Turkey. The second, and newer, airport is Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) and is located about 27 miles away from the city center on the Asian side.

The fastest way to leave Istanbul Ataturk Airport and get on your way is via taxi. There are taxis 24-hours a day outside the airport but can end up more expensive than alternative options. There are metro and bus services to the city as well. You can opt to take the metro straight from the airport, as the trams operate every fifteen minutes or so but are almost always extremely busy, meaning if you do have a lot of luggage it might not be the best option. Express airport buses are available from Istanbul Atatürk Airport to the center of Istanbul and depart every thirty minutes. It’s a great option if you have a lot of baggage, as the buses have lots of room and are fitted with air-conditioning. Another option if you have a lot of luggage is to take the metro to Aksaray and a taxi from there as it can be tricky negotiating a busy tram otherwise. Several major car rental companies have desks at Istanbul Ataturk Airport as well.

For more details on how to navigate Istanbul’s two international airports, Cheapflights has created handy airport guides for both Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW).

Once you’ve settled in to your hotel and are ready to explore the city, you’ll find that there are a lot of transportation options in Istanbul, but the best way to explore is on foot. If walking isn’t your thing, you can always get a rechargeable Akbil transit pass, which you can buy at special kiosks and offers discounted fares on the local buses, trams, metro lines and ferries. Ferries and catamarans will provide great views as you float along the Golden Horn or cruise up the Bosporus. Buses go all over the city, but are usually slow and crowded. Take note that you need to buy bus tickets from ticket stands before boarding. The metro is a good way to avoid traffic jams, and trams provide some great views of the city. Like many cities, public transportation is crowded during rush hour. Ride in comfort by hailing a dolmus (shared minibus taxi) along its route, or picking it up at a dolmus stand. These shared minibuses cost less than regular taxis. When you board you should always give the driver your destination and ask what the cost will be. If you have your hotel call for a private yellow taxi, make sure the meter is running before you leave.

Tips for your stay in Istanbul

  • An interesting fact that you might not know, Istanbul is the only country in the entire world that covers two continents: Europe and Asia.
  • If you scheduled a window seat on your flight to Istanbul you likely witnessed breathtaking views of the city, but nothing quite compares to the sight of the shoreline from the deck of a boat gliding along the Bosphorus at dusk. You can book a spot on a cruise along the Bosphorus departing from either the Asian or European side of the city, and these nighttime tours between continents will provide you with stunning views of the shining lights on both sides of the city.
  • Before your return Istanbul flight, spend time moseying through the Grand Bazaar to pick up souvenirs of every shape and size for your loved ones. This massive arcade has stalls hawking everything from ancient framed paintings of whirling dervishes to boxes of Turkish delight to Persian carpets. Haggling will get you far here, so don’t settle for the first price offered on that authentic shawl or Byzantine choker that you have your eye on.
  • If you want to buy the traditional kilim (carpet), without the Grand Bazaar experience – visit the small towns in the countryside where the carpets are made.
  • Galata Tower is a huge stone circular landmark that offers fantastic views of the city. In times past, it was the lookout of Galata, the Genoese town. 
  • Your first stop after your flight to Istanbul lands should be Sultahnamet to see the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The most iconic attributes of the Istanbul landscape face each other across a massive plaza, which makes sightseeing a breeze due to the central location of the city’s most popular attractions. Hagia Sophia, which was built in the height of the Byzantine Empire, served as a model for the construction of the Blue Mosque, and the massive domes and intricate artwork of both draw millions of tourists each year. Before you head into the Blue Mosque, make sure that you’re appropriately dressed – no bare arms or legs, and women should cover their heads before entering the mosque. It’s best to check out the interiors of these incredible structures during the day, but the scene in Sultahnamet at night is nothing short of breathtaking, especially if you happen to be passing through the plaza at the last call to prayer.
  • If your flight to Istanbul left you a little jet-lagged, head straight to the nearest coffee bar and indulge in a cup of Turkish coffee. Turkish coffee has been an important component of religious, political and social customs since the Ottoman Empire, and Istanbul today continues to be filled with coffee houses that resonate with intimate conversation.
  • On the Asian side of the Bosphorus lies Bagdat Caddesi, Istanbul’s long strip of high-end boutiques and restaurants that closely compares with New York’s Fifth Avenue. If you’re looking to burn some lira thanks to saving money on a cheap flight to Istanbul, Bagdat Caddesi is worth a jaunt.

Finding Flights from Istanbul

The majority of airlines that offer service to Istanbul also offer return service home, or to other destinations abroad. Among these airlines are American Airlines, United, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air and other major carriers. With Cheapflights at your fingertips, it’s easy to plan your next stop. Visit https://www.cheapflights.co.uk for the top flight deals for routes out of Istanbul.

There are a few options for getting to Ataturk Airport in time for your flight, including train service directly to the terminals, public buses and taxi, with taxi service being rather expensive. As with any travel, remain aware of your surroundings on public transportation and keep your personal items close at hand. Plan on arriving at the terminal at least two hours before your flight to ensure you have enough time to make it through bag check and security before your flight is called for boarding.

Once you choose a destination, be sure to check out our Istanbul airport guides for more detailed travel information and helpful tips.

Istanbul, Turkey airport overview

Ataturk International Airport (IST) in Istanbul claims to be the airport serving the most non-European routes in 2011. Like Istanbul, Ataturk Airport is a meeting-point between east and west. Ataturk International Airport is a major air hub for the region and is one of the top 20 busiest airports in the world.

Passengers traveling through Ataturk International Airport will be pleased to know that the airport has a great selection of duty-free shops including tobacconists, perfume shops and many name brand stores such as Hugo Boss, D&G, DKNY, Dior, Armani, Gucci, Guess and Prada. What better way to keep yourself entertained between flights or while waiting for your flight than to embark on a shopping extravaganza?

Most airlines from across the world offer flights to Istanbul. Low-cost carriers such as Atlasjet, Pegasus Airlines, IZair and Sky Airlines all offer cheap flights to Ataturk International Airport. Ataturk is also the main hub for the national carrier Turkish Airlines, which flies to destinations including Amsterdam, Birmingham, Cape Town and Chicago as well as Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, New York, and Paris.

The airport was designed with Istanbul’s unique East-meets-West history in mind. This is particularly evident in the architecture of the building, such as the intricate mosaic tiling of the airport floors. It serves as a great introduction to the beautiful Ottoman architecture in Istanbul.

  • What’s the weather like in Istanbul?

    Winters in Istanbul, though very snowy, aren’t as chilly as one would assume. The temperatures average in the 40’s (Fahrenheit). Summertime in Istanbul is steamy and humid, with average high temperatures in the 70’s, driving the inhabitants out of the city to beat the heat.

  • How long is the flight to Istanbul?

    Your departure location will determine how long your flight to Istanbul will take, with flights from New York City lasting about fifteen to twenty hours, depending upon your layover and travel route. Flights from Chicago take twelve to fifteen hours with a stop on the way. If you’re flying from Toronto, a nonstop flight will last just shy of ten hours, and direct flights from Houston average about twelve hours in length.

  • Which airlines fly to Istanbul?

    Ataturk Airport is Istanbul’s main airport and welcomes millions of visitors every year from all corners of the globe. Major airlines that provide daily service to Ataturk include American Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, British Airways and Avianca.

  • What should you pack for a flight to Istanbul?

    Packing for your trip will depend upon the time of year you choose to visit Istanbul. Temperatures range from the mid-40’s (Fahrenheit) in the winter months of January and February to a warm 75 degrees in July, the warmest month. If your planning on a summer visit, be sure to go heavy on light cotton ensembles and bring along a pair of good walking shoes as the majority of attractions in the area require a good deal of walking. While the days are relatively mild in the winter months of December through January, the nights can dip into the 40’s and below. Make sure to pack a heavier jacket and layer your clothing with sweaters. January is the wettest month, making bringing along an umbrella an excellent idea.

  • What are some things to do in Istanbul?

    With a rich history as part of the Byzantine and later Ottoman empires, Istanbul offers a wonderland of cultural and historical experiences for those who love exploring world history. From early examples of Greek and Roman architecture to delicious dining experiences for dedicated foodies, there’s something in the city and surroundings for every adventurous spirit. From a church to a mosque and, finally, a museum, the Hagia Sophia Museum entrances visitors with its mix of religious representations, rich history and show-stopping dome. Considered by many to be a must see when they visit, the museum offers guided tours to make the most of your visit. Visit the home of the Ottoman sultans and their famed harems with a trip to Topkapi Palace. Stroll through the courtyard gardens and take in stunning views of the Sea of Marmara. It’s a good idea to visit when the cruise ship season isn’t as heavy as Topkapi is a stop on many cruise lines’ agendas. After the palace, take an afternoon – or a whole day in itself – to stroll the streets and shops of the Sultanahmet District. A tourist favorite, the area gives visitors the flavor of Turkish culture with a variety of markets and dining options. The rooftop restaurants offer delightful views and myriad museums let you travel back to the time of Constantinople.

  • What does IST mean?

    IST is a unique code, commonly called an IATA code, used in the aviation industry to identify airports. This code, along with many others, are defined by IATA (International Air Transport Association). A IST flight refers to a flight to Istanbul Airport. This flight destination has multiple associated airports, so we think it might be helpful to learn the name and codes of them as well. They are Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), Bursa Yenişehir Airport (YEI), İzmit Cengiz Topel Airport (KCO), Tekirdağ Corlu Airport (TEQ).

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