Cheap Flights to Istanbul

Popular airlines

    notification illustration

    Be in the know

    Get alerts if flight prices drop or rise*
    deals illustration

    Book smarter

    Save up to 35% on select hotels after you book a flight*
    trophy illustration

    Earn twice

    Earn your airline miles on top of our rewards

Cheap Tickets to Istanbul

These prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices quoted are per person, return, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

China Eastern Airlines
Qantas Airways
China Southern Airlines
AirAsia X
Turkish Airlines

Istanbul Flights

Incredibly chic, fantastically stylish, and practically bursting with history and culture, Istanbul is a city that is rapidly becoming a hot spot among tourists. As it is filled with such exciting places as the Blue Mosque and the Kapalı Çarşı, the Topkapı Harem and the Vefa Bozacisi, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this marvellous locale.
As this area sees visitors year round, it may be necessary to book ahead in order to snag up cheap flights to Istanbul.

Best time to go to Istanbul

Peak Season:

Although the months of June through September see a decline in locals, it sees an increase in tourists. The deliciously warm weather during these months make them great for wall walking by the Topkapı Gate, or spending a relaxing day in a hamam near Sultanahmet.
Accommodation, attractions, and flights to Istanbul can be pricey during this spell, so you will have to plan ahead.

Shoulder Season:

April, May, and October make up the shoulder season in Istanbul. Save for Easter, which sees an influx of tourists, the city is relatively quiet, making inexpensive flights easier to find.
Though there might be an occasional rain shower, the shoulder season is generally mild and beautiful, making it excellent for strolling through the tulips in Gülhane Park, or viewing the city from the rooftop Mikla restaurant.

Off Season:

The climate from November to March can be brisk and occasionally snowy. Though the weather can be biting during this spell, the city is still incredibly beautiful and crisp, and because of this, these months are excellent for taking part in the International 1001 Documentary Film Festival in November and the Istanbul Fashion Fair in February.

Istanbul Airport and Transfer Information

Ataturk International Airport (IST)
Distance: 24km west from Istanbul
Taxis are one of the most convenient, though most expensive, methods of ground transport, and take about 40 minutes to arrive in the city. Buses are cheaper and quicker, taking only 30 minutes to arrive, but may not be available if you have a late flight. Trains are the most economical method, but are not very flexible.

Online resources for your travel to Istanbul

http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/destinations/turkey.shtmlOpens in a new window
The Safetravel website gives safety and health warnings, as well as important nearby contact details.
http://www.ataturkairport.com/en-EN/Pages/Main.aspxOpens in a new window
The Ataturk International Airport website provides information on flights, in-airport facilities, and transport.

Frequently asked questions

What is the name of Istanbul's airport?
The majority of travellers like to fly into Ataturk Intl. Airport (IST) when visiting the bustling city of Istanbul.
How far is ISL from central Istanbul?
Istanbul Airport is 14 kilometres from downtown Istanbul, so expect a bit of a commute into the centre of the city.
What airport is best to fly into Istanbul?
Flying to Istanbul means hopping off the plane at Ataturk Intl. Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Intl. Airport (SAW). The first is 14 kilometres away from the downtown area. The second one is 31 kilometres away.
How many airlines fly to Istanbul?
Istanbul is serviced by 107 air carriers from at least 294 airports around the world.
Which airlines fly to Istanbul?
Pegasus Airlines and AJet fly often into Istanbul. Catching a Pegasus Airlines flight from Antalya is one of the most preferred options to travel there.
How many nonstop flights are there to Istanbul?
Flying to someplace new is much simpler when there aren't any stopovers to slow you down. If you're off to Istanbul, the good news is that there are 6 576 direct flights operating every week.
Where are the most popular flights to Istanbul departing from?
Travellers often depart from Antalya, Izmir and London airports when flying to Istanbul.
How long is the flight to Istanbul Airport?
If it's Antalya you're departing, you'll be airborne for around 1 hour and 26 minutes before you arrive in Istanbul. Tarmac to tarmac from Izmir takes about 1 hour and 16 minutes and from London, 3 hours and 54 minutes.
How to book the cheapest flight to Istanbul?
Don't leave booking your flight to Istanbul until the last minute. That's one move frequent travellers use to get the best prices. Booking in advance means more choices and less expensive flights. Another excellent way to grab the best deal is to research all options. If where you're headed has more than one airport, look into the cost of flying into a less busy terminal. And finally, don't forget that the early bird catches the worm. Familiarise yourself with airfare costs and be ready to reserve your seat as soon as you see a great bargain. The best deals don't last long.
Do you have any tips for my flight to Istanbul?
We've rounded up all the info you need to make your flight a stress-free experience. Follow our top tips and you'll be speeding through the airport and enjoying Istanbul before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

  • The secret to having a great flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a good book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

  • Make sure you don't have a sharp object hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

  • The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and choose shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to slip on and off.
  • The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

How to get through airport security fast when flying to Istanbul?
The answer is simple — be organised. We've put together some handy tips and tricks for an easy trip through airport security. Look out Istanbul, here you come:

  • Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
  • Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
  • For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets will also need to go through the scanner.
  • Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
  • Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
  • Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.

Flights to Istanbul information
Destination airport
Istanbul
Destination airport IATA code
IST
Destination city name
Istanbul
Return price
NZ$367

Trending flights to Istanbul

These prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices quoted are per person, return, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Qantas Airways
*Available to Expedia members.