Cheap Flights to Istanbul from NZ$1,023

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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.

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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.shtml
The Safetravel website gives safety and health warnings, as well as important nearby contact details.
http://www.ataturkairport.com/en-EN/Pages/Main.aspx
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?
Istanbul has several airports, but most visitors touch down at Ataturk Intl. Airport (IST).
How far is Istanbul Airport from central Istanbul?
Istanbul Airport is 14 kilometres from downtown Istanbul, so be prepared for a bit of a commute into the centre.
What airport is best to fly into Istanbul?
With so many airports to choose from, Istanbul is the sort of place that’s easy to visit at short notice. The terminals that handle the majority of the city’s air travel are ISL (14 kilometres from downtown), Sabiha Gokcen Intl. Airport (SAW) (31 kilometres from downtown) and IST (32 kilometres from downtown).
How many airlines fly to Istanbul?
There are 72 airlines that service Istanbul from 290 worldwide airports.
Which airlines fly to Istanbul?
Turkish Airlines and Pegasus offer the most flights to Istanbul. One of the most common ways to travel there is on a Turkish Airlines flight from Izmir.
How many nonstop flights are there to Istanbul?
Flying to somewhere new is much simpler when there aren’t any stopovers involved. If you’re heading to Istanbul, the awesome news is that there are around 5 964 direct flights every week.
Where are the most popular flights to Istanbul departing from?
Travellers often depart from Antalya, Izmir and London airports when going to Istanbul.
How long is the flight to Istanbul Airport?
Which city you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to enjoy. From Izmir to Istanbul, the average flight time is 1 hour and 10 minutes. From Antalya it’s more or less 1 hour and 21 minutes, and from Ankara it’s 1 hour and 10 minutes.
How to book the cheapest flight to Istanbul?
If you’d like to have some extra spending money on your Istanbul holiday, then listen up! As every seasoned jet-setter knows, don’t book at the very last minute. Prices are generally more expensive close to the departure date. Also, look around online and compare your options. If your destination has several airports, you may be able to score an excellent price by flying into one that’s farther away. Lastly, be prepared to lock in your seat quickly if you find a real bargain. It might not stick around for long! With a bit of know-how and a little good fortune, the perfect airfare can be yours.
How to survive the flight to Istanbul?
Depending on where you’re coming from, your trip to Istanbul could be a breeze or it could go on forever. We’ve rounded up some handy tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

  • A plane ride can be a pleasure if you take the right things. Firstly, you’ll want some basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare change of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, find room in your bag for your phone and charger, your medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don’t forget to take your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

  • While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and objects that could harm passengers, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

  • Your number one priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Layer up in natural-fibre clothing and bring a jacket in case it gets chilly in the cabin. Pick flat, well-fitting shoes as it’s possible that your feet and ankles will swell during the flight. Leave the stilettos and chunky boots in your checked baggage.
  • The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. The good news is there are numerous ways to reduce the risk of developing it. Stay well hydrated, walk around the cabin wherever possible and wear compression socks to help improve your circulation.

How to get through airport security fast when flying to Istanbul?
It’s simple — be prepared. We’ve compiled some tips and tricks for a speedy trip through security. Watch out Istanbul, here you come:

  • Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport easily accessible. They’re the first items you’ll be asked for by airport security.
  • Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They’ll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
  • All electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
  • Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
  • There’s a possibility that you’ll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
  • Airlines won’t allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.

Flights to Istanbul information
Destination airport
Istanbul
Destination airport IATA code
IST
Destination city name
Istanbul
Airlines serving
Emirates, KLM, Qatar Airways
Return price
NZ$1,368
Popular airline
Qatar Airways

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.

China Eastern Airlines
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