S$132 Cheap Flights to Istanbul

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Cheap round-trip 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.

British Airways
British Airways
Saudia
Batik air
IndiGo

Cheap flights to Istanbul

If you are thinking of flying to Istanbul you certainly aren’t alone. Visitors have been arriving here since time immemorial. This magical meeting place, where east and west commingle, has seen the Greeks, Romans, Venetians and Ottomans leave their mark.

Walking through the city is very much like traversing history and the unique allure of Istanbul is in many ways testament to its ability to accommodate and mix civilisations and cultures. As the final stage of the legendary Silk Road the city has seen many traders arrive, like what they see and decide to stay. The diversity of Istanbul is just one of the treasures a cheap flight can reveal to you today.

When to book your cheap flight to Istanbul

The most popular time to visit is between April to the start of November. Visitors peak between July and August. Flights to Istanbul will be at their most expensive during this time – you can still bag a bargain if you book early enough but they are pretty thin on the ground.

Istanbul’s winter is very wet and it can be very cold. Flights may be cheap but snow may also cover the ground, and your brolly could be in constant demand.

The months of September and October see tourist numbers gradually trail off, yet the weather remains favourable. This means cheaper flights are not so tough to come by. Another good time to consider booking is March or early April. During this time the Tulip Festival and International Istanbul Film Festival offer plenty of extra attractions in a city that is already crammed with them.

Airlines offering flights to Tenerife include:

  • KLM
  • Air France
  • British Airways
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Atlas Global
  • Ukraine International
  • Aegean
  • Swiss
  • Emirates
  • Etihad
  • easyJet
  • Ryanair
  • Pegasus

Getting to Istanbul from its airports

The busiest of Istanbul’s two airports is Istanbul Atatürk Airport, located on the European side of Turkey, 14 miles from the centre. The second airport, Sabiha Gokcen, is newer, located on the Asian side, and sits 19 miles from the centre.

Reaching the centre of Istanbul is straightforward from either airport. Ataturk has a metro station, which provides an efficient and cheap way to get into the city’s heart.

Both airports offer airport taxis and shuttle bus services – but you are advised to avoid the trams as they tend to be very busy which, with luggage in tow, can make travelling uncomfortable.

It takes about 55 minutes in a taxi to get from Sabiha Gocken to central Istanbul and 30 minutes from Ataturk.

How to get around in Istanbul

The most efficient and cheap way to get around is to avail yourself of the excellent network of metro lines, trams, funiculars and ferries.

Istanbul’s roads can be very busy and all of these help you avoid the inevitable city snarl ups that occur.

If you purchase an İstanbulkart you will save nearly 50% on the standard ticket price every time you travel.

How to find the hidden pleasures of Istanbul

Of course, you want to take in the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar and Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Here are some things that you may not know about, but that really make a trip to Istanbul come alive.

Head underground to discover Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern. Underneath the city this cistern was built in the 6th century while the city was still known as Constantinople. The atmospheric lighting and the scary Medusa statues help to make this a trip into ancient history that will stay with you for a long time.

For fantastic views Camlica Hill is hard to beat. This is the place to chill out if you are not in a café drinking apple tea and smoking a shisha pipe. From this hill there are perfect views over the Bosphorus.

An authentic hammam experience is invigorating, if a little intimidating. Forget the experiences offered at your swanky hotel and opt for a more authentic experience at one of the many traditional Istanbul steam rooms. Most are separated by gender. You’ll pass through several different rooms of different temperatures and the brave can opt to pay an attendant for a rough and ready scrub-down. To truly exfoliate those pores, try Cemberlitai Hamami or Cagaloglu in the Old Town.

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
Sabiha Gokcen Intl.
Destination airport IATA code
SAW
Destination city name
Istanbul
Return price
S$282

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.

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*Available to Expedia members.