Istanbul is served by Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Average flight prices are €70-150 for short-haul European flights; €300-550 for long-haul via Turkish Airlines. Best time to book: Book 6-10 weeks ahead for European flights and 3-5 months for long-haul. December to February (excluding New Year) offers the cheapest fares. Istanbul is a year-round destination, but spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) combine good weather with moderate prices. Turkish Airlines frequently has competitive fares for connecting flights via Istanbul to Asia and Africa.. Top airlines: Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, AnadoluJet.
Compare prices from 8+ airlines flying to Istanbul.
Istanbul is served by two major airports on opposite sides of the Bosphorus. Istanbul Airport (IST), which opened in 2018 on the European side, is one of the world's largest and busiest airports, designed to handle over 200 million passengers at full capacity. It serves as the mega-hub for Turkish Airlines, which operates one of the world's most extensive route networks with direct flights to over 300 destinations across six continents. The airport's modern facilities include expansive lounges, duty-free shopping, and a hotel within the terminal complex.
Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side primarily serves budget and domestic traffic. Pegasus Airlines, Turkey's leading low-cost carrier, uses Sabiha Gokcen as its main hub, offering highly competitive fares across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. European budget carriers like Wizz Air and easyJet also operate from SAW. For purely European travel, Sabiha Gokcen often has cheaper options, though its distance from the main tourist areas on the European side makes transfer times longer.
Both airports are distant from Istanbul's historic center — IST is 35 km to the northwest and SAW is 45 km to the southeast. The Havaist bus network connects Istanbul Airport to major city points, while metro expansion projects aim to provide rail access in the near future. For Sabiha Gokcen, the Havabus to Taksim is the most popular option, though traffic on the D100 highway can make journey times unpredictable. If staying on the Asian side of Istanbul (Kadikoy, Uskudar), Sabiha Gokcen is actually more convenient.
Secret fare tricks, best booking windows, and airline comparison charts — free PDF download.
IST is better for international and long-haul flights via Turkish Airlines, and is on the European side where most tourist attractions are located. SAW is often cheaper for European budget flights but is farther from the main tourist areas. If staying on the Asian side, SAW is more convenient.
Havaist buses run to Taksim, Sultanahmet, and other central areas for about €3, taking 60-90 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis cost €30-40. A metro line (M11) is being extended to the airport. Currently, the bus is the most reliable public transport option.
Turkish Airlines is highly rated, offering complimentary meals, generous baggage allowance (2x23 kg on intercontinental), and good service. Its Istanbul hub enables connections to over 300 destinations. The airline's CIP lounges at IST are among the best in the world. For long-haul travel, it often offers excellent value compared to competitors.
December to February (excluding New Year week) offers the lowest fares, with European flights often available for €50-80 one-way. Pegasus Airlines and Wizz Air frequently have sales with even lower prices. Spring and fall shoulder seasons offer good value with better weather.
Istanbul Airport is one of the world's premier connecting hubs. Turkish Airlines offers same-day connections to hundreds of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern destinations. The airport's modern transfer facilities and competitive connecting fares make it an excellent alternative to Gulf hubs like Dubai or Doha.
Secret fare tricks, best booking windows, and airline comparison charts — free PDF download.
Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.