How to find cheap flights to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Right now, 66 € is the cheapest price for a one-way flight to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Or you can reserve a return plane ticket to IST for 98 €.
Set a Price Alert for tickets to IST and ditch the endless refreshing. We'll stay on top of it for you, sending updates when fares go down.
It's typically recommended to book about six months before your departure date. That's when you're most likely to get the best prices for tickets to Istanbul, where Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located.
Select the 'Add nearby airports' option and expand your search for cheap flights to Istanbul. This will list every airport around your departure and destination points.
If you aren't in a hurry to travel to Istanbul, think about taking an indirect route. You might find cheaper plane tickets to Istanbul Ataturk Airport if you book a flight with one or more stops.
Best time to go to Istanbul
You can typically jump on the cheapest flight to Istanbul in May.
Use the 'Whole month' tool if you have flexible travel dates. Browse fares for an entire month and find a flight to IST that suits your budget and itinerary.
Travel to Istanbul in August if you want to go when it's busy. This is the most popular month for flights to IST, but also when fares are typically more expensive.
Travel in February if you want to avoid the crowds. This is the quietest period of the year and also when plane tickets to Istanbul are typically less expensive.
With averages of between 20ºC and 30ºC, August is when Istanbul is at its warmest. Schedule your visit around your preferred weather conditions to get the most out of your time here.
Temperatures are lowest in January, when they range from 2ºC to 11ºC.
Flying to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST): what you need to know
Get to Istanbul in a single journey. These are some of the airlines offering direct flights to Istanbul Ataturk Airport:
Whether you're coming in late or just want the convenience of staying close by, you'll find some great hotels near Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Check in and relax at one of these after your flight to IST lands:
Getting to central Istanbul from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The distance from IST to central Istanbul is about 48 kilometres.
After landing from your flight to IST, the drive to the centre takes around 50 minutes.
Roughly 1 hour 45 minutes is how long it'll take to get there using public transport.
When in Istanbul, find a stay that feels like part of the adventure. Here's a roundup of comfy hotels to put on your short list:
Istanbul highlights
Topkapi Palace
Around 0.48 kilometres north-east of the centre in Sultanahmet, Topkapi Palace should be on your travel itinerary. Make it one of the first stops after your flight to Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
The Basilica Cistern
Cross off one of the biggest attractions in Istanbul with a visit to The Basilica Cistern. It's in Sultanahmet roughly 0.16 kilometres west of the centre.
Galata Tower
From the heart of the city, this highlight is around 2 kilometres north. It's located in the Galata area and the perfect addition to any Istanbul visit.
Complete your trip with an Istanbul car hire
Pick one of our car rentals in Istanbul and see the sights at your own speed. Easily compare rates in one place to get the perfect ride once you've booked your hotel and cheap flight to Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
