Travelling from Glasgow to Istanbul: what you need to know
Start your travel planning by considering where you'll catch your flight from Glasgow to Istanbul. Glasgow International Airport (GLA) and Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) are the main airports in Glasgow.
When it comes to choosing where to land in Istanbul, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are the chief entry points.
Istanbul is three hours ahead of Glasgow and observes the UTC+3 timezone.
To ensure you catch your Glasgow to Istanbul flight, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Travelling during a peak time like June? Public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer queues and delays at security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Glasgow to Istanbul
Booking ahead of time is often the key to scoring a cheap Glasgow to Istanbul flight. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the closer your departure date, the more it could cost you.
Finding cheap plane tickets from Glasgow to Istanbul is easy if you're flexible with your trip dates. Try using the 'Whole month' function to see the lowest prices across each month and land a great deal.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from Glasgow to Istanbul by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when a special offer becomes available.
Tailor your trip using filters. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Glasgow to Istanbul flights.
Flying from Glasgow
Glasgow International Airport (GLA)
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save money on your Glasgow to Istanbul flight. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Glasgow International Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Birmingham International Airport (BHX)
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
GLA is about 11 kilometres from central Glasgow. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take you 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 35 minutes.
After an easy start to your trip? Stay near Glasgow International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Glasgow to Istanbul or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are the answer:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Glasgow International Airport, data shows 70.07% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK)
Consider adding a stop at Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). It's a major stopover on a Glasgow to Istanbul flight departing Glasgow Prestwick Airport. Use a long layover to explore the city, or take advantage of a short break to browse the airport stores.
With public transport, you can travel from central Glasgow to PIK in around 55 minutes. The airport is roughly 48 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 40 minutes.
You're off on holiday, so why not enjoy an additional night away? Consider staying at one of these accommodation options near Glasgow Prestwick Airport the day before your flight from Glasgow to Istanbul:
76.7% of all departures from Glasgow Prestwick Airport make it to their destination as expected.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is approximately 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 50 minutes.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Glasgow to Istanbul. Reserve one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Travel at your own pace with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and see more of Istanbul and beyond.
Lock in the lowest price by reserving your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks ahead of your departure.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is roughly 31 kilometres from central Istanbul. After your flight from Glasgow to Istanbul, it takes approximately 55 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
The journey will take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your flight from Glasgow to Istanbul:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent and be off and running.
Get what you want, not just what's left over. Securing your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time often means better prices and a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
It's time to choose your travel dates for your flight from Glasgow to Istanbul. April is the most popular month for a trip to Istanbul. If you like a more peaceful vibe, go in February.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC (68ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Book your Glasgow to Istanbul ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Glasgow to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
After booking your flight from Glasgow to Istanbul, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these options your base for exploring Istanbul:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are essential stops on your Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've seen Istanbul, now it's time to explore other corners of Türkiye (Turkey). Journey around 354 kilometres east to Ankara to tick off its leading sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another essential stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Start your sightseeing at Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square.