Flying from Istanbul to Moscow: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can fly out of in Istanbul. Check out your options departing from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW) when reserving your flight from Istanbul to Moscow.
When it comes to arriving in Moscow, hop off the plane at Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) or Moscow Vnukovo Airport (VKO). Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME) is another way to get to this city.
Book a direct Istanbul to Moscow flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 4 hours 25 minutes.
Istanbul and Moscow are in the UTC+3 timezone. This means you won't have to adjust your watch after you land.
Istanbul Airport (IST) to Moscow Vnukovo Airport (VKO) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 75 departures a week to choose from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Istanbul to Moscow is with Turkish Airlines at 22:10. Opt for the first IST to VKO departure with Turkish Airlines at 01:10 to fit in more activities on your first day in Moscow.
For a stress-free journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably catch your Istanbul to Moscow flight.
During popular months such as August, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than normal. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight when you fly during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Moscow
Score cheap Istanbul to Moscow flights by booking three months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time for landing a bargain.
The best month for picking up cheap plane tickets from Istanbul to Moscow is August. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates with the lowest fares.
Locking in a cheap flight from Istanbul to Moscow couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when there's a better deal.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' Istanbul to Moscow flights.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Depart from Istanbul Airport (IST) on a direct flight from Istanbul to Moscow. You can arrive at these Moscow airports from IST:
Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO)
Moscow Vnukovo Airport (VKO)
Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME)
There are numerous airlines that offer direct Istanbul to Moscow plane tickets out of IST. Some of the most popular are:
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your journey — and maybe even explore a different city. When browsing Istanbul to Moscow flights departing from Istanbul Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Cairo Airport (CAI)
Zayed International Airport (AUH)
Travelling from central Istanbul to IST takes around 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a taxi, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 45 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Searching for a convenient hotel near Istanbul Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Istanbul to Moscow, these accommodation options will have you moments from your check-in counter:
Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW)
Prefer to jet off from Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW)? This hub offers nonstop flights from Istanbul to Moscow, seamlessly connecting to Moscow Vnukovo Airport (VKO).
AJet offers direct Istanbul to Moscow plane tickets from SAW. Book your preferred aisle (or window) seat and reach your destination in a single hop.
Get the most out of your holiday with a stopover on your Istanbul to Moscow flight. Visit family or friends or tick another city off your list. Whatever you choose to do, check out these stops between Istanbul Sabiha Airport and Moscow:
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Cairo Airport (CAI)
Antalya Airport (AYT)
SAW is around 31 kilometres from central Istanbul. It'll take 1 hour 5 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes.
You're off on holiday, so why not book an extra night away? Consider kicking back in one of these hotels near Istanbul Sabiha Airport the day before your flight from Istanbul to Moscow:
When it comes to flight punctuality, Istanbul Sabiha Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 68%.
Arriving in Moscow
Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO)
The distance from Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) to central Moscow is roughly 27 kilometres. It'll take you about 35 minutes to reach the centre driving.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 40 minutes.
Reserve a hotel close to SVO if you're coming in on a late flight from Istanbul to Moscow. Settle into one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Moscow Vnukovo Airport (VKO)
Once your flight from Istanbul to Moscow has hit the tarmac, you can make your way to the city centre in about 45 minutes by car. Central Moscow is approximately 27 kilometres from Moscow Vnukovo Airport (VKO).
Public transport will get you there in about 45 minutes.
After your flight from Istanbul to Moscow, kick back at a hotel near VKO. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME)
Hop off your flight from Istanbul to Moscow and travel to your hotel or start exploring right away. Central Moscow is around 40 kilometres from Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME) and typically takes 45 minutes to reach by car.
The journey will take you around 45 minutes by public transport.
Find a hotel near DME and get from baggage claim to bedtime in a flash. Whether you have a late Istanbul to Moscow flight or just want to keep your travel plans simple, these stays offer convenience when you need it most:
Best time to go to Moscow
August is the most popular month for flights from Istanbul to Moscow. To skip the crowds, go to Moscow in March.
Book a Istanbul to Moscow ticket departing in July if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Moscow to range from 12ºC (54ºF) to 31ºC (88ºF).
January has average temperatures of between -18ºC (0ºF) and 0ºC (32ºF). Look for cheap flights from Istanbul to Moscow around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Moscow
Start your Moscow trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Moscow, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral are just a couple of the popular attractions to add to your Moscow must-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Bolshoi Theatre.
Explore more of Russia
Nizhniy Novgorod is just one of the many cities in Russia waiting to be discovered once you've seen the sights of Moscow. Around 386 kilometres to the east, check out popular attractions including Pamyatnik Mininu I Pozharskomu, Ascension Cathedral and Andrey Sakharov Museum.
Around 467 kilometres south of Moscow, Voronezh is another favourite stop in Russia. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Resurrection Cathedral, Church of the Nativity and Planetarium.
