Flying from Malta International Airport (MLA) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Approximately 2 hours 35 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct flight from Malta International Airport to Istanbul.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is two hours ahead of Valletta, where Malta International Airport is located.
Malta International Airport (MLA) to Istanbul Airport (IST) is the most traveled route, with 18 weekly departures to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from MLA to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 19:30. Go for the first departure with KM Malta Airlines at 06:00 if you want to fly out earlier.
Give yourself enough time to make your MLA to Istanbul flight. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like August, it's a good idea to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of international flights when you fly during a peak period in general.
You can book a direct Malta International Airport to Istanbul ticket. Start your trip at MLA and end it at Istanbul Airport (IST).
Book your seat with Turkish Airlines. This popular airline offers direct flights from Malta International Airport to Istanbul.
We make it a breeze to book plane tickets from MLA to Istanbul with a stopover. To see all the options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight that has a stop long enough to explore the city of your choice. Well-traveled stopover hubs include:
Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
Located around 6 kilometres from the centre of Valletta, MLA can be reached in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport takes roughly 30 minutes.
Want a leisurely start to your holiday? Stay near MLA. Whether you're taking an early flight from Malta International Airport to Istanbul or just don't like being rushed, these hotels put convenience first:
Of all flights departing from Malta International Airport, 76% land on schedule at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Malta International Airport (MLA) to Istanbul
69 € is currently the lowest price for a one-way Malta International Airport to Istanbul flight. A return plane ticket starts from 137 €. These prices may change based on demand and availability.
Book one month before flying. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from MLA to Istanbul.
The best month for landing cheap Malta International Airport to Istanbul tickets is June. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then choose the dates offering the lowest fares.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from MLA to Istanbul by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Malta International Airport to Istanbul.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST)
The distance from Istanbul Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is roughly 40 kilometres. It'll take you about 45 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Travelling by public transport typically takes 1 hour 10 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Malta International Airport to Istanbul, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these hotels near IST:
Secure the lowest price by reserving your vehicle from Istanbul Airport around two weeks ahead of your flight from MLA to Istanbul.
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
The centre of Istanbul is located around 48 kilometres from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Once your flight from Malta International Airport to Istanbul has landed and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 1 hour 5 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 1 hour 40 minutes or so.
There are some great places to call home for the night near SAW. Tuck yourself in and get cosy after your MLA to Istanbul flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Lock in the best price by reserving your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
August is the most popular month for flights from Malta International Airport to Istanbul. To skip the crowds, head to Istanbul in February.
Book a Malta International Airport to Istanbul plane ticket with a departure in July to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
For cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from MLA to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Malta International Airport to Istanbul, check out our selection of accommodation options including:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Historic Areas of Istanbul, Hagia Sophia Museum and Hagia Sophia History Museum are must-do's during your Istanbul adventure.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many cities in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be explored once you've seen the sights of Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres away to the east, its top attractions include The Roman Theatre, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
Around 322 kilometres southwest of Istanbul, Izmir is another favourite stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Aegean Coast, Smyrna Basilika and Ataturk Konak Square.