Travelling from Moscow to Istanbul: what you need to know
You can choose from a range of airports when planning your flight from Moscow to Istanbul. Explore your options for flying out of Moscow from Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Vnukovo Airport (VKO) and Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME).
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's primary gateways.
Around 4 hours 45 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct Moscow to Istanbul flight.
Istanbul's timezone is UTC+3, which is the same as Moscow.
Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 44 weekly departures to choose from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from Moscow to Istanbul is with Aeroflot at 23:25. Choose the first SVO to IST departure operated by Aeroflot at 00:10 to maximise your time in Istanbul.
For a stress-free journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your Moscow to Istanbul flight.
During popular months like August, it's a good idea to get to the airport well in advance. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of international flights when you travel during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Moscow to Istanbul
Booking in advance is often the key to finding a cheap Moscow to Istanbul flight. Fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so the closer your departure date, the more you'll likely pay.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest plane tickets from Moscow to Istanbul across every month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your dates aren't set in stone.
Locking in a cheap flight from Moscow to Istanbul is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when there's a better deal.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' Moscow to Istanbul flights.
Flying from Moscow
Vnukovo Airport (VKO)
Set off from Vnukovo Airport (VKO) and fly straight through to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). If you're searching for a direct flight from Moscow to Istanbul out of VKO, those are your landing options.
You'll have your choice of airlines that offer direct Moscow to Istanbul plane tickets out of VKO. Book your seat with one of these:
Central Moscow to VKO is around 27 kilometres. Depending on traffic conditions, it'll take about 1 hour to reach there if you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving.
64.85% of flights taking off from Vnukovo Airport arrive at their destination on schedule.
Vnukovo Airport (VKO)
Looking for a direct flight from Moscow to Istanbul leaving from Vnukovo Airport (VKO)? Fasten your seatbelt and fly nonstop from VKO to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
You can take your pick of airlines that offer direct Moscow to Istanbul plane tickets from VKO. Jet off with any of these carriers and travel straight to your destination:
VKO is roughly 29 kilometres from central Moscow. It'll take you 1 hour 5 minutes or so to reach the terminal when driving from the city centre.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Moscow to Istanbul? Check in to a hotel near Vnukovo Airport before your trip officially begins. Check out these accommodation options:
Vnukovo Airport has an on-time performance rate of 65%. This figure highlights how often flights departing from this airport arrive at their destination on schedule.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is approximately 32 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 50 minutes.
It usually takes 1 hour 45 minutes to get there on public transport.
Book a hotel close to IST if you have a late flight from Moscow to Istanbul. Pick one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Grab an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and discover Istanbul and beyond with your own wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are top outlets to choose from here.
Lock in the best deal by reserving your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks in advance of your trip.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Once your flight from Moscow to Istanbul has arrived, you can reach the city centre in around 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is roughly 31 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
Travelling by public transport will take about 1 hour 30 minutes.
You'll find some great places ready to welcome you near SAW. Tuck yourself in after your Moscow to Istanbul flight at any of these perfectly located options:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or waiting forever for a cab. Pick up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Check out the availability and rates from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Get the pick of the lot. Reserving your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time often means more savings and a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
April is the busiest month for flights from Moscow to Istanbul. To steer clear of the crowds, go to Istanbul in February.
Before locking in your Moscow to Istanbul tickets, consider what kind of weather works for you. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Moscow to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
After booking your flight from Moscow to Istanbul, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Istanbul:
Every great journey has to include a little sightseeing. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower 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 discovered after you've seen Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres to the east, top sights here include Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
If you're interested in discovering another great destination in Türkiye (Turkey), head for Izmir, about 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square are among the biggest draws.
