Cheap Flights to Istanbul

Cheapest Time of Year to Fly to Istanbul

Return fares to Istanbul by month, based on the cheapest return airfares found for each month.

The cheapest month to fly to Istanbul is October 2026, with return fares from $1,246 — 16% cheaper than the most expensive month (November 2026, from $1,488).

When Should You Fly to Istanbul?

Based on the fares we've tracked, October is typically the cheapest month to fly to Istanbul, with return fares from $1,246. November is the most expensive month, with the cheapest return fares around $1,488.

Across the year, return fares to Istanbul average around $1,391. If you can travel in the off-peak months of October, February and November, you'll generally pay up to 10% less than the yearly average.

Cheapest Prices for Return Flights to Istanbul

These are the cheapest prices for return airfares to Istanbul

Average Prices for Return Flights to Istanbul

These are the average prices for return airfares to Istanbul

Getting to central Istanbul from Istanbul Airport (IST)

Istanbul Airport is about 40 to 50 km north-west of the city centre. It is genuinely far from the main tourist areas, so budget at least an hour for the trip.

• Metro (M11) runs direct from the airport to Gayrettepe station in about 30 minutes, where you transfer to the M2 line (same station, no need to exit). From Gayrettepe, Taksim is about 10 minutes further on the M2. For Sultanahmet, continue to Vezneciler then walk about 10 to 15 minutes. Total metro journey from airport to Sultanahmet is about 60 minutes. The metro is the most reliable option as it avoids traffic.
• Havaist shuttle buses run 24 hours to multiple city destinations. The Taksim service takes 70 to 100 minutes depending on traffic. For Sultanahmet, take the Aksaray service (HVL-1) then transfer to the T1 tram. Pay via the Havaist app or Istanbulkart.
• Taxis queue at official ranks outside arrivals. The trip to Taksim or Sultanahmet takes 50 to 90 minutes depending on traffic, which can be severe on the E-80 highway. Use metered taxis from the rank only.

The O-7 motorway connecting the airport to the city is tolled via the electronic HGS system. If hiring a car, check that a toll tag is included.

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