How to find cheap flights to Istanbul
The lowest price we've found for a one-way flight to Istanbul is ₹ 16,562. A return plane ticket starts at ₹ 30,319.
Track fare changes instantly with Price Alerts delivered right to your app or inbox. Just sign up for these automatic notifications and let the deals come to you.
The earlier you book, the better. You might even be able to pick up some awesome early bird deals for your flight.
Broaden your search for cheap flights to Istanbul by choosing the 'Add nearby airports' option. This lets you browse fares for surrounding airports, which could offer better deals.
Indirect routes can often save you money, so consider taking a flight with a stop. Just uncheck the 'Direct flights' box when searching for your plane tickets.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Make use of the 'Whole month' tool if you're flexible with your dates. Browse fares for the entire month and find a flight that fits your plans and budget.
August sees the highest demand for flights. The city is typically in full swing, so you'll never be short on things to do.
February is the quietest time of year to visit if you want a more relaxed vibe. There's also a good chance you'll find cheaper prices on plane tickets to Istanbul then.
With averages between 21ºC and 30ºC, July is when Istanbul is warmest. Plan your visit around your weather preferences to get the most out of your time here.
January is when temperatures dip to their coolest, between 2ºC and 11ºC.
Want to visit when you're less likely to need an umbrella? July is the driest month in Istanbul, averaging two days of rain.
Rain is more likely during January, which gets around eight days of wet weather.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Istanbul brings a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Winter brings crisp temperatures around 9°C during the day and chilly 4°C nights. Pack warm layers and waterproof gear for occasional showers. These cooler months are among the best times to explore Istanbul without summer crowds.
March – May: Spring brings mild weather with daytime highs around 20°C and nights dropping to 10°C. You'll enjoy crisp mornings and warming afternoons perfect for exploring the city. Bring layers for temperature changes throughout the day.
June – September: Summer brings warm, sunny days with temperatures reaching 28°C and cooling to 20°C at night. Perfect for outdoor sightseeing, walking tours, and exploring waterfront areas during the long daylight hours.
October – November: Autumn brings mild days around 19°C and crisp nights near 11°C, perfect for exploring outdoor attractions and wandering through historic neighbourhoods. You'll enjoy ideal conditions for walking tours and discovering local markets without the summer crowds.
Travelling to Istanbul: what you need to know
Istanbul Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are where you can land for your Istanbul flight.
The busiest airport handling flights to the city is Istanbul Airport (IST).
Travel to your destination without any stops. These are some of the leading airlines that offer direct flights to Istanbul:
You'll be in the UTC+3 timezone when you arrive in Istanbul.
Once you've booked your tickets, find the perfect stay to match your journey. Here's a lineup of comfy hotels to keep in mind for your visit:
What is the baggage allowance on flights to Istanbul?
Most flights to Istanbul include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though allowances vary depending on the airline and ticket type you choose. Before booking, it's worth checking the specific baggage policies for your preferred airline as restrictions and fees can differ significantly between operators and fare classes:
Turkish Airlines
Carry-on allowance: 8kg cabin bag up to 55x40x23cm plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Terminal: Arrives at Istanbul Airport (IST), Terminal 1
Uzbekistan Airways
Carry-on allowance: 8kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Terminal: Arrives at Istanbul Airport (IST), Terminal 1
Aeroflot
Carry-on allowance: 10kg cabin bag up to 55x40x25cm plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Terminal: Arrives at Istanbul Airport (IST), Terminal 1
Istanbul Airport (IST) offers comprehensive facilities including complimentary Wi-Fi throughout all terminals, numerous dining options and duty-free shopping areas. You'll find prayer rooms, baby care facilities, and currency exchange services conveniently located across the airport. Istanbul Airport (IST) also provides medical services, baggage storage, and efficient transport connections to central Istanbul via metro and bus services.
Getting to central Istanbul from Istanbul Airport (IST)
Central Istanbul is about 40 kilometres from IST, the city's main gateway.
You'll reach the centre in around 45 minutes if you're ride-sharing or catching a taxi after your flight to Istanbul.
About 1 hour 10 minutes is how long it'll take to get there on public transport.
Curl up in bed shortly after your flight to Istanbul. Choose any of these stays close to Istanbul Airport and you'll be fast asleep before you know it:
Istanbul Airport serves Istanbul and nearby areas in Istanbul Province, Türkiye (Turkey).
Istanbul highlights
These leading attractions have to be on your to-do list after stepping off your flight to Istanbul:
Hagia Sophia Museum: A classic place to kick off your sightseeing, this landmark is located around 0.16 kilometres east of the city centre in Fatih.
Hagia Sophia History Museum: Need one more reason to visit Istanbul? This landmark brings in the crowds and is around 0.32 kilometres southwest of the city centre in Fatih.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Things to do in Istanbul: Stroll through the Grand Bazaar, about 2 kilometres southwest of the city centre, where you can browse leather goods, carpets, and spices across 4,000 shops. Walk along the Bosphorus waterfront promenade in Eminonu, roughly 1 kilometre south, and watch ferries cross between Europe and Asia. Head to Princes' Islands, about 20 kilometres southeast by ferry, for car-free cycling paths and quiet beaches away from the city.
Cultural experiences: Listen to traditional Turkish music at the Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall in Harbiye, about 3 kilometres north of the city centre, or admire Byzantine mosaics and Islamic calligraphy at the Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet. Take a Turkish cooking class in Beyoglu district, roughly 2 kilometres northeast, to learn techniques for making baklava and traditional mezes from local chefs.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the Istanbul Tulip Festival during April when millions of tulips bloom across the city's parks and gardens. Summer brings outdoor concerts and rooftop dining opportunities along the Bosphorus. The best time to visit Istanbul is during spring and autumn when mild temperatures make exploring historic neighbourhoods and markets more comfortable.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Türkiye (Turkey) isn't short of places to explore. Carry on to Bursa, located around 88 kilometres south of Istanbul. Old Bursa Historic Houses, Archeological Museum and Bursa Grand Bazaar are a few of its must-sees. Bursa Yenisehir Airport (YEI) is the most conveniently located airport for this city.
Eskisehir could easily become your new favourite place in Türkiye (Turkey). You'll find it roughly 193 kilometres southeast of Istanbul. Eskişehir Odunpazarı Evleri, Archeological Museum and TÜRASAŞ Revolution Cars Museum rank among the top sights. The main airport serving this city is Eskisehir Anadolu Airport (AOE).
Complete your trip with a Istanbul car hire
Thinking of renting a car in the city? Pick from a selection of car rentals in Istanbul and follow the road to new adventures. With one easy search, compare rates and book the best deal after locking in your hotel and cheap flight to Istanbul.
