Travelling from Istanbul to Dubai: what you need to know
Start your travel planning by considering where you'll take off for your flight from Istanbul to Dubai. Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's main airports.
When it comes to choosing where to land in Dubai, Dubai Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) are the primary gateways.
The average length of a direct Istanbul to Dubai flight is 4 hours 30 minutes.
Dubai's timezone is UTC+4, making Dubai one hour ahead of Istanbul.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Dubai Airport (DXB) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 62 weekly flights to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from Istanbul to Dubai is with Emirates at 23:40. Choose the first IST to DXB departure with Turkish Airlines at 00:25 to maximise your time in Dubai.
Allow plenty of time to make your Istanbul to Dubai flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months such as August, it's a good idea to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight when you fly during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Dubai
Currently, ₹ 6,301 is the best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Dubai. The cheapest price for a return flight is ₹ 16,287. Keep in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Lock in cheap Istanbul to Dubai flights by booking eight months ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for finding a bargain.
Schedule your trip for November. That's the best month for landing a great bargain on plane tickets from Istanbul to Dubai. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from Istanbul to Dubai by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Save on your Istanbul to Dubai flight with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Istanbul to Dubai, you can leave from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Get from IST to Dubai Airport (DXB) without any stops.
Pick from a variety of airlines that offer direct Istanbul to Dubai plane tickets out of IST. Let one of these carriers take you there:
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a travel break — and perhaps even explore a different city. When searching for Istanbul to Dubai flights leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Popular options include:
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
Vaclav Havel Airport Prague (PRG)
The journey from central Istanbul to IST takes around 1 hour 45 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a convenient hotel close to Istanbul Ataturk Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Istanbul to Dubai, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure lounge:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Prefer to jet off from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)? This hub offers direct flights from Istanbul to Dubai, seamlessly connecting to Dubai Airport (DXB).
Book a direct Istanbul to Dubai plane ticket with one of these popular carriers that operate this route from SAW:
Visit family or friends or just take a moment to stretch your legs with a stopover. If you'd like to split up your Istanbul to Dubai flight, here's where you can stop when taking off from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)
Baghdad International Airport (BGW)
With public transport, you can travel from central Istanbul to SAW in around 1 hour 30 minutes. The airport is roughly 31 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 55 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your flight from Istanbul to Dubai? Kick back in a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your adventure officially starts. Consider one of these stays:
77% of flights departing Sabiha Gokcen International Airport arrive within the expected time frame.
Arriving in Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Dubai Airport (DXB) is approximately 5 kilometres from the centre of Dubai. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 15 minutes.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of about 50 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Istanbul to Dubai. Check in to one of these accommodation options near DXB instead:
Pick up a Dubai Airport rental car and explore Dubai and beyond with your own set of wheels. AMEX, Autostrad Rent A Car and Quicklease Car Hire are popular providers you can book with here.
Secure the lowest price by reserving your vehicle from Dubai Airport about three weeks in advance of your trip.
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is about 40 kilometres from central Dubai. Following your flight from Istanbul to Dubai, it'll take you approximately 45 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 2 hours 5 minutes or so.
After your flight from Istanbul to Dubai, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to DWC. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
Forget about inconvenient public transport timetables or waiting in a long cab line. Grab a Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport rental car and let your trip unfold on your terms. Compare rates and availability from Quicklease Car Hire, Quick Drive and Golden Key Car Hire.
Call dibs on the best options. Securing your ride from DWC three weeks ahead of time often means more savings and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Dubai
It's time to pick your travel dates for your flight from Istanbul to Dubai. January is the busiest month to travel to Dubai. If you like a more relaxed vibe, go in April.
Lock in an Istanbul to Dubai ticket departing in July if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Dubai to range from 30ºC to 42ºC.
January sees average temperatures of between 14ºC and 25ºC. Search for cheap flights from Istanbul to Dubai around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Dubai
Start your Dubai trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Dubai, check out our selection of accommodation options including:
Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall Heart are just the start of the leading attractions to put on your Dubai travel itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Desert safari tourism.
Explore more of United Arab Emirates
Dubai will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other parts of United Arab Emirates just waiting to be discovered. Around 23 kilometres north-east of Dubai, a visit to Sharjah will keep you on the go. Start with leading attractions like Al majaz waterfront, Petrofac and Al Montazah Park.
Around 121 kilometres south-west of Dubai, Abu Dhabi is another essential stop in United Arab Emirates. No visit is complete without checking out Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace, Dubai and Qasr Al Watan.
