Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet with its domes and six minarets, Bosphorus waters behind
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Cheap flights to Istanbul

Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia and is one of the world's great crossroads. Istanbul Airport is Turkish Airlines' hub, with many long-haul flights.

Looking for cheap flights to Istanbul? AirfaresForLess compares airlines and booking sites in one search, so you can find a low fare — and the right airport, dates and connections — without opening a dozen tabs.

Airports for Istanbul

IST Istanbul AirportSAW Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen

Getting from the airport

From Istanbul Airport, Havaist buses and the M11 metro line connect to the city, and taxis are available. From Sabiha Gökçen, Havabus coaches and a metro line serve the city.

Popular routes to Istanbul

New York → Istanbul Search faresMiami → Istanbul Search faresLos Angeles → Istanbul Search faresChicago → Istanbul Search faresAtlanta → Istanbul Search fares

Live fares from airlines and booking sites, compared by our partner KAYAK. Searches open with sample dates a month out — change them on KAYAK. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Also compare fares to Istanbul on OVAGO.

Where to stay in Istanbul

Flights sorted? Compare cheap hotels in Istanbul by neighborhood on RoomsCheap.com, our sister hotel site.

When flights to Istanbul are cheapest

Fares are often lower in winter and the shoulder seasons. Summer is busier.

More cheap flights to Turkey →

Photos of Istanbul

Istanbul at night across the Golden Horn with the illuminated Suleymaniye Mosque on the hill
Istanbul at night across the Golden Horn with the illuminated Suleymaniye Mosque on the hill
Suleymaniye Mosque lit up at dusk above the Eminonu waterfront square in Istanbul
Suleymaniye Mosque lit up at dusk above the Eminonu waterfront square in Istanbul
Roman-era Aqueduct of Valens arches spanning a busy Istanbul street with yellow taxis
Roman-era Aqueduct of Valens arches spanning a busy Istanbul street with yellow taxis

Frequently asked questions

Which Istanbul airport is closer to the old city?

Both are some distance away; Istanbul Airport is on the European side, Sabiha Gökçen on the Asian side.

Are there direct flights to Istanbul from North America?

Yes. Turkish Airlines flies nonstop from many cities.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Istanbul?

Winter and the shoulder seasons.