Cheapest Flights to Istanbul
* Ticket prices are subject to change.Popular Flights
* Ticket prices are subject to change.From the Most Popular Cities to Istanbul
About Istanbul
Istanbul, the largest city in Türkiye, straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, with a population of over 15 million residents as of 2023. This vibrant metropolis is renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning architecture, blending the ancient and the modern seamlessly.
Istanbul experiences a mix of Mediterranean and humid subtropical climates, with hot, humid summers and cool, wet winters. The best time to visit Istanbul is from April to June and September to November, when the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and exploring the city's many outdoor attractions.
The city is served by two major international airports: Istanbul Airport on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport on the Asian side. Major airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Flydubai operate direct and connected flights from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Istanbul, making it easily accessible from the UAE.
Istanbul’s culinary scene is a feast for the senses, offering a wide array of traditional Turkish dishes and international flavors. The city's food culture is famous for its mezes, kebabs, baklava, and simit. Whether you're enjoying a hearty meal at a local restaurant or indulging in street food, Istanbul's diverse cuisine is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Tourists in Istanbul can immerse themselves in the city's rich heritage by visiting iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque. The Grand Bazaar offers a unique shopping experience with its labyrinth of shops selling everything from spices to textiles. Don't miss a boat ride on the Bosphorus, which offers stunning views of the city’s skyline.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Istanbul boasts beautiful parks and scenic spots. Gülhane Park and Emirgan Park are perfect for leisurely strolls, while the Princes’ Islands, just a short ferry ride away, provide a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
UAE nationals can visit Istanbul visa-free for up to 90 days. This allows UAE citizens to explore the city's endless attractions and soak in its unique ambiance without the need for a visa application.
Transportation to Istanbul City Center from Airport
Sabiha Gökçen Intl. Airport
You can get to the city center from the Sabiha Gökçen Airport using the TEM highway and following the exit and street signs. The airport is also accessible by city buses and Havataş shuttles. If you want to leave your car at the airport there is an outdoor parking lot and a multi-story parking lot. There are also some private parking facilities located around the airport.
Taxi
The fastest and most convenient way to get to the city center from Sabiha Gökçen Airport is by taxi. However, when taking a taxi the most important factor to consider is the traffic. If you’re in a hurry and don’t want to lose time we suggest taking a taxi to a certain point and then transferring to the metro or metrobus. This way you can avoid traffic, even during rush hour.
Havabus
The Havabus shuttle buses provide transportation between Sabiha Gökçen Airport and central locations in the city like Taksim on the European side and Kadikoy and Yenisahra on the Anatolian side. The shuttle buses provide quick and comfortable transportation to and from the airport every 30 minutes.
Marmaray
The Marmaray is a faster alternative for those living on the European side in particular. You can take a taxi or bus to the Kartal metro stop, then get on the metro and continue in the Kadıköy direction. Get off at Ayrılık Çeşmesi and transfer to the Marmaray where you can cross to the European side of the city at the Yenikapı station. From Yenikapı, which is a major station for the metro, buses, and ferries, you can reach many central locations on the European side of the city. Sea buses and ferries to various places in the Marmara Region like Bandırma, Yalova, Avşa, Bursa and Çınarcık depart from the Yenikapı İDO pier. Moreover, you can travel with your vehicle on the ferries.
Bus
You can get to the city center from Sabiha Gökçen Airport by bus.
Lines that operate between the airport and central locations in the city are as follows: E3 - 4.Levent - Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, 122H - 4.Levent - Yenişehir - Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, E9 - Bostancı - Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, E10 - Kadıköy - Kurtköy - Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, E11 - Kadıköy - Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, E18 - Altunizade - Ümraniye - Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, 16S - Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport - Metrobus Uzuncayır, KM20 - Pendik YHT - Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, KM22 - Cevizli - Kartal Metro - Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, 132H Pendik YHT - Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, and 122H - 4.Levent - Yenişehir - Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport.
By getting off at the Kadiköy or Bostanci piers you can take a boat to Istanbul’s Princes’ Islands, like Buyukada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kinaliada.
Metro
From the airport you can take a bus or taxi to the Kartal metro station and get on the Kadikoy-Kaynarca line in the Kadikoy direction.
Rental Cars
You can get to the city center by renting a car from various rental agencies at the airport. You can also return your rental vehicle to rental agencies located in the city. If you are traveling between multiple places make sure to specify your vehicle pick up and drop off location when making your reservation.
Istanbul Airport
You can get to the city center from Atatürk Airport, located on the European side of Istanbul, by taxi, airport shuttles, metro, bus, private transportation services or your personal car. The most important factor to consider when picking your means of transportation to reach the city center is the traffic. Using alternative means of transportation, like a combination of taxi, metro or metrobus, during rush hour will save time.
Taxi
The fastest and most convenient way to get to the city center from Atatürk Airport is by taxi. However, when taking a taxi the most important factor to consider is the traffic. If you’re in a hurry and don’t want to lose time we suggest taking a taxi to a certain point and then transferring to the metro or metrobus. This way you can avoid traffic, even during rush hour. Some taxis accept credit card payments. If you want to pay using your credit card make sure to indicate this before hand to the driver and get in a vehicle that accepts credit card payments.
Havabus
The Havabus shuttle buses provide transportation between Atatürk Airport and central locations in the city. The Havatas shuttles provide service to and from Taksim and Yenikapi IDO Pier every 30 minutes.
Bus
You can use public buses to get to the city center from Atatürk Airport. Using the istanbulkart (smart card for fare payment), this is the most economical alternative. From the airport you can use the TH-1 bus to get to Taksim and the YH-1 bus to get to Yenikapi. From Taksim and Yenikapi you can transfer to the metro to reach other central districts.
Metro
One of the fastest alternatives to get to the city center is by metro. Using the metro station that is located in the airport you can easily reach various parts of the city like Yenikapı, Aksaray, Fatih, Topkapı, and Esenler. If you’re planning on continuing your journey to a different city by bus, the metro goes to the Esenler Bus Station.
Rental Cars
You can get to the city center by renting a car from rental agencies such as AVIS, Budget, or Europcar both at the airport or various locations in the city like Beşiktaş, Taksim, Kadıköy, Bostancı and Bakırköy. You can also return your rental vehicle to the offices of the aforementioned companies located in the city. If you are traveling between multiple places make sure to specify your vehicle pick up and drop off location when making your reservation.
