Open interactive map →Cheap flights from Ankara to Istanbul
The Ankara to Istanbul route currently shows fares from €25. Istanbul is a directly reachable destination in Turkey from Ankara. The flight typically takes around 1h 57min. Mid-week departures and shoulder-season months tend to keep prices lower on this route. Compare months in the calendar below to identify the cheapest window before locking in your booking.
Prices to Istanbul are typically lowest in the shoulder months shown in the calendar above. Searching for mid-week flights and avoiding school holiday windows can meaningfully cut costs on this route. If you're open on destination, use the interactive map from Ankara to compare Istanbul against nearby alternatives - you may find a cheaper fare to a similar destination. See all flights from Ankara to Turkey→
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Cheapest month to fly
- October 2026€25DirectCheapest
Based on tracked fares, October is the cheapest month to fly this route at around €25.
Prices last updated: September 2026
October in Istanbul
Avg 18°C~6 rainy days
Historical averages from Open-Meteo. Shown for the cheapest travel month.
Entry requirements for Turkey
EU passporteVisa required for most EU nationalities
US passporteVisa required
Requirements vary by nationality and change without notice. Check requirements for your nationality →
Istanbul Airport (IST) — 40 km from city centre
Havaist busaround 45-70 min (traffic dependent)
Taxi/ridesharearound 45-75 min
About Istanbul
The only city spanning two continents, Istanbul bridges Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus strait, layering Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Turkish history in a single vast metropolitan area of over 15 million people. Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) together make Turkey's largest city one of the world's best-connected aviation hubs via Turkish Airlines and Pegasus.
Where to stay in Istanbul
How the main neighbourhoods compare, based on trip type.
- SultanahmetBest for first visit
The historic peninsula is where the key monuments cluster - the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar are all within a 20-minute walk of each other. For a first visit of 2-3 days, staying in Sultanahmet is an efficient choice: you can walk to most major sights before mid-morning crowds arrive. The neighbourhood is very tourist-facing and accommodation prices are high relative to other districts, but the saving in transport time for a short stay is significant.
Metro: Tram T1 (Sultanahmet) · Airport: Around 60-75 min by bus from IST airport · Monumental, very touristy, historical
- Beyoglu / GalataBest for a weekend
The neighbourhood on the north side of the Golden Horn is one of Istanbul's more enjoyable areas for a 2-3 night stay. Istiklal Caddesi is the main pedestrian avenue running from Taksim Square to the Galata Tower - busy but navigable. The side streets around Nevizade and Cicek Pasaji have traditional meyhane (tavern) culture. Cihangir, the neighbourhood to the west of Istiklal, is calmer and has a higher density of independent cafes and antique shops - a good base if you want the Beyoglu location with less tourist traffic.
Metro: Metro M2, Funicular F1 (Taksim) · Airport: Around 50-60 min by bus to Taksim from IST airport · Pedestrian boulevard, bars, Bosphorus views
- BesiktasBest for remote workers
Alternative routes
Other ways to reach Istanbul
Frequently asked questions
How much does a flight from Ankara to Istanbul cost?
The cheapest fare currently available from Ankara to Istanbul is €25. Prices on this route vary by season, day of week, and how far in advance you book. The month-by-month price calendar on this page shows exactly when fares are highest and lowest, so you can pick the most cost-effective window before searching for specific dates. Fares are refreshed regularly as our flight partners publish new availability.
Are there direct flights from Ankara to Istanbul?
Yes - non-stop flights are currently available from Ankara to Istanbul. The cheapest direct fare starts at €25, making it a convenient option if you want to avoid layover time. Direct flights are generally quicker and less stressful, especially for shorter trips to Turkey. Click through to the booking site to check live availability and schedules for your dates.
When is the cheapest time to fly from Ankara to Istanbul?
Prices on this route typically dip during shoulder-season months, away from school holidays and public holiday windows. Mid-week departures - particularly Tuesday to Thursday - tend to be cheaper than flights on Fridays and Sundays from Ankara. The month-by-month price calendar above is the fastest way to identify the cheapest window - look for the months with the lowest fares before committing to travel dates. Booking 3-6 weeks in advance generally offers the best balance of price and seat availability on this route.