Open interactive map →Cheap flights from Izmir to Istanbul
From Izmir, reaching Istanbul in Turkey currently costs from €26. Fares are available from several carriers, with prices shifting week to week. Non-stop flights are available, which saves time compared to connecting itineraries. The flight typically takes around 1h 55min. Prices follow seasonal patterns - the calendar below shows where the dips and peaks fall across the next 12 months, so you can book at the right moment.
For the best prices on this route, aim to book at least 3-4 weeks in advance. Tuesday and Wednesday departures from Izmir tend to be cheaper than Friday or Sunday flights. If €26 is above your budget, try adjusting to a shoulder-season month using the calendar above - fares can drop significantly outside peak periods. See all flights from Izmir to Turkey→
Cheapest month to fly
- August 2026€26DirectCheapest
Based on tracked fares, August is the cheapest month to fly this route at around €26.
Prices last updated: July 2026
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
The neighbourhood on the European shore of the Bosphorus north of Kabatas is one of the more practical working bases in Istanbul. The fish market and street food around Besiktas Square provide a reliable lunchtime routine, and multiple ferry connections to the Asian side run from Besiktas pier. The Dolmabahce Palace is at the southern edge of the district. Quieter than Beyoglu in the evenings but still well-connected by metro and tram to both Sultanahmet and Taksim.
Metro: Metro M2 (Besiktas) · 15 min to Sultanahmet via tram · Ferry connections, Bosphorus, local market
- KadikoyBest for nightlife
The main neighbourhood on the Asian side of Istanbul is a well-regarded area for food and bars catering to a local crowd rather than tourists. The covered market streets around Kadikoy Bazaar, the Moda waterfront, and the bar cluster on Kadife Sokak (known locally as Bar Street) make it one of the more genuine neighbourhood evening experiences in the city. The ferry from Kadikoy to Eminonu or Besiktas runs until midnight and is one of the more enjoyable urban crossings available anywhere.
Metro: Marmaray (Kadikoy) · Airport: Around 35-40 min by bus from SAW airport · Asian side, local crowd, ferry culture
- CihangirBest for longer stays
The small neighbourhood west of Istiklal Caddesi and above Karakoy has become one of Istanbul's more comfortable areas for a longer stay. The streets are steep and the buildings mainly late-Ottoman residential apartments. A high density of independent cafes, antique dealers, and small restaurants makes the daily rhythm easy to establish. Views of the Bosphorus are available from most streets above a certain elevation. The neighbourhood has a noticeable expat and creative resident community which gives it a calmer character than Sultanahmet or Beyoglu.
Metro: Funicular F2 (Taksim, then walk) · 10 min walk to Istiklal, 20 min to Sultanahmet · Steep streets, cafes, calm, Bosphorus views
Neighbourhood notes are editorial and not sponsored. SkyHopp does not accept payment for neighbourhood recommendations.
Alternative routes
Other ways to reach Istanbul
Frequently asked questions
How much does a flight from Izmir to Istanbul cost?
The cheapest fare currently available from Izmir to Istanbul is €26. 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 Izmir to Istanbul?
Yes - non-stop flights are currently available from Izmir to Istanbul. The cheapest direct fare starts at €26, 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 Izmir 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 Izmir. 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.
Which airlines fly from Izmir to Istanbul?
Multiple carriers operate flights between Izmir and Istanbul, with availability and pricing varying by date and season. Airline options and schedules change throughout the year, especially around peak travel periods when additional capacity is often added. Click through to our partner booking site to see the full list of airlines, departure times, and fare classes available for your chosen dates.