Flights to Istanbul
Book flights to Istanbul
Istanbul is a fascinating city located in northwestern Turkey, where Europe and Asia meet. The city straddles the Bosphorus Strait, a waterway that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Istanbul has a long and impressive history, having been the capital of empires for centuries. This is reflected in the city's architecture, with famous landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, a former church, mosque, and now museum, and Topkapi Palace, the grand palace of the Ottoman sultans. Beyond historical sites, Istanbul offers a lively culture, with busy bazaars like the Grand Bazaar, where you can find everything from carpets to spices, and delicious Turkish cuisine. The city also has a pleasant climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Take your first step towards Istanbul and book your flights today with Alternative Airlines. Booking flights to Istanbul at Alternative Airlines is easy and straightforward. With access to routes from over 600 airlines, you're sure to find the perfect flight to Istanbul for you, no matter when you plan to fly or where you wish to depart from.
Airports near Istanbul
There are a variety of airports to choose from when visiting Istanbul. Here's 4 airports that serve Istanbul.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport
This is the main international airport in Istanbul and is located on the European side of the city. It is approximately a 30-minute drive from the city centre.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport
Situated on the Asian side of Istanbul, Sabiha Gokcen Airport is another major international airport serving the city. It is around a 45-minute drive from the city centre.
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport
If you are planning to visit Istanbul but prefer a connecting flight to a more local airport, Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is a good option. It is located in Izmir, which is a popular tourist destination in western Turkey. From Izmir, you can take a domestic flight to Istanbul, which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Ankara Esenboga Airport
Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, is another alternative for connecting flights to Istanbul. Ankara Esenboga Airport is the main international airport in the city and offers domestic flights to Istanbul. The flight duration from Ankara to Istanbul is around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Buy your flights to Istanbul and pay later
Did you know that you can buy your flights to Istanbul now and pay later at Alternative Airlines?
With Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), you have the freedom to spread the cost of your flights to Istanbul over time, usually on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly period! There are interest-free options available, however, you'll need to check this beforehand with the lending provider.
Using BNPL for your flights to Istanbul gives you greater flexibility when managing the budget for your flights, ensuring a stress-free trip!
Things to do in Istanbul
Istanbul has an abundance of attractions to see - to make things easier, here's our top 3:
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Once a church, then a mosque, and now a museum again, Hagia Sophia has been a centre of worship for over 1,500 years. Its massive dome, revolutionary for its time, continues to inspire awe. The intricate mosaics, unveiled after centuries of being plastered over, offer insight into Byzantine artistry.
Topkapi Palace
This sprawling palace complex served as the centre of the Ottoman Empire for centuries. Wander through the grand halls, opulent courtyards, and harem quarters to see how the sultans lived. The Topkapi Palace also houses a collection of Islamic artefacts and jewels.
Basilica Cistern
Step down into a subterranean world and discover the hundreds of columns that line the Basilica Cistern. Built by the Byzantines as a reservoir, this atmospheric space feels more like a lost city than a water storage facility. Be sure to look for the two Medusa heads that serve as column bases!
