Main Airports in Turkey
- Istanbul Airport (IST): the main international hub, on the European side, about 40 to 45 km from the city centre. Allow time for the transfer.
- Sabiha Gökçen (SAW): Istanbul’s second airport on the Asian side, about 35 to 50 km from the centre, popular with low-cost airlines.
- Antalya (AYT): the main gateway for the Turquoise Coast.
- Izmir (ADB): the gateway for Ephesus and the Aegean coast.
- Dalaman (DLM) and Bodrum (BJV): for Fethiye, Ölüdeniz and the south-west coast.
- Kayseri (ASR) and Nevşehir Cappadocia (NAV): for Cappadocia. Nevşehir is the closer one, roughly 35 km from Göreme, while Kayseri is about 75 km away.
Flying to Turkey From Abroad
Istanbul is one of the world’s busiest connecting hubs, and Turkish Airlines flies to a very large number of countries. Direct flights from many cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America land at Istanbul Airport, and low-cost carriers use Sabiha Gökçen. Turkey is on UTC+3 all year with no daylight saving, so allow for jet lag when you plan your first day. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the Turkey visa guide before you book anything that cannot be refunded.
Finding a Better Fare
- Compare several airlines and booking sites, and check baggage rules, because the cheapest fare may not include a checked bag.
- Prices are usually highest in July, August and around Eid holidays. Spring and autumn are often cheaper.
- Consider an open-jaw ticket, for example into Istanbul and out of Antalya or Izmir, if it saves a domestic flight.
- Turkish Airlines sometimes offers stopover packages in Istanbul on connecting flights. Check the airline’s stopover page for current terms.
- Compare Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen for your dates, and factor in the cost and time of the transfer.
- Allow enough time for a connection in Istanbul, especially if you change airports.
Getting From the Airport to the City
- Istanbul Airport (IST): the M11 metro runs to Gayrettepe, where you change to the M2 line for Taksim and the old city. Allow about an hour or more with the change. Havaist airport buses reach areas such as Taksim, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy and Yenikapı, and are the easiest option with luggage.
- Sabiha Gökçen (SAW): the M4 metro runs to Kadıköy on the Asian side, and you can continue by Marmaray or ferry. Airport buses (Havabus) also serve Taksim and other areas.
- Taxis and ride-hailing: a licensed taxi from the official rank or a ride-hailing app is easier than negotiating with touts. Agree to the meter or the price before you start.
- Other airports: Antalya, Izmir and Cappadocia’s airports have shuttle buses and taxis, and many hotels arrange transfers.
Domestic Flights
Flying within Turkey is often the best way to cover long distances, such as Istanbul to Cappadocia, Antalya, Izmir or the east. Flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia, Antalya and Izmir take roughly an hour to an hour and a half. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, AJet and SunExpress all operate domestic routes. Fares are often cheaper when booked early, but luggage allowances on domestic fares can be small, so check them before you pay.
If you are landing in Istanbul and flying on the same day, remember that the two airports are far apart, so avoid booking an onward flight from the other one unless you have several hours to spare.
Trains and Buses
High-speed trains connect Istanbul, Ankara and Konya, and are comfortable for those routes. Long-distance buses are cheap and reach almost every town, but journeys are long, so use them for shorter hops or overnight savings, and a flight for the rest.
Before You Fly
- Check whether you need a visa or e-Visa in our Turkey visa guide.
- Check your passport’s validity, and carry proof of onward travel and your first hotel details.
- Get a travel eSIM or local SIM so you can use maps and ride-hailing on arrival.
- Check your insurance covers any activities you plan, such as ballooning or paragliding.
Quick Answers
Which airport should I fly into?
Istanbul Airport for most international trips, Antalya for a beach holiday and Izmir for Ephesus and the Aegean.
How do I get from Istanbul Airport to the city?
The M11 metro with a change to the M2, or a Havaist airport bus, which is easier with luggage.
What is the time zone?
Turkey is on UTC+3 all year.
Flight Deals
Compare current offers below. Always check the final price, baggage rules and fare conditions on the partner site.
Related Guides
Back to the full Turkey travel guide. Plan where to go with the best places guide, when to visit and where to stay.
