Cheapest Flights to Istanbul
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About Istanbul
Istanbul, the largest city in Türkiye, is a vibrant metropolis that straddles two continents—Europe and Asia—offering a unique blend of cultures, history, and modernity. As of 2023, Istanbul has a population of over 15 million people, making it one of the most populous cities in the world.
The climate of Istanbul is temperate, with hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters. The city receives most of its rainfall during the winter months, particularly from November to February. The best time to visit Istanbul is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the city’s numerous outdoor attractions can be enjoyed to the fullest.
Istanbul is served by two major international airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) on the Asian side. Both airports are major hubs in the region, offering extensive connectivity to cities around the world, including direct flights from Saudi Arabia. Airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Saudia, and Pegasus Airlines operate frequent flights to Istanbul from major Saudi cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Istanbul’s cuisine is a feast for the senses, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural heritage. Traditional dishes like Döner, Meze, and Kebab are widely enjoyed, while the city’s sweets, such as Baklava and Turkish Delight, are famous worldwide. The bustling markets, like the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, are perfect places to sample local delicacies and shop for unique souvenirs.
Istanbul is home to some of the world’s most iconic historical sites. The Hagia Sophia, originally a cathedral, later a mosque, and now a museum, is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. The Blue Mosque, with its stunning blue-tiled interior and six minarets, is another must-see landmark. The Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans, offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the empire's rulers.
For those interested in modern attractions, the bustling Istiklal Avenue and the chic Nişantaşı district offer shopping, dining, and entertainment options that rival any global city. The Bosphorus Strait, which divides the city into its European and Asian parts, provides breathtaking views and can be explored via a scenic boat cruise.
Outdoor activities in Istanbul include exploring the historic Galata Tower for panoramic views of the city, taking a stroll along the Bosphorus promenade, or enjoying a picnic in one of the city’s many parks like the Emirgan Park, especially beautiful during the tulip season.
Saudi Arabian nationals visiting Istanbul can enter Türkiye without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, thanks to the visa-free entry agreement between Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. However, it is always recommended to check the latest travel advisories and entry requirements before planning your trip.
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.
