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Cheapest Flights to Istanbul
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Last update: 19 October 2026 14:45
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
Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located in Pendik, on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul. From the airport, you can get to the city center by metro, municipal bus, Havabus, public transport with a Marmaray transfer, taxi, car rental, or transfer service.
Metro- The airport is the terminus of the M4 Kadıköy–Sabiha Gökçen Airport metro line. The line takes about 50 minutes to get from the airport to Kadıköy.
- You can transfer to Marmaray at Ayrılık Çeşmesi station and to the Metrobus at Ünalan station.
- Timetables and weekend night services vary according to the current IBB (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality) schedule. For up-to-date information, you can check Metro Istanbul's announcements.
- You board the metro with an Istanbulkart. To buy a card, you can use the ticket machines at the stations.
- With Havabus services, you can reach Taksim and Kadıköy without transfers.
- The Taksim line follows the Kavacık and Zincirlikuyu route. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
- The Kadıköy line also stops at Yenisahra. The journey to Kadıköy takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic.
- For current timetables and fares, you can check Havabus's official website.
- E10: Kadıköy via Kurtköy
- E3: 4. Levent Metro (European Side)
- 16S: Uzunçayır Metrobus
- MR60: Pendik YHT (Marmaray)
- Routes and schedules may change. For up-to-date information, you can check the official IETT website or mobile app.
- With Marmaray, you can reach many parts of the city by transferring.
- You can take the MR60 bus to Pendik YHT station and transfer to Marmaray.
- You can also take the M4 metro to Ayrılık Çeşmesi station and switch to Marmaray.
- You can take a taxi from the airport to anywhere in the city.
- Bridge and tunnel tolls are paid by the passenger.
- There are offices of international and local car rental companies at the airport.
- If you make a reservation in advance, you can pick up your car without waiting in line.
- You can travel comfortably from the airport to different parts of the city with a private transfer service.
- It is recommended to book your transfer at least one day in advance.
Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport is located on the European Side. From the airport, which is in the Arnavutköy district, you can get to the city center by bus, Havaist, metro, taxi, car rental, or transfer service.
Bus- From Istanbul Airport, you can reach different parts of the city center, such as Mecidiyeköy, Mahmutbey, Sultangazi, Sarıyer, and Halkalı, on the H-1, H-2, H-3, H-6, and H-8 buses.
- The journey takes 1 hour 40 minutes to Mecidiyeköy, 1 hour 45 minutes to Halkalı, 1 hour 30 minutes to Mahmutbey, 1 hour 25 minutes to Sultangazi, and 1 hour 50 minutes to Sarıyer. Travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions.
- You can buy bus tickets at the ticket booths or machines on the airport platforms, or online.
- You can get from the airport to the city center on the M11 Gayrettepe - Istanbul Airport metro line.
- The metro provides direct access to the Arnavutköy, İhsaniye, Göktürk, Kemerburgaz, Hasdal, Kağıthane, and Gayrettepe areas of the city center.
- After getting off at Gayrettepe station, you can also transfer to the metrobus, buses, and the M1 Hacıosman - Yenikapı metro line.
- The metro operates between 06:00 and 00:00.
- The journey takes about 45 minutes on average.
- Havaist services take you to Aksaray, Esenler Bus Terminal, Arnavutköy, Halkalı-Başakşehir, Silivri - Çatalca, Beylikdüzü, Avcılar - Bahçeşehir, Bakırköy, Kadıköy, Taksim, and Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
- You can pay the Havaist fare online, at the ticket booths on the platforms, or by card on the bus. Istanbulkart is accepted on some Havaist buses.
- The Havaist fare varies depending on the route you take.
- Orange, turquoise, and black taxis run from Istanbul Airport to the city center.
- A fixed fare applies from the airport to certain points in the city center.
- Bridge crossings, bus terminal exit fees, and toll roads are paid by the passenger.
- You can rent a car from Avec, Sixt, Hertz, Rent Go, Budget, Europcar, Enterprise, Garenta, and many other companies at the airport and drive to the city center.
- If you make a reservation before
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