Travelling from Melbourne to Istanbul: what you need to know
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is Melbourne's main airport. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Melbourne to Istanbul departing from here.
When it comes to choosing where to land in Istanbul, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are the primary gateways.
Istanbul's timezone is UTC+3, making Istanbul eight hours behind Melbourne.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably catch your Melbourne to Istanbul flight.
Be prepared for longer lines in popular months such as January. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a good idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Istanbul
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap Melbourne to Istanbul flights if you book ahead. Airlines often have some amazing early bird deals.
If you're willing to be flexible with your trip dates, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the cheapest price across each month when looking for your plane ticket from Melbourne to Istanbul.
You don't need to search every day to see if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll tell you the moment there's a better deal on cheap flights from Melbourne to Istanbul.
Tailor your flights using filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' Melbourne to Istanbul flights.
Flying from Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save money on your Melbourne to Istanbul flight. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. Take a pause at one of these airports:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)
Located around 19 kilometres from central Melbourne, MEL can be reached in about 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport takes roughly 40 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Melbourne to Istanbul? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these hotels near Melbourne Tullamarine Airport:
Of all flights departing from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, 67.71% arrive on time at their destination.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The distance from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is approximately 32 kilometres. It'll take you about 50 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Melbourne to Istanbul, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these accommodation options near IST:
Get your adventure underway by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and experience the lesser-explored corners of Istanbul and beyond.
To get the lowest price, book your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks ahead of your Melbourne to Istanbul flight.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is around 31 kilometres from central Istanbul. After your flight from Melbourne to Istanbul, it'll take you approximately 55 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you hop on public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
There are some comfortable places to lay your head close to SAW. Tuck yourself in after your Melbourne to Istanbul flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make picking up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car quick and easy. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Avoid potential price surges. Booking your ride four weeks before your arrival at SAW can land you a better rate.
Best time to go to Istanbul
February is the quietest month for flights from Melbourne to Istanbul, while April is the most popular. Figure out the ideal time to go to Istanbul based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Book your Melbourne to Istanbul ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
January sees average temperatures of between 2ºC and 11ºC. Look for cheap flights from Melbourne to Istanbul around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Istanbul
Once you've booked your flight from Melbourne to Istanbul, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Istanbul:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be hard to know where to begin. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are top attractions which should feature on any good Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Istanbul has loads to offer, but there are so many other parts of Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be discovered. Around 354 kilometres east of Istanbul, a visit to Ankara will keep you busy. Check out popular attractions like Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
If you're looking to explore another great destination in Türkiye (Turkey), head for Izmir, about 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square are key reasons to visit.
