Flying from Minneapolis to Istanbul: what you need to know
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is Minneapolis's main airport. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Minneapolis to Istanbul leaving from here.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's major entry points.
Istanbul's timezone is UTC+3, which makes Istanbul eight hours ahead of Minneapolis.
To ensure you get on your Minneapolis to Istanbul flight, leave enough time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
If you're travelling during a popular month like July, get to the terminal even earlier. It's smart to arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours ahead of a domestic departure. Check-in and security lines are longer during peak periods like Christmas and New Year.
How to find the cheapest flights from Minneapolis to Istanbul
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to get cheap Minneapolis to Istanbul flights if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some amazing early bird rates.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Minneapolis to Istanbul throughout the entire month. It's an easy way to snap up a bargain if your trip dates are flexible.
Save time looking for cheap flights from Minneapolis to Istanbul by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Minneapolis to Istanbul flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Minneapolis
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your journey — and possibly even explore another city. When searching for Minneapolis to Istanbul flights leaving from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Logan International Airport (BOS)
MSP is about 11 kilometres from central Minneapolis. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be around 25 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Minneapolis to Istanbul? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, 77.37% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
You'll find MSP at 6040 28th Avenue South.
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 reach the centre driving.
Travelling to the centre on public transport takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Minneapolis to Istanbul, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these hotels near IST:
Grab an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and discover Istanbul and beyond with your own set of wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are popular outlets to choose from here.
To lock in the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks ahead of your Minneapolis to Istanbul flight.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Central Istanbul is located around 31 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). After your flight from Minneapolis to Istanbul has landed and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should take about 55 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
After your flight from Minneapolis to Istanbul, kick back at a hotel near SAW. These are some comfortable options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent and set off in the blink of an eye.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Securing your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time often means better prices and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
February is the quietest month for flights from Minneapolis to Istanbul, while April is the most popular. Pick the ideal time to visit Istanbul based on whether you prefer a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Book your Minneapolis to Istanbul ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
Look for cheap flights from Minneapolis to Istanbul in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC and 11ºC on average.
More about Istanbul
Once you've booked your flight from Minneapolis to Istanbul, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Istanbul:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are attractions you won't want to skip in Istanbul.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've seen Istanbul, now it's time to discover other corners of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel about 354 kilometres east to Ankara to check off its leading attractions. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Izmir is another sought-after destination in Türkiye (Turkey) and is around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. No journey is complete without experiencing Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square.