Travelling from Stockholm to Istanbul: what you need to know
When searching for a flight from Stockholm to Istanbul, there's a good range of airports you can start your trip from. Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), Bromma Airport (BMA) and Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) are among Stockholm's main terminals.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's major gateways.
The average length of a direct Stockholm to Istanbul flight is 3 hours 40 minutes.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3, which is two hours ahead of Stockholm.
The busiest route for flights from Stockholm to Istanbul is from Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Take your pick of 19 weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to set off at the first opportunity, the earliest flight from ARN to IST is the 11:05 Turkish Airlines service. If you prefer travelling later, the latest available service is at 18:30 with Turkish Airlines.
To ensure you get on your Stockholm to Istanbul flight, leave plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Flying during a peak time like June? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer queues at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Stockholm to Istanbul
Get cheap Stockholm to Istanbul flights by booking two months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for finding the biggest deals.
The best month for finding cheap plane tickets from Stockholm to Istanbul is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates that offer the biggest savings.
Finding a cheap flight from Stockholm to Istanbul is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when the price has dropped.
Tailor your trip using filters. Select your arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Stockholm to Istanbul flights.
Flying from Stockholm
Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)
You can find a direct flight from Stockholm to Istanbul jetting out of Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN). Start your trip at ARN and then fly into Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
You can choose from a range of carriers offering direct Stockholm to Istanbul plane tickets with departures from ARN, including:
Think about adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Stockholm to Istanbul flight. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Frederic Chopin Airport (WAW)
Riga International Airport (RIX)
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
Located around 40 kilometres from the centre of Stockholm, ARN can be reached in about 35 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport is roughly 40 minutes.
Have an early flight from Stockholm to Istanbul? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays close to Stockholm Arlanda Airport:
Of the flights that depart from Stockholm Arlanda Airport, 73.1% land on schedule at their destination.
Bromma Airport (BMA)
Consider adding a stop at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL). It's a key stopover on a Stockholm to Istanbul flight out of Bromma Airport. Use a longer layover to get out and explore, or take advantage of a quick break to grab a coffee at an airport cafe.
With public transport, you can travel from central Stockholm to BMA in around 55 minutes. The airport is roughly 8 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 20 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before boarding your flight from Stockholm to Istanbul? Relax in a hotel near Bromma Airport before your holiday officially starts. These stays are calling your name:
57.41% of flights taking off from Bromma Airport make it to their destination as expected.
Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO)
Whether just for an hour or two or a weekend, a stopover can make your entire trip feel a little more manageable. When jetting out of Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO), you can book a ticket from Stockholm to Istanbul with a stop at Frederic Chopin Airport (WAW).
From central Stockholm, NYO is around 88 kilometres away. It'll take you roughly 1 hour 20 minutes to get to the airport by car and 1 hour 50 minutes or so if you're on public transport.
Make departure day the easiest part of your trip by staying as close as you can to Stockholm Skavsta Airport. Aiden by Best Western Skavsta Airport is a good choice, especially if you're departing on an early Stockholm to Istanbul flight.
NYO has an on-time performance rating of 80.46%. This means the majority of its flights reach their destination as expected and your trip goes off without a hitch.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul takes around 50 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 32 kilometres away.
It usually takes 1 hour 45 minutes to get there on public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Stockholm to Istanbul, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these accommodation options near IST:
Travel at your own speed with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and chase adventure across Istanbul and beyond.
Lock in the best rate by reserving your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks before your travel date.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Once your flight from Stockholm to Istanbul has hit the tarmac, you can reach the city centre in about 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is approximately 31 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
If you travel by public transport, you'll reach the centre in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
There are some comfortable places to call home for the night near SAW. Tuck yourself in after your Stockholm to Istanbul flight at any of these well-located options:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make picking up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car easy and quick. These suppliers are located around or in the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Reserving your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at SAW will help you stay within budget.
Best time to go to Istanbul
It's time to plan your travel dates for your flight from Stockholm to Istanbul. April is the busiest month for a trip to Istanbul. If you like a quieter atmosphere, go in February.
Book a Stockholm to Istanbul ticket departing in August if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Istanbul to range from 20ºC to 30ºC.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Stockholm to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Istanbul right here. Explore these options after locking in your flight from Stockholm to Istanbul:
Topkapi Palace and The Basilica Cistern are just two of the top attractions to add to your Istanbul must-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Galata Tower.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've visited Istanbul, now it's time to explore more of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel around 354 kilometres east to Ankara to check off its top sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
If you want to check out another great destination in Türkiye (Turkey), consider Izmir, roughly 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square are among the biggest draws.
