Travelling from Tirana International Airport (TIA) to Istanbul: what you need to know
The average time for a direct flight from Tirana International Airport to Istanbul is 1 hour 5 minutes.
Istanbul is two hours ahead of Tirana, where Tirana International Airport is located. Istanbul observes the UTC+3 timezone.
With 14 flights a week between the two airports, Tirana International Airport (TIA) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the busiest route. Air Albania operates the earliest flight at 07:00. If you'd like to get more out of your day before leaving, the last departure from TIA to IST is with Air Albania at 18:20.
Leave plenty of time to get on your TIA to Istanbul flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're heading away during a major holiday or another peak period, give yourself more time. A good general rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at security and check-in will be longer.
Start your journey at TIA and fly straight to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). That's where you can expect to touch down when searching for Tirana International Airport to Istanbul tickets.
Keep your eyes peeled for promotions from Air Albania. This carrier has direct flights from Tirana International Airport to Istanbul.
TIA is about 13 kilometres from central Tirana. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take 25 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be around 30 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Tirana International Airport to Istanbul? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to TIA:
Of the departures from Tirana International Airport, 69.86% arrive on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tirana International Airport (TIA) to Istanbul
Rs11,917 is currently the best price for a one-way Tirana International Airport to Istanbul flight. A return flight ticket starts from Rs22,113. These fares can change based on demand.
Book seven months before your departure date. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from TIA to Istanbul.
The best month for landing cheap Tirana International Airport to Istanbul tickets is November. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then choose the dates offering the lowest fares.
Save time looking for cheap flights from TIA to Istanbul by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Tirana International Airport to Istanbul by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 48 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. If you're getting a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes about 50 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Tirana International Airport to Istanbul, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these accommodation options near IST:
Travel at your own pace with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and discover more of Istanbul and beyond.
For the best deal, reserve your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks ahead of your flight from TIA to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. Once you've disembarked your flight from Tirana International Airport to Istanbul, it'll take you around 55 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you travel by public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your TIA to Istanbul flight:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or long cab lines. Grab a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and take your journey in whatever direction you like. Compare availability and rates from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Booking your ride from SAW four weeks in advance often means better prices and a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Visit Istanbul during high season if you like a lively atmosphere, but remember that prices tend to be higher. Alternatively, book flights from Tirana International Airport to Istanbul in the low season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Book your Tirana International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
Search for cheap tickets from TIA to Istanbul in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC and 11ºC on average.
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 Tirana International Airport to Istanbul:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are major attractions which should be on any well-planned Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many cities in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be explored after you've experienced Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres away to the east, check out popular attractions including Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
If there's time to check out another major destination in Türkiye (Turkey), head for Izmir, about 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak are key highlights.