Cheap flights from Toronto Pearson International to Istanbul

Toronto Pearson International to Istanbul Ataturk

You’re in for a magical experience traveling to Istanbul, the City of the World’s Desire. Flying out from Toronto, you get to pick Turkish Airlines if you’d like to go nonstop (a number of other airlines codeshare this flight), or use any number of other choices if you don’t mind connecting. Typically, you get to save a couple of hundred dollars connecting, rather than flying nonstop.

Catching a flight out of Toronto Pearson International

Toronto’s Pearson international is 27 km from downtown Toronto. There are two terminals -- 1 and 3 -- and there is free transportation between the two.

There are a number of convenient ways to get to the airport. A taxicab or limo will take about $60 plus tip, and the UPA Express rail link travels the distance in under a half hour (every 15 minutes from 5:30 am to 1 am) and costs $12. A number of bus services make the trip in 60 minutes (longer when it snows), and they cost $3. The No.192 Airport Rocket bus starts at Kipling subway station. The No.52 local bus starts at Lawrence West subway station, and night buses run from 1 am to 5:30 am -- there’s the No.300A from Bloor St. West and Danforth Avenue, and the No.307 starts at Eglinton Avenue West.

Since Pearson International is notorious for its poor management, it’s a good idea to arrive well in time -- four hours wouldn’t be a bad idea. You’ll need the time to wait in multiple lines. If you are disabled, you need to be prepared, because Pearson usually has little to no facilities. If you are carrying valuables, you need to know that the security x-ray system is poorly designed -- you’re supposed to send your stuff through the x-ray machine, and wait in line for several minutes before you get to it, which, is piled with the belongings of dozens of other passengers in a big heap.

Since there are a few free sleep pods and benches scattered around, you could conceivably spend the night at the airport if you want. There are children’s play areas, luggage lockers, and a gym, among other facilities.

Arriving at Istanbul Ataturk Airport

Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport is home base to Turkish Airlines, the world’s fourth largest carrier. This makes this airport very large and well-trafficked.

Ataturk has two terminals, one for international flights, and one for domestic flights, both connected. It’s possible to walk from one to the other. This airport has operational difficulties, as well. While they do officially provide free Wi-Fi, it is often on the blink. Even when it does work, you need a local Turkish number for a passcode before you sign on.

Help from airport staff can be hard to come by if you speak anything other than Turkish. A mobile phone app to translate to Turkish would be a good idea. If you want to spend the night at the airport, there are plenty of comfortable cushioned benches that you can rest on. There are plenty of restaurants and shopping facilities, as well,though the prices tend to be somewhat on the high side.

Getting from the airport to the city is easy, because there are transportation options. Government-run Havataş airport buses are one of the most convenient options, running all day and night (except for the three hours between 1 am and 4 am. The fare is 11 lire. Airport car rentals are another good way to get to the city. There are plenty of rental options right at the airport. Skyscanner has great tool to help you find rental deals well in advance.

Hotel shuttles and taxis are often convenient options, as is the M1 Redline Metro that runs from the Metro terminal a short walk away from the airport.

Having fun in Istanbul

Istanbul is both modern and traditional, and can be a wonderful place to experience Middle Eastern culture. From the 17^th century Blue Mosque to the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace and the grand Bazaar, a world of experience awaits you.