Travelling from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Take a direct flight from Frankfurt Airport to Istanbul and you'll be travelling for an average of 3 hours 15 minutes.
Frankfurt Airport is located in Frankfurt. Following the UTC+3 timezone, Istanbul is two hours ahead of Frankfurt.
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most traveled route, with 47 weekly departures to choose from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from FRA to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 22:00. Opt for the first departure operated by Turkish Airlines at 07:05 if you want to get on your way earlier.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably catch your FRA to Istanbul flight.
Longer lines at security and check-in are more likely if you're flying during high season, so allow some extra breathing room. A good rule of thumb for peak times? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Begin your trip at FRA and fly nonstop to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). That will be your arrival point when searching for Frankfurt Airport to Istanbul tickets.
There's a good selection of airlines operating direct flights from Frankfurt Airport to Istanbul, including:
Consider adding a stopover to potentially unlock a cheaper flight ticket from FRA to Istanbul. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a detour (and maybe pocket some savings) by stopping at one of these connecting airports:
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP)
FRA is about 11 kilometres from central Frankfurt. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 35 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Frankfurt Airport to Istanbul? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these hotels close to FRA:
When it comes to Frankfurt Airport's on-time performance, 67.47% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Istanbul
C$108 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Frankfurt Airport to Istanbul flight. A return ticket right now is C$155. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares could change.
Book six months before you want to fly. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from FRA to Istanbul.
The best month for scoring cheap Frankfurt Airport to Istanbul tickets is October. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then select the dates that offer the lowest fares.
Picking up a cheap flight from FRA to Istanbul couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic notifications and we'll get in touch as soon as the price has dropped.
Select your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Frankfurt Airport to Istanbul by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The distance from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres. It'll take you around 50 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Travelling on public transport takes around 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Frankfurt Airport to Istanbul. Reserve one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Grab an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and discover Istanbul and beyond with your own wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are top outlets you can book with here.
Lock in the best possible rate by reserving your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks ahead of your flight from FRA to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is about 48 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. Following your flight from Frankfurt Airport to Istanbul, it'll take you around 55 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
The trip will take about 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some comfortable places ready to welcome you near SAW. Kick back and get cozy after your FRA to Istanbul flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Forget about public transport schedules or waiting in a long cab line. Pick up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Compare rates and availability from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Get first dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from SAW four weeks in advance often means better prices and a wider choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Travel to Istanbul during the high season if you prefer a bustling atmosphere, but remember that prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Frankfurt Airport to Istanbul during low season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
When booking your Frankfurt Airport to Istanbul flight ticket, think about the weather you're most comfortable in. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from FRA to Istanbul in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF) on average.
More about Istanbul
After booking your flight from Frankfurt Airport to Istanbul, choose a hotel that puts you right where the action is. Make one of these options your base for exploring Istanbul:
Every great vacation has to include a little sightseeing. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are must-visits when exploring Istanbul.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've seen Istanbul, now it's time to explore other parts of Türkiye (Turkey). Journey around 354 kilometres east to Ankara to tick off its leading sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another favourite stop in Türkiye (Turkey). No visit is complete without checking out Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.