Travelling from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Around 3 hours 45 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Istanbul.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is one hour ahead of Helsinki, where Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is located.
The most popular route is from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Choose from 14 services every week between these two airports. If you want to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from HEL to IST is the 12:25 Turkish Airlines service. If you'd rather travel later, the last departure is at 19:35 with Turkish Airlines.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to board your HEL to Istanbul flight.
Delays at check-in and security are more likely if you're flying during high season, so give yourself some extra breathing room. A good general rule for peak times? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Begin your trip at HEL and fly nonstop to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). That's where you can expect to land when searching for Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Istanbul tickets.
Turkish Airlines is a well-known carrier that operates direct flights from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Istanbul.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially score a cheaper flight ticket from HEL to Istanbul. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your journey by stopping at one of these connection hubs:
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)
Located around 16 kilometres from the centre of Helsinki, HEL can be reached in about 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
In search of a hotel close to HEL? If you're catching an early flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Istanbul, these stays will put you moments from your departure gate:
Of the departures from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, 60.23% land on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) to Istanbul
The best price we've found for a one-way Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Istanbul flight is C$94. The cheapest price for a return flight is C$200. Remember fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Don't leave everything to the last minute. You're more likely to land cheap flights from HEL to Istanbul if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird discounts.
Scoring cheap tickets from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Istanbul is easier if you can be flexible with your dates. Try using the 'Whole month' search tool to get the best prices throughout the month and pick up an epic deal.
There's no need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you the moment there's an even better deal on cheap flights from HEL to Istanbul.
Save on your flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Istanbul with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The distance from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres. It takes around 50 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes to get there using public transport.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Istanbul. Stay at one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Pick up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and explore Istanbul and beyond with your own wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are top outlets to choose from here.
Lock in the best rate by reserving your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks ahead of your flight from HEL to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is about 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. Once you've disembarked your flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Istanbul, it'll take you around 55 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
You can expect the journey to take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can check in after your HEL to Istanbul flight:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent and make a speedy getaway.
Get what you want, not just what's left over. Booking your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time often means better deals and a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Carefully consider your dates before locking in your flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Istanbul. The city comes alive in peak season, but hotel rates are usually higher and top attractions can get busy. Visit Istanbul in low season if you prefer a quieter vibe.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC (68ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Lock in your Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Istanbul flight ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
Search for cheap tickets from HEL to Istanbul in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF) on average.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Istanbul, check out our range of hotels including:
The Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace are just the start of the top-rated attractions to put on your Istanbul itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Galata Tower.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've done Istanbul, now it's time to explore other parts of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel about 354 kilometres east to Ankara to tick off its top attractions. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, there's plenty to keep you busy.
If you're eager to discover another great destination in Türkiye (Turkey), head for Izmir, about 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak are highlights.