Flying from Istanbul to Milan: what you need to know
Get your vacation planning started by considering the departure point for your flight from Istanbul to Milan. Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are the main airports in Istanbul.
When it comes to arriving in Milan, get off the plane at Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) or Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY). Milano Linate Airport (LIN) is another major gateway to this city.
The average length of a direct Istanbul to Milan flight is 2 hours 55 minutes.
The timezone in Milan is UTC+1, which is two hours behind Istanbul.
The busiest route for flights from Istanbul to Milan is from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP). Choose from 28 weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from IST to MXP is the 07:05 Turkish Airlines option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the final scheduled service is at 21:50 with Turkish Airlines.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to board your Istanbul to Milan flight.
During popular months such as April, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than usual. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're travelling during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Milan
C$77 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Milan. Return flights start from C$156. These fares can change depending on availability.
Lock in cheap Istanbul to Milan flights by booking four months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for bagging a bargain.
Organize your trip for July. That's the best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Istanbul to Milan. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across each month.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Istanbul to Milan by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when fares go down.
Tailor your flights using filters. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Istanbul to Milan flights.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Depart from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) on a nonstop flight from Istanbul to Milan. From IST, you can land directly at Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP).
Turkish Airlines is a well-known carrier that offers direct Istanbul to Milan plane tickets from IST.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your trip — and perhaps even explore another city. When browsing Istanbul to Milan flights departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Popular options include:
Naples International Airport (NAP)
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Palese Airport (BRI)
Located around 32 kilometres from central Istanbul, IST can be reached in about 50 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport is roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Istanbul to Milan? Avoid rushing to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these stays near Istanbul Ataturk Airport:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Rather fly from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)? This popular hub offers direct flights from Istanbul to Milan, seamlessly connecting to Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY).
From SAW, you can lock in a direct Istanbul to Milan plane ticket with Pegasus.
Get more out of your vacation with a stopover on your Istanbul to Milan flight. Visit friends or family or cross another city off your list. Whatever you want to do, here's where you can stop between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Milan:
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
You can get to SAW from central Istanbul in about 55 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The ride by public transport takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to travel the 31 kilometres or so.
Start your vacation sooner with an additional night away from home. Before your flight from Istanbul to Milan, take it easy in one of these hotels near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
When it comes to flight punctuality, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 76.93%.
Arriving in Milan
Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) to central Milan takes about 45 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 40 kilometres away.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 55 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Istanbul to Milan. Stay at one of these accommodation options near MXP instead:
Grab a Milano Malpensa Airport rental car and discover Milan and beyond with your own set of wheels. Surprice, RentSmart24 and Noleggiare are top outlets you can book with here.
Booking your vehicle from Milano Malpensa Airport around one week in advance gives you the best chance of locking in a great deal.
Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY)
Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY) is about 48 kilometres from the centre of Milan. After your flight from Istanbul to Milan, it'll take you approximately 1 hour to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
The trip will take about 2 hours 20 minutes on public transport.
There are some comfortable places to call home for the night near BGY. Kick back after your Istanbul to Milan flight at one of these well-located options:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or slow-moving cab lines. Pick up an Orio al Serio International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Compare offers from Surprice, RentSmart24 and Galdieri Rent.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride from BGY two weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a bigger selection of vehicles.
Milano Linate Airport (LIN)
Milano Linate Airport (LIN) is about 8 kilometres from the centre of Milan. It'll take you about 30 minutes to get to the city centre by ride-share or cab after your flight from Istanbul to Milan.
Public transport can get you there in around 45 minutes.
If you don't want to travel to the centre, head for a hotel close to LIN. Settle in at one of these options after your Istanbul to Milan flight:
Whether you're searching for a zippy mini for solo travel or a spacious SUV to fit the whole crew comfortably, you'll find the ideal Milano Linate Airport rental car for your needs. Browse the range of wheels available here from suppliers such as RentSmart24, Drivalia and Noleggiare.
About four weeks before your flight from Istanbul to Milan is a good time to secure your vehicle from LIN. You're likely to snag a better deal or pick up some early bird promotions.
Best time to go to Milan
July is the most popular month for flights from Istanbul to Milan. To steer clear of the crowds, go to Milan in January.
The warmest month in Milan is July, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 35ºC (95ºF). Book your Istanbul to Milan ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
Search for cheap flights from Istanbul to Milan in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -1ºC (30ºF) and 9ºC (48ºF) on average.
More about Milan
After booking your flight from Istanbul to Milan, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Milan:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to know where to begin. Grande Museo del Duomo di Milano, Milan Cathedral and The Last Supper Museum are leading attractions which should feature on every Milan itinerary.
Explore more of Italy
Milan will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other parts of Italy you should also see. Around 483 kilometres south-east of Milan, a trip to Rome will keep your itinerary packed. Don't miss top attractions like Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Roman Forum.
Turin is another well-known destination in Italy and is around 129 kilometres west of Milan. No trip is complete without dropping by Galleria Sabauda (Palazzo Reale), Egyptian Museum and Royal Palace of Turin.