Flying from Milan to Istanbul: what you need to know
When searching for your flight from Milan to Istanbul, there's a nice range of airports you can start your trip from. Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP), Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY) and Milano Linate Airport (LIN) are some of Milan's main options.
When working out where to arrive in Istanbul, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are the primary gateways.
2 hours 45 minutes is the average journey time for a direct flight from Milan to Istanbul. Based in the UTC+3 timezone, Istanbul is 2 hours ahead of Milan.
With 39 flights a week between the two airports, Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route. Hop on the first flight from Milan to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines at 06:50. If you'd like to get more out of your day before flying, the latest departure from MXP to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 19:50.
Give yourself plenty of time to make your flight from Milan to Istanbul. It's generally best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like July, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than normal. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights whenever you're travelling during a peak period in general.
If you have a passport from Italy and plan to travel to Türkiye (Turkey) for tourism purposes, you won't need a visa. However, visa and entry requirements may differ based on the length and purpose of your stay and are subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's nearest embassy or consulate before reserving a cheap flight from Milan to Istanbul.
Flying from Milan
Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP)
If you're after a direct flight from Milan to Istanbul, you can depart from Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP). Fly from MXP to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) in one continuous trip.
Turkish Airlines is a leading airline that operates direct flights from Milan to Istanbul jetting out of MXP.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save on your flight from Milan to Istanbul. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Milano Malpensa Airport. Break up the journey at one of these popular options:
Naples International Airport (NAP)
Belgrad Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
Sofia Airport (SOF)
MXP is about 48 kilometres from central Milan. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take you 45 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 53 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Milan to Istanbul? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays near Milano Malpensa Airport:
Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY)
You can catch a direct flight from Milan to Istanbul jetting out of Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY). Begin your travels at BGY and hop off the plane at Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
Pegasus has direct flights from Milan to Istanbul out of BGY. Book your preferred window seat and reach your destination in a single journey.
Maximize your vacation with a stopover on your flight from Milan to Istanbul. Visit friends or family or cross another city off your list. Whatever you choose to do, check out these options between Milano Malpensa Airport and Istanbul:
Naples International Airport (NAP)
Belgrad Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
Sofia Airport (SOF)
On public transport, you can travel from central Milan to BGY in about 2 hours and 18 minutes. The terminal is roughly 64 kilometres away, and making the journey by car will take approximately 58 minutes.
You're going on vacation, so why not extend it with an additional night away? Think about kicking back in one of these accommodation options near Orio al Serio International Airport the day before your flight from Milan to Istanbul:
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. With a cab or in your own car rental, the drive is around 50 minutes.
Travelling to the centre on public transport takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Milan to Istanbul, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these hotels near IST:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
The centre of Istanbul is about 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). After your flight from Milan to Istanbul has hit the runway and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 57 minutes.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
After your flight from Milan to Istanbul, kick back at a hotel near SAW. These are some comfortable options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from Milan to Istanbul
C$77 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Milan to Istanbul. Return flights start from C$186. These fares may change based on demand.
Score cheap flights from Milan to Istanbul by booking 10 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for finding the biggest deals.
June is the cheapest month for tickets from Milan to Istanbul. If you need to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for each month.
Set up a Price Alert for cheap flights from Milan to Istanbul. There's no need to check back in every day to see whether fares have dropped. We'll let you know as soon as there's a change in price.
Use filters to find your ideal trip. To see the 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Milan to Istanbul, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter results by arrival and departure times, airline, and number of stops.
Best time to go to Istanbul
February is the quietest month for flights from Milan to Istanbul, while August is the most popular. Find the ideal time to go to Istanbul based on whether you prefer a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Before locking in your flight from Milan to Istanbul, consider the kind of weather you like. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC to 30ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Milan to Istanbul in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between 2ºC and 11ºC on average.
More about Istanbul
Once you've booked your flight from Milan to Istanbul, think about where to rest your head in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring Istanbul:
Topkapi Palace and The Basilica Cistern are just a couple of the top-rated attractions to add to your Istanbul must-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Galata Tower.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Milan to Istanbul to track down amazing deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare your options in one place. Plus we give you all the info you need to drive in Istanbul, from the most popular car rental to the average daily price.
