Travelling from Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct flight from Franjo Tudman Airport to Istanbul.
Franjo Tudman Airport is located in Zagreb. Based in the UTC+3 timezone, Istanbul is two hours ahead of Zagreb.
With 18 flights a week between the two airports, Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the busiest route. Turkish Airlines operates the earliest flight at 02:40. If you'd like to get more out of your day before you fly, the latest flight from ZAG to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 20:20.
For a relaxed start to your ZAG to Istanbul flight, leave enough time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Planning to travel during a peak period like school or public holidays? Expect longer lines at check-in and security. To play it safe, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
You can book a direct Franjo Tudman Airport to Istanbul ticket. Begin your journey at ZAG and touch down at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Book your seat with Turkish Airlines. This popular carrier operates direct flights from Franjo Tudman Airport to Istanbul.
ZAG is around 11 kilometres from central Zagreb. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 25 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour.
Have an early flight from Franjo Tudman Airport to Istanbul? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these stays close to ZAG:
67.18% of flights departing from Franjo Tudman Airport land at their destination on schedule.
How to find the cheapest flights from Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) to Istanbul
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Franjo Tudman Airport to Istanbul flight is C$97. The cheapest price for a return flight is C$180. Keep in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To secure cheap flights from ZAG to Istanbul, book your trip seven months ahead of your departure date.
Organize your trip for November. That's the best month for landing the biggest deals on Franjo Tudman Airport to Istanbul tickets. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to access the lowest price across every month.
You don't 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 as soon as there's an even better deal on cheap flights from ZAG to Istanbul.
Select your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Franjo Tudman Airport to Istanbul by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 48 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. If you're getting a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes about 50 minutes.
It'll take around 1 hour 45 minutes to get there by public transport.
Consider staying in a hotel near IST if you're coming in on a late flight from Franjo Tudman Airport to Istanbul. Select one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Begin your adventure by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and explore beyond Istanbul's usual tourist stops.
Secure the lowest price by booking your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks before your flight from ZAG to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
The centre of Istanbul is located around 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Once your flight from Franjo Tudman Airport to Istanbul has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 55 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
After stepping off your ZAG to Istanbul flight, tuck yourself in at a hotel near SAW. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
No time to waste? The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent and hit the road in a heartbeat.
Avoid paying extra. Reserving your ride four weeks before your arrival at SAW can get you a lower rate.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Carefully consider your trip dates before securing your flight from Franjo Tudman Airport to Istanbul. The city buzzes during peak season, but prices are often higher and top attractions can get crowded. Plan your trip to Istanbul in low season if you like a quieter vibe.
Before booking a Franjo Tudman Airport to Istanbul flight ticket, think about the type of weather you enjoy. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from ZAG to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Franjo Tudman Airport to Istanbul, explore our selection of hotels including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be tricky to know where to start. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are top sights which should feature on every Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many cities in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be discovered after you've experienced Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres away to the east, top sights here include Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another favourite stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Start your sightseeing at Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.