A stunning aerial view of Üsküdar in Istanbul, showcasing its urban landscape and waterfront. — flights from Ankara to Istanbul
AnkaraIstanbul, Turkey

Flights from Ankara to Istanbul

Flying time from Ankara (ESB) to Istanbul (IST) is about 59m (381 km).

All flights to Istanbul →

Photo of Istanbul: Julien Goettelmann on Pexels.

When you land in Istanbul

The airport transfer and the few things worth sorting before you fly.

Find hotels in Istanbul

Hotels, hostels & more · Trip.com

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Airlines flying Ankara to Istanbul

We have not confirmed which airlines fly ESB–IST nonstop. Search the route to see every carrier selling it today, including connections.

Ankara to Istanbul fares by month

Cheapest month seen for a nonstop flight: Nov 2026, from $24 one-way. Lowest one-way fares seen for departures in each month, read 22 Oct 2026.

DepartingNonstop fromCheaper with stops
Oct 2026$2931 Oct 2026—
Nov 2026$2426 Nov 2026—
Dec 2026$252 Dec 2026—
Jan 2027$2911 Jan 2027—
Feb 2027$2817 Feb 2027—
Mar 2027$317 Mar 2027—
Apr 2027$3016 Apr 2027—
May 2027$324 May 2027—
Jun 2027$358 Jun 2027 · Turkish Airlines—
Jul 2027$354 Jul 2027 · Turkish Airlines—
Aug 2027$3430 Aug 2027 · Turkish Airlines—
Sept 2027$3511 Sept 2027—

When to go for the lowest fare

Fares were close across the months we saw: $24 for November 2026, $25 at best after that.

From Travelpayouts flight-search data, city to city (Ankara to Istanbul, any airport), USD, read 22 Oct 2026. These are fares that were on sale, not a guarantee of today's price; an airline is named only where we know it flies this route.

Best time to fly to Istanbul

Based on weather and travel conditions in Turkey

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best monthsGoodAvoid if possible

Turkey is a great destination year-round. Check local weather patterns before booking and consider shoulder seasons for lower prices and fewer crowds.

More for this trip

Frequently asked questions — Ankara to Istanbul flights

How long is the flight from Ankara to Istanbul?
Ankara (ESB) and Istanbul (IST) are 381 km apart, about 59m of flying time. We have not seen a nonstop fare on this pair, so expect to connect, which adds to the total journey time.
How far is Ankara from Istanbul by air?
The great-circle distance between Esenboğa International Airport and İstanbul Airport is 381 km (237 miles), a short-haul route.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Ankara to Istanbul?
In fares seen on 22 Oct 2026, departures in November 2026 were cheapest, from $24 one-way, against $35 for June 2027, the dearest month. Fares change daily, so check your own dates.
Do I need a visa to travel from Ankara to Turkey?
It depends on your passport. Some nationalities can enter Turkey visa-free or get a visa on arrival; others must apply in advance. Use AirConnect's Visa Checker to see the rules for your passport.
What is the best time to visit Istanbul?
Turkey is a great destination year-round. Check local weather patterns before booking and consider shoulder seasons for lower prices and fewer crowds.

Sources: fares from Travelpayouts flight-search data, seen 12 Oct 2026; airlines from each carrier's published network and nonstop fares on sale; distance from OurAirports coordinates; flight time estimated from distance. Fares change daily.

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