Cheap Flights from Dubai to Istanbul

Travelling from Dubai to Istanbul: what you need to know

• Start your travel planning by considering where you'll take off for your flight from Dubai to Istanbul. Dubai Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) are Dubai's main airports.

• Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's chief entry points.

• 4 hours 50 minutes is the time it takes on average for a direct flight from Dubai to Istanbul. Based in the UTC+3 timezone, Istanbul is 1 hour behind Dubai.

• Dubai Airport (DXB) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 84 flights a week to pick from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Dubai to Istanbul is with flydubai at 21:15. Choose the first DXB to IST departure operated by Turkish Airlines at 02:00 if you want to get going early.

• Leave plenty of time to catch your flight from Dubai to Istanbul. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.

• Travelling during a peak time such as July? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer lines and delays at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.

• If you have a passport from United Arab Emirates and are travelling to Türkiye (Turkey) for tourism purposes, you won't need a visa. However, visa and entry requirements may differ based on the length of your trip and are subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's nearest embassy or consulate before reserving a cheap flight from Dubai to Istanbul.

Flying from Dubai

Dubai Airport (DXB)

• Begin your travels at Dubai Airport (DXB), which offers a range of direct flights from Dubai to Istanbul. From DXB, you can fly nonstop to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).

• At DXB, you'll find a variety of carriers that operate direct flights from Dubai to Istanbul, including:

  • Turkish Airlines

  • Emirates

  • flydubai

• Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your journey — and possibly even explore a different city. When searching for flights from Dubai to Istanbul departing from Dubai Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:

  • Bahrain International Airport (BAH)

  • Kuwait International Airport (KWI)

  • Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)

• Located around 14 kilometres from the centre of Dubai, DXB can be reached in about 16 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The same journey by public transport will take roughly 49 minutes.

• Looking for a handy hotel near Dubai Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Dubai to Istanbul, these stays will have you moments from your departure gate:

  • Al Bandar Arjaan – Dubai Creek

  • Black Stone Hotel

  • Lotus Grand Hotel Apartments

Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

• Make the most of your holiday with a stopover on your flight from Dubai to Istanbul. Visit friends or family or tick another city off your list. Whatever you'd like to do, check out these stops between Dubai Airport and Istanbul:

  • Bahrain International Airport (BAH)

  • Kuwait International Airport (KWI)

  • Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)

• You can arrive at DWC from the centre of Dubai in approximately 45 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The ride on public transport takes roughly 2 hours and 5 minutes to travel the 56 kilometres or so.

• Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before boarding your flight from Dubai to Istanbul? Relax in a hotel near Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport before your adventure officially starts. These stays are calling your name:

  • Aloft Dubai South

  • Emaar South - Two Bedroom Apartment With Pool and Golf Course View

  • Rare Holiday Homes - Spacious Apartment - Near Expo City - Dubai South - R410

Arriving in Istanbul

Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)

• Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 48 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. With your own car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is around 50 minutes.

• If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

• The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Dubai to Istanbul. Stay at one of these accommodation options near IST instead:

  • Pilot Hotel

  • Stone House Apart Hotel

  • YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport, Duty Free - International Transit Area

Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)

• Once your flight from Dubai to Istanbul has hit the tarmac, you can make your way to the city centre in about 57 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is approximately 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).

• You can also travel using public transport, which will take roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes.

• After your flight from Dubai to Istanbul, rest your head at a hotel close to SAW. These are some comfortable options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:

  • ISG Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel

  • Airport Residence

  • İstanbul Houses Sabiha Gökçen Airport Hotel

How to find the cheapest flights from Dubai to Istanbul

• ر.ق.‏ 268 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Dubai to Istanbul. A return flight starts at ر.ق.‏ 595. These fares can change based on availability and demand.

• Get cheap tickets from Dubai to Istanbul by booking 9 months ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for picking up a bargain.

• May is the cheapest month for flight tickets from Dubai to Istanbul. If you'd like to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.

• Finding a cheap ticket from Dubai to Istanbul is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when the price has dropped.

• Play around with filters to find your ideal trip. To see the 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Dubai to Istanbul, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter results by airline, departure and arrival times, and number of stops.

Best time to go to Istanbul

• August is the most popular month for flights from Dubai to Istanbul. To skip the crowds, head to Istanbul in February.

• The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Lock in your flights from Dubai to Istanbul in this month if this is the type of weather you enjoy.

• If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from Dubai to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.

More about Istanbul

• Start your Istanbul trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Dubai to Istanbul, check out our selection of accommodation options including:

  • King İstanbul Hotel

  • Ilya Suite

  • Kervan Hotel

• Topkapi Palace and The Basilica Cistern are just the start of the top attractions to put on 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 Dubai to Istanbul to track down amazing deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and easily compare your options. Plus you'll find all the info you need to drive in Istanbul, from the most popular car rental to the best time to book.