Traveling from Melbourne to Istanbul: what you need to know
Melbourne's main base, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), is where many unforgettable trips begin. Explore your departure choices from here for your flight from Melbourne to Istanbul.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's major entry points.
To ensure you get on your flight from Melbourne to Istanbul, allow plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
During popular months such as July, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than normal. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights when you fly during high season in general.
You'll need an e-visa for Türkiye (Turkey) if you have a passport from Australia and are traveling for tourism purposes. Visa and travel documentation requirements can change. So before you book your cheap flights from Melbourne to Istanbul, check with your airline and the destination country's local consulate or embassy for up-to-date information.
Flying from Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
We make it easy to book a flight from Melbourne to Istanbul that includes a stopover. To see all your options leaving from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, choose a flight with a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Popular stopovers include:
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)
Located around 15 miles from the center of Melbourne, MEL can be reached in approximately 28 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport takes roughly 42 minutes.
Want an easy start to your trip? Stay near Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Melbourne to Istanbul or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are ideal:
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 30 miles from central Istanbul. With a cab or in your own car rental, the drive is around 50 minutes.
If you're traveling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel near IST if you have a late flight from Melbourne to Istanbul. Select one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is around 30 miles from central Istanbul. Once you've hopped off your flight from Melbourne to Istanbul, allow for a drive time of approximately 57 minutes to reach the heart of the city.
Public transport will get you there in around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your flight from Melbourne to Istanbul:
How to find the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Istanbul
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Melbourne to Istanbul is $345. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $633. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares could change.
It's often best to book early if you want to find cheap tickets from Melbourne to Istanbul. That's because airlines change prices based on demand, which tends to rise closer to the date of departure.
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll find the lowest price across each month when searching for a ticket from Melbourne to Istanbul.
Finding a cheap ticket from Melbourne to Istanbul couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as the price has dropped.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Melbourne to Istanbul.
Best time to go to Istanbul
It's time to pick your trip dates for your flight from Melbourne to Istanbul. August is the busiest month for a trip to Istanbul. If you want a quieter vibe, go in February.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with the temperature ranging between 68ºF and 86ºF. Lock in your flights from Melbourne to Istanbul in this month if this is the kind of weather you like.
For cooler conditions, book a cheap ticket from Melbourne to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 36ºF and 52ºF.
More about Istanbul
After booking your flight from Melbourne to Istanbul, think about where you want to stay in this city. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Istanbul:
Every great adventure has to include a little sightseeing. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are attractions you won't want to skip in Istanbul.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Melbourne 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 type to the best time to book.