Ankara ANK to Istanbul IST flight with Turkish Airlines

Sun, Sep 20
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Journey information

Overview: Ankara to Istanbul flight

TurkeyTurkey
TurkeyTurkey
Icon of flight

Flights from Ankara to Istanbul depart on average 25 times per day, taking around 1h 24m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $28 but you can travel from only $18 by bus.

There are 22 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest flight covers the 218 miles (352 km) distance in 1h 5m. January is the cheapest month to fly.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $18
Distance
218 miles (352 km)
Average flight duration
1h 24m
Cheapest ticket price
$28
Flights per day
25
Direct flights
22
Fastest flight
1h 5m
First flight
12:05 AM
Last flight
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
35 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $18

The cheapest and fastest flights from Ankara to Istanbul

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20

Cheapest price on Sep 20

$39

Average ticket price on Sep 20

$131

Fastest journey on Sep 20

1 h 10 m

Average journey duration on Sep 20

1 h 10 m

Flights on Sep 20

23

Distance

352 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Ankara to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Ankara to Istanbul will cost around $131 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.

Fast flights

On Sun, Sep 20, we found 23 flights from Ankara to Istanbul, including 20 direct services.

On Sun, Sep 20 the direct flights cover the 352 km distance in an average of 1 h 10 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 10 m .

On Sun, Sep 20 the longest flights will take 1 h 10 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • PegasusPC2677
    5:30 AM1h10
    Ankara Esenboga International Airport
    6:40 AMIstanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport
    $391One-way
    0 transfers
  • PegasusPC2679
    7:50 AM1h10
    Ankara Esenboga International Airport
    9:00 AMIstanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport
    $431One-way
    0 transfers
  • PegasusPC2663
    9:35 AM1h10
    Ankara Esenboga International Airport
    10:45 AMIstanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport
    $451One-way
    0 transfers
  • PegasusPC2671
    8:50 PM1h10
    Ankara Esenboga International Airport
    10:00 PMIstanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport
    $551One-way
    0 transfers
  • PegasusPC2673
    10:05 PM1h10
    Ankara Esenboga International Airport
    11:15 PMIstanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport
    $591One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and flight for Ankara to Istanbul

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Ankara to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $23 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 24m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the bus is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.4 - 0.9kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, while a flight costs an average of $119.

Distance: 218 miles (352 km)

Compare flight with

Flight
Most popular
Bus
Driving

$119

Average price

$23

Average price

Cheapest

$84

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 24m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 24m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

7h 32m

Average total duration

7h 2m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 39m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

1.1 - 2.1kg

CO2 emissions

0.4 - 0.9kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

Turkish Airlines

Most popular airline

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Ankara to Istanbul is a bus with an average price of $23.

This is compared to other travel options from Ankara to Istanbul:

A bus is $96 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ankara to Istanbul costing on average $119.

The fastest way to travel from Ankara to Istanbul is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 24m.

Other travel options to Istanbul take longer:

Bus takes on average 7h 2m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ankara and Istanbul including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Ankara to Istanbul among Omio's users.

Live departures

Ankara to Istanbul flight times

The table below shows live departures for Ankara to Istanbul flights for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
PegasusPC26796:00 AM Ankara Esenboga International Airport
1h10
7:10 AM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport0 transfersDirect
Turkish AirlinesTK21177:55 AM Ankara Esenboga International Airport
1h15
9:10 AM Istanbul Airport0 transfersDirect
Turkish AirlinesTK21238:55 AM Ankara Esenboga International Airport
1h10
10:05 AM Istanbul Airport0 transfersDirect
PegasusPC26639:15 AM Ankara Esenboga International Airport
1h10
10:25 AM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport0 transfersDirect
Turkish AirlinesTK212710:40 AM Ankara Esenboga International Airport
1h20
12:00 PM Istanbul Airport0 transfersDirect
Turkish AirlinesTK213511:50 AM Ankara Esenboga International Airport
1h20
1:10 PM Istanbul Airport0 transfersDirect
PegasusPC266712:50 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport
1h10
2:00 PM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport0 transfersDirect
Turkish AirlinesTK213912:55 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport
1h15
2:10 PM Istanbul Airport0 transfersDirect
Turkish AirlinesTK21512:50 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport
1h20
4:10 PM Istanbul Airport0 transfersDirect
Turkish AirlinesTK21553:55 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport
1h25
5:20 PM Istanbul Airport0 transfersDirect
PegasusPC26754:45 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport
1h10
5:55 PM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport0 transfersDirect
Turkish AirlinesTK21594:50 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport
1h15
6:05 PM Istanbul Airport0 transfersDirect
Turkish AirlinesTK21636:00 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport
1h20
7:20 PM Istanbul Airport0 transfersDirect
Turkish AirlinesTK21676:50 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport
1h20
8:10 PM Istanbul Airport0 transfersDirect
Turkish AirlinesTK21717:55 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport
1h20
9:15 PM Istanbul Airport0 transfersDirect
PegasusPC26718:55 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport
1h10
10:05 PM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport0 transfersDirect
Turkish AirlinesTK21759:35 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport
1h10
10:45 PM Istanbul Airport0 transfersDirect
PegasusPC267310:05 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport
1h10
11:15 PM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport0 transfersDirect
Turkish AirlinesTK218310:50 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport
1h15
12:05 AM Istanbul Airport0 transfersDirect
Turkish AirlinesTK218511:55 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport
1h10
1:05 AM Istanbul Airport0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Ankara to Istanbul by bus or flight

Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

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Sep 20
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Why should you book Ankara to Istanbul flights with Omio?

Pegasus as well as Turkish Airlines or AJet offer flights services from Ankara to Istanbul.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ankara to Istanbul.

Why book with Omio vs Pegasus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Pegasus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Turkish Airlines or AJet to find the best option for your trip from Ankara to Istanbul.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Pegasus with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Ankara to Istanbul.

Why book with Omio over Skyscanner, Kayak or Edreams?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Turkish Airlines or AJet to find the best option for your trip from Ankara to Istanbul.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Ankara to Istanbul.

Airlines: Turkish Airlines, Pegasus from Ankara to IstanbulFind the best flights between Ankara to Istanbul with Omio's travel partners Turkish Airlines, Pegasus from $18. We can find you the best deals, schedules and tickets when comparing and booking the best trip.

Turkish Airlines

About
Turkish Airlines is the national flag carrier of Turkey and one of the world’s leading airlines, flying to more international destinations than any other airline. Based in Istanbul, it connects travelers to Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and beyond. Passengers can choose from Economy Class with comfortable seating, WiFi, and in-flight entertainment, or upgrade to Business Class for spacious seating, gourmet dining, and lounge access. With its award-winning service and global reach, Turkish Airlines is a top choice for both business and leisure travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Turkish Airlines Duration
1h 10m
Cheapest Turkish Airlines Price
$40
Turkish Airlines frequency
15 a day
Luggage included
Economy Class: 1 carry-on bag (8kg, 55x40x23cm) + personal item (4kg, 40x30x15cm)
Additional luggage
Additional baggage can be purchased online or at the airport. Fees vary by route.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation within 24 hours of booking. After that, cancellation fees apply based on fare type and timing.
Pregnant on board
Pregnant women can fly until 28th week without medical clearance. Between 28-36 weeks, medical certificate required. Not allowed after 36 weeks.
Unaccompagned minor
UNACCOMPANIED minor service available for children aged 7-12. Children 12+ can travel alone. Service must be booked at least 48 hours before departure.
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
Food sold onboard
USB plugs
Accessibility
Turkish Airlines provides wheelchair assistance and special services for passengers with disabilities. Advance notice required.
Pets
Small pets allowed in cabin (max 8kg including carrier) and cargo hold. Must be booked in advance.
Entertaiment on board

Pegasus

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Pegasus Duration
1h 5m
Cheapest Pegasus Price
$28
Pegasus frequency
10 a day

Complete guide to Istanbul

Things to do in Istanbul

Discover the best of Istanbul — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Istanbul trip today.

  • Must visit

Istanbul Modern

Leading contemporary art museum on the Bosphorus with strong Turkish and international exhibitions in a landmark waterfront building.

  • Must visit

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

Major archaeology museum complex displaying masterpieces from ancient Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and the classical world.

  • Must visit

Kariye Museum

Restored church-museum famed for exceptional Byzantine mosaics and frescoes that rival the city’s most celebrated monuments.

Turkish lira (₺)

Moderate for major city breaks: dining and transit are reasonable, but central hotels and tourist areas cost more than many nearby Turkish destinations.

Average meal costs

Budget
₺250-450 for street food or simple lokanta meal.
Mid-range
₺600-1,200 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
₺1,500+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
₺90-160 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 5-10% if service not included. Cafes: round up or leave small change. Taxis: round up the fare; larger tips are optional.

FAQs: Ankara to Istanbul Flight

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ankara to Istanbul by flight. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Istanbul, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap plane tickets from Ankara to Istanbul can start from as little as $28 when you book in advance. The average flight ticket price for Ankara to Istanbul is $119 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by plane from Ankara to Istanbul is 1h 5m to travel the 218 miles (352 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest flight from Ankara to Istanbul leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest flight from Ankara to Istanbul leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 22 direct flights a day from Ankara to Istanbul with Pegasus, Turkish Airlines. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct flights.
When taking a flight from Ankara to Istanbul, you can count on Pegasus, Turkish Airlines, AJet for the best way to get you to Istanbul. You can also check all possible airlines who offer a service between Ankara and Istanbul and compare the amenities they offer before buying a plane ticket.
Flights from Ankara to Istanbul generally leave from Ankara Esenboga International Airport and arrive in Istanbul Airport.Ankara Esenboga International Airport is 4 miles (7 km) away from Ankara city centre and Istanbul Airport is 19 miles (32 km) from Istanbul city centre.
The cheapest month for a flight from Ankara to Istanbul is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ankara and Istanbul including taking a bus and flight.
Since neither Ankara nor Istanbul are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of Türkiye and Türkiye. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
There is no time difference between Ankara and Istanbul.
The best events to attend in Istanbul include:
  • Istanbul Film Festival, an annual event showcasing international and Turkish films
  • Istanbul Music Festival, a celebration of classical music featuring renowned artists
  • Istanbul Biennial, a contemporary art exhibition held every two years with global participation
  • Istanbul Tulip Festival, a month-long festival celebrating the city's tulip heritage with colorful displays throughout parks.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Istanbul are:
  • Hagia Sophia, a historic architectural marvel that served as a church and mosque, now a museum
  • Topkapi Palace, the opulent former residence of Ottoman sultans with extensive collections of artifacts
  • Blue Mosque, an iconic mosque known for its stunning blue tiles and six minarets
  • Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir featuring impressive columns and atmospheric lighting
  • Galata Tower, a medieval stone tower offering panoramic views of Istanbul.
The best holidays to experience in Istanbul include:
  • Republic Day, national pride and celebrations on October 29
  • Eid al-Fitr, festive atmosphere marking the end of Ramadan with family gatherings in April or May
  • Eid al-Adha, significant religious holiday with communal prayers and feasts in June or July
  • New Year's Eve, lively celebrations welcoming the new year with fireworks and parties on December 31.
The best things to do in Istanbul include:
  • Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets offering a wide range of goods
  • Bosphorus Cruise, a scenic boat tour offering views of Istanbul's skyline and historic landmarks
  • Spice Bazaar, a vibrant market filled with exotic spices, sweets, and local delicacies
  • Turkish Bath, experience a traditional hammam for relaxation and rejuvenation
  • Explore Istiklal Avenue, a bustling street known for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
The best season to visit Istanbul is Spring or Fall. The best weather to explore Istanbul is during April-June or September-November.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Ankara to Istanbul among Omio's users.
For domestic flights we recommend to arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before departure. Please check the website of your departure airport if in doubt. Some airports may offer booking time slots for security checks or offer additional information on when to get there based on time of day.
Most airlines permit carry-on bags that fit within specific dimensions (e.g., 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. Bags must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Many airlines impose weight limits, commonly ranging between 7 kg (15 lbs) and 12 kg (26 lbs). Typically, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (for example a purse, laptop bag, or backpack). Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you. Budget Airlines (like Ryanair or Wizz Air) have stricter size and weight limits, often requiring fees for larger carry-ons. Full-Service Airlines have more lenient policies, sometimes including more spacious dimensions or higher weight limits depending on your ticket class.
The list of items prohibited on an airplane varies by country and airline, but in general, the following items are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage: Weapons and self-defence items, sharp objects, flammable materials, explosives, toxic substances, or liquids over 100ml (except for medications and baby essentials). In checked baggage, firearms (without authorization), explosives, large lithium batteries, and hazardous chemicals are prohibited. Electronic cigarettes must be in carry-on bags, while alcohol and dry ice have restrictions. Always check with your airline for specific regulations.
Türkiye uses the Turkish Lira (TRY) as its currency. Travelers often find cards widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but carrying some cash is advisable for small purchases, local markets, and rural regions where card acceptance may be limited.
In Istanbul, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transportation and popular tourist spots. Common scams include overpriced taxi rides without a meter, unofficial tour guides offering expensive or fake services, and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It's advisable to use official taxis or ride-hailing apps, agree on prices beforehand, and stay vigilant in busy areas to avoid these issues.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular airports

Popular airports from Ankara to Istanbul

Most Ankara to Istanbul flights use the Ankara Esenboga International Airport to Istanbul Airport airport pair, with some services landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport. Use this guide to compare Ankara and Istanbul airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.

Departure airports in Ankara
Arrival airports in Istanbul

Which Ankara airport do flights to Istanbul leave from?

Flights from Ankara to Istanbul depart from Ankara Esenboga International Airport. The airport is 4 miles (8 km) from Ankara city centre at Esenboğa, 06750 Akyurt/Ankara, Turkey.
Ankara Esenboga International Airport (ESB)Esenboğa, 06750 Akyurt/Ankara, TurkeyWifiShoppingParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerLoungeLost and Found Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Ankara Esenboga International Airport from Ankara city centre

Ankara Esenboga International Airport is 7 km from Ankara city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus442 · 48m · $4 · every ~5 min

Ankara Esenboga International Airport airport facilities and services

Ankara Esenboga International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in both domestic and international terminals.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Ankara Esenboga International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Ankara Esenboga International Airport: Ramps, assistance.

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