- Must visit
Topkapı Palace Museum
Former Ottoman imperial palace with treasury, courtyards, and sacred relics; one of the city’s essential historical museum visits.
Flights from Ankara to Istanbul depart on average 22 times per day, taking around 2h 30m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) but you can travel from only $20 (€16) by bus.
There are 20 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.
Distance 218 miles (352 km) |
Average flight duration 2h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Flights per day 22 |
Direct flights 20 |
Fastest flight 1h 5m |
First flight 12:05 AM |
Last flight 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 77 days |
Cheapest price
$36
Average price
$207
Fastest journey
1 h 10 m
Average duration
1 h 10 m
Flights per day
23
Distance
352 km
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 $207 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.
Of the 23 flights that leave Ankara for Istanbul onSat, Jun 20, 22 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 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 Sat, Jun 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.
PC2675
PC2673
PC2671
PC2667
PC2679
PC2675
TK2189
PC2663
PC2667
TK2193Omio 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 prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.4 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a flight costs an average of $27.
Distance: 218 miles (352 km)
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$51 Average price | $25 Average price Cheapest | $83 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 30m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 2m Average total duration 3h 32m 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 |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Ankara to Istanbul:
A bus is $27 (€22) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ankara to Istanbul costing on average $51 (€42).
Other travel options to Istanbul take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 32m.
The table below shows live departures for Ankara to Istanbul flights for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PC2679 | 5:45 AM Ankara Esenboga International Airport | 1h10 | 6:55 AM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
TK2117 | 7:50 AM Ankara Esenboga International Airport | 1h20 | 9:10 AM Istanbul Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
PC2663 | 8:00 AM Ankara Esenboga International Airport | 1h10 | 9:10 AM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
PC2665 | 10:15 AM Ankara Esenboga International Airport | 1h10 | 11:25 AM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
TK2127 | 10:40 AM Ankara Esenboga International Airport | 1h20 | 12:00 PM Istanbul Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
PC2667 | 12:50 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport | 1h10 | 2:00 PM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
TK2139 | 1:00 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport | 1h20 | 2:20 PM Istanbul Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
TK2119 | 2:00 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport | 1h20 | 3:20 PM Istanbul Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
TK2151 | 2:55 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport | 1h20 | 4:15 PM Istanbul Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
TK2171 | 7:55 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport | 1h20 | 9:15 PM Istanbul Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
PC2671 | 8:50 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport | 1h10 | 10:00 PM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
TK2175 | 9:35 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport | 1h10 | 10:45 PM Istanbul Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
PC2673 | 10:05 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport | 1h10 | 11:15 PM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
TK2183 | 10:50 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport | 1h15 | 12:05 AM Istanbul Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
PC2476 · PC3306 | 11:05 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport | 8h50 | 7:55 AM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
PC2681 | 11:20 PM Ankara Esenboga International Airport | 1h10 | 12:30 AM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
TK2189 | 1:45 AM Ankara Esenboga International Airport | 1h10 | 2:55 AM Istanbul Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
TK2193 | 3:55 AM Ankara Esenboga International Airport | 1h10 | 5:05 AM Istanbul Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Discover the best of Istanbul — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Istanbul trip today.
Former Ottoman imperial palace with treasury, courtyards, and sacred relics; one of the city’s essential historical museum visits.
Major complex of archaeology museums with artifacts from Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and the ancient Near East.
Turkey’s leading modern and contemporary art museum, known for strong exhibitions and a Bosphorus-facing setting.
Historic heart of old Istanbul, linking Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and major Byzantine and Ottoman sites.
Bustling pedestrian avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, galleries, and the nostalgic tram.
Redeveloped waterfront promenade with Bosphorus views, public art, and strong social-media popularity.
Ring-shaped bread coated with sesame seeds, sold by street vendors and bakeries across Istanbul. It is a classic breakfast and snack food closely associated with daily life in the city.
A famous Istanbul street food of grilled fish served in bread, especially associated with the Eminönü waterfront. It is valued for its simple, fresh Bosphorus flavor.
Slow-cooked white bean stew, often served with rice and pickles. It is a comforting staple in traditional Istanbul lokantas and can be made simply or with meat.
Respected modern lokanta serving polished Turkish home-style cooking, meze, and seasonal dishes. Stylish but grounded in tradition.
Well-known restaurant in Eminönü famous for kebabs, lahmacun, and views over the Golden Horn. Established, lively, and popular with both locals and visitors.
Long-running Üsküdar lokanta known for hearty everyday Turkish dishes, soups, stews, and classic desserts. Casual, authentic, and very local in feel.
Moderate for most tourists. Street food and transit are good value, while hotels and upscale dining in central areas cost more.
Around 5-10% in casual restaurants and 10% in nicer places if service is not included. Round up taxis. Small tips are appreciated for hotel staff and delivery.
Official public transport app
Istanbul Airport, Istanbul -> Taksim Square, Istanbul
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.

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