Flying from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Jump on a direct flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Istanbul and you'll be in the air for an average of 4 hours 30 minutes.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is located in Abu Dhabi. Based in the UTC+3 timezone, Istanbul is one hour behind Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most traveled route, with 26 flights a week to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from AUH to IST is with Etihad Airways at 09:30. Opt for the first departure with Turkish Airlines at 01:35 if you want to get on your way earlier.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to catch your AUH to Istanbul flight.
If you're jetting off during a bank holiday or another peak period, allow for even more time. A good rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at check-in and security will be longer.
You can book a direct Abu Dhabi International Airport to Istanbul ticket. Start your journey at AUH and land at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Choose from a variety of airlines operating direct flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Istanbul. Get on board with any of these:
We make it easy to book flight tickets from AUH to Istanbul with a stopover. To see all the options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, select a flight with a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Well-traveled stopover hubs include:
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Antalya Airport (AYT)
Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
Travelling from central Abu Dhabi to AUH takes around 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 27 kilometres in 25 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Booked an early flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Istanbul? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to AUH:
Of all flights departing from Abu Dhabi International Airport, 78.54% touch down on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) to Istanbul
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Abu Dhabi International Airport to Istanbul flight is R 1,302. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 2,648. Bear in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book one month before your departure date. Pricing trends show that this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from AUH to Istanbul.
May is the best month for nabbing a fantastic deal on Abu Dhabi International Airport to Istanbul tickets. If you need to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for each month.
You don't need to check back in every day to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you the moment there's an even bigger deal on cheap flights from AUH to Istanbul.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Istanbul by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The distance from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres. It'll take you around 50 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
Consider booking a hotel close to IST if you have a late flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Istanbul. Check in to one of these options and make your first night all about catching up on rest:
Hit the road running by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car to explore Istanbul and beyond.
To lock in the lowest price, book your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks ahead of your flight from AUH to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Once your flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Istanbul has hit the tarmac, you can get to the city centre in around 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
If you choose to travel on public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can check in after your AUH to Istanbul flight:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent and set off in the blink of an eye.
Score the best price by booking your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Before you book your flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Istanbul, consider which time of year works best for you. High season in Istanbul offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of activities, while the low season brings cheaper deals on hotels and smaller crowds.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC (68ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Lock in your Abu Dhabi International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from AUH to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Istanbul, browse our selection of hotels including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to work out where to start. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are top attractions which should be on any good Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many places in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be discovered once you've seen the sights of Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres away to the east, check out popular attractions including Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another essential stop in Türkiye (Turkey). No visit is complete without checking out Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.