Travelling from Dalaman Airport (DLM) to Istanbul Airport (IST): what you need to know
The average time for a direct flight from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul Airport is 1 hour 30 minutes.
Dalaman and Istanbul are in the UTC+3 timezone. This means you won't have to change your watch when you arrive.
You can choose from 44 weekly Dalaman Airport to Istanbul Airport flights. The 00:10 departure with Turkish Airlines is the earliest flight available. Turkish Airlines operates the latest service of the day at 22:55.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your DLM to IST flight.
Planning to travel during a peak time like public or school holidays? Expect longer queues at check-in and security. To give yourself peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Travelling to Istanbul (and then discovering more of Türkiye (Turkey)!) is a cinch with Turkish Airlines. This popular carrier has direct flights from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul Airport.
The airline most travellers prefer to fly with on this route is Turkish Airlines.
If you want to add a stop to your trip, simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for your ticket from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul Airport. Here are the most popular stopovers between DLM and IST:
Antalya Airport
Beirut Airport
Milas–Bodrum Airport
Handy information about Dalaman Airport (DLM)
Of all flights leaving Dalaman Airport, 75% land on schedule at their destination.
Dalaman Airport is about 6 kilometres from central Dalaman. If you're driving, catching a taxi or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 15 minutes or so to arrive, depending on the traffic.
The journey on public transport takes roughly 25 minutes.
Looking for a convenient hotel near DLM? If you're boarding an early flight from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul Airport, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from your departure gate:
Arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST)
If you're getting in on a late Dalaman Airport to Istanbul Airport flight, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be resting soon after at one of these accommodation options near IST:
Grab a Istanbul Airport rental car and discover Istanbul and beyond with your own set of wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are popular providers you can book with here.
Booking your vehicle from Istanbul Airport about two weeks in advance boosts your odds of scoring a great price.
When to fly to Istanbul Airport (IST)
The quietest month for a flight from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul Airport is March, while August is the most popular. Choose the ideal time to visit Istanbul based on whether you prefer a faster pace or a more relaxed vibe.
The warmest month in Istanbul is July, with temperatures ranging between 21ºC (70ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Lock in your flights from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul Airport in this month if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Look for cheap tickets from DLM to IST in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF) on average.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Istanbul has plenty to offer, but there are so many other corners of Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be discovered. Around 354 kilometres east of Istanbul, a visit to Ankara will keep you busy. Start with attractions like The Roman Theatre, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
If you're eager to discover another great destination in Türkiye (Turkey), head for Izmir, roughly 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Aegean Coast, Smyrna Basilika and Ataturk Konak Square are key highlights.