Cheap Flights from Ankara to Istanbul
From GBP 101 · Example fare
Flight time
1h 5m
Distance
350 km
Airlines
Turkish Airlines (TK), Pegasus Airlines (PC), AnadoluJet (TK)
Typically served — verify with the airline.
Carriers seen in a sample search — verify availability
Pegasus Airlines (PC), Turkish Airlines (TK)
Nonstop options were found in this sample search.
Fare snapshot
GBP 101.16
Range in this sample: GBP 101.16–760.02
Sample search, fares as of Aug 25, 2026 · not a live quote · in GBP
The Ankara (ESB) to Istanbul (IST) route is one of Turkey's busiest domestic corridors, covering roughly 350 km non-stop in about 1 hour and 5 minutes. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines and AnadoluJet all operate direct flights. Compare departure times and carriers to find the option that best fits your schedule and budget.
Best time to book
On this route, booking roughly 6–10 weeks ahead has typically offered the best fares.
- Cheaper months (illustrative)
- Feb, Nov
- Pricier months (illustrative)
- Aug, Jul
Illustrative guidance, not a live fare quote
Price trend
| Best time to book | From |
|---|---|
| Jan | USD 38 |
| Feb | USD 36 |
| Mar | USD 37 |
| Apr | USD 40 |
| May | USD 42 |
| Jun | USD 48 |
| Jul | USD 54 |
| Aug | USD 52 |
| Sep | USD 42 |
| Oct | USD 38 |
| Nov | USD 36 |
| Dec | USD 44 |
Illustrative monthly price trend — for guidance only, not real fares
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Good to know
- For a hop this short (about 1h 5m), travelling with carry-on only lets you skip baggage claim and reach the city faster.
- Early-morning and late-evening departures are often the cheapest — compare all three airlines before booking.
- Istanbul Airport (IST) lies well outside the city center, so allow extra time and budget for transport into central Istanbul after you land.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Ankara to Istanbul?
A non-stop flight from Ankara (ESB) to Istanbul (IST) takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes, covering a great-circle distance of roughly 350 km.
Which airlines fly non-stop from Ankara to Istanbul?
Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines and AnadoluJet all operate non-stop flights on the Ankara–Istanbul route.
How much does a flight from Ankara to Istanbul cost?
Fares on this route depend on the airline, how far ahead you book and the time of day you fly.
Airports on this route
Airlines on this route
Typically served — verify with the airline.