Flying from Esenboga International Airport (ESB) to Istanbul: what you need to know
The average length of a direct flight from Esenboga International Airport to Istanbul is 1 hour 10 minutes.
Istanbul and Ankara (where Esenboga International Airport is located) are in the UTC+3 timezone. This means you won't have to adjust your watch after you land.
Esenboga International Airport (ESB) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route, with 110 weekly departures to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from ESB to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 23:55. Go for the first departure operated by Turkish Airlines at 00:55 if you want to fly out earlier.
For a relaxed start to your ESB to Istanbul flight, leave enough time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Delays at check-in and security are likely if you're heading away during high season, so give yourself some extra breathing space. A good rule of thumb for peak periods? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
You can book a direct Esenboga International Airport to Istanbul ticket. Start your journey at ESB and land at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Well-known airlines that offer direct flights from Esenboga International Airport to Istanbul include:
Travelling from central Ankara to ESB takes around 1 hour 5 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 23 kilometres in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want a relaxed start to your trip? Stay near ESB. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Esenboga International Airport to Istanbul or just don't like being rushed, these hotels put convenience first:
Of all flights leaving Esenboga International Airport, 78.41% land on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Esenboga International Airport (ESB) to Istanbul
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Esenboga International Airport to Istanbul flight is ج.م. 948. The cheapest price for a return flight is ج.م. 2,015. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Booking early is often the key to locking in a cheap flight from ESB to Istanbul. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the nearer your departure date, the more expensive your ticket may be.
Scoring cheap tickets from Esenboga International Airport to Istanbul is more likely if you can be flexible with your travel dates. Try using the 'Whole month' tool to get the lowest fares throughout the month and pick up an incredible deal.
Finding a cheap flight from ESB to Istanbul is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know when the price has dropped.
Tailor your trip with filters. Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Esenboga International Airport to Istanbul.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 48 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes about 50 minutes.
Travelling to the centre by public transport typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Esenboga International Airport to Istanbul. Book one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Go wherever you want, whenever you want with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and venture far and wide through Istanbul and beyond.
To lock in the lowest price, reserve your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks in advance of your flight from ESB to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
After your flight from Esenboga International Airport to Istanbul has arrived, you can reach the city centre in around 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
You can expect the journey to take about 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
After stepping off your ESB to Istanbul flight, rest your head at a hotel near SAW. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make collecting a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car quick and easy. These companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Snap up the best price by reserving your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Carefully consider your travel dates before locking in your flight from Esenboga International Airport to Istanbul. The city buzzes during high season, but prices are generally higher and major attractions can be busy. Visit Istanbul in low season if you prefer a more relaxed vibe.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Book your Esenboga International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from ESB to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Istanbul right here. Explore these hotels after you've booked your flight from Esenboga International Airport to Istanbul:
Every great journey has to include some sightseeing. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are must-visits when exploring Istanbul.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've done Istanbul, now it's time to explore other parts of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel about 354 kilometres east to Ankara to tick off its leading attractions. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
If there's time to check out another major destination in Türkiye (Turkey), head for Izmir, about 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak are key highlights.
