Travelling from Moscow to Istanbul: what you need to know
Start your travel planning by considering where you'll catch your flight from Moscow to Istanbul. Vnukovo Airport (VKO) and Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME) are Moscow's main airports.
When planning your arrival in Istanbul, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are the chief entry points.
The average duration of a direct Moscow to Istanbul flight is 4 hours 35 minutes.
Moscow and Istanbul are in the same timezone, UTC+3.
Vnukovo Airport (VKO) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 62 weekly flights to pick from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Moscow to Istanbul is with Turkish Airlines at 20:05. Go for the first VKO to IST departure with Turkish Airlines at 00:45 to make the most of your first day in Istanbul.
For a stress-free journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to board your Moscow to Istanbul flight.
During popular months like July, it's best to get to the airport earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for international flights whenever you're travelling during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Moscow to Istanbul
Booking in advance is often the key to finding a cheap Moscow to Istanbul flight. Fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so the closer your departure date, the more you'll likely pay.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest plane tickets from Moscow to Istanbul across every month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your dates aren't set in stone.
Locking in a cheap flight from Moscow to Istanbul is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when there's a better deal.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' Moscow to Istanbul flights.
Flying from Moscow
Vnukovo Airport (VKO)
Set out from Vnukovo Airport (VKO) and fly straight through to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). If you're searching for a direct flight from Moscow to Istanbul out of VKO, that's where your journey can take you.
Choose from a variety of airlines that offer direct Moscow to Istanbul plane tickets out of VKO. Book your seat with one of these:
To reach VKO from central Moscow, it'll take about 1 hour if you're travelling by car. It's roughly 27 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
64.85% of flights that leave from Vnukovo Airport make it to their destination on time.
Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME)
You can book a direct flight from Moscow to Istanbul departing Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME). Nonstop connections from DME will get you to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Book your direct Moscow to Istanbul plane ticket with S7 Airlines. This is one of the leading airlines that operates this route out of DME.
Visit family or friends or just take a moment to recharge with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Moscow to Istanbul flight, check out these options when setting off from Moscow Domodedovo Airport:
Pulkovo Airport (LED)
Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD)
Antalya Airport (AYT)
Depending on road traffic, you can drive to DME from Moscow's centre in about 1 hour 10 minutes. The airport is roughly 40 kilometres away.
When it comes to flight punctuality, Moscow Domodedovo Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 55.67%.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul takes about 50 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 32 kilometres away.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Moscow to Istanbul, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these accommodation options near IST:
Explore without limits with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and experience more of Istanbul and beyond.
For the lowest price, reserve your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks in advance of your Moscow to Istanbul flight.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Once your flight from Moscow to Istanbul has hit the tarmac, you can reach the city centre in about 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is roughly 31 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.
There are some comfortable places ready to welcome you near SAW. Settle in and get cosy after your Moscow to Istanbul flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Forget about public transport schedules or slow-moving cab lines. Pick up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and let your trip unfold on your terms. Compare offers from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Reserving your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at SAW can help you lock in a better rate.
Best time to go to Istanbul
April is the busiest month for flights from Moscow to Istanbul. To steer clear of the crowds, go to Istanbul in February.
Before locking in your Moscow to Istanbul tickets, consider what kind of weather works for you. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC to 30ºC.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Moscow to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.
More about Istanbul
After booking your flight from Moscow to Istanbul, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Istanbul:
All great holidays should include a little sightseeing. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are attractions you won't want to skip in Istanbul.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many cities in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be discovered after you've seen Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres to the east, top sights here include Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
If you're interested in discovering another great destination in Türkiye (Turkey), head for Izmir, about 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square are among the biggest draws.
