$150 Cheap Flights from Dubai (DXB) to Istanbul (IST)

Dubai (DXB) to Istanbul (IST) at a glance

Travel from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Istanbul Airport (IST) with a range of airlines offering diverse options for your journey. Whether you prefer full-service or low-cost carriers, you can compare various flights from Dubai to find the ideal itinerary that suits your budget and schedule. Discover the key details for flights between DXB and IST as you prepare to explore the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Istanbul.

• Fastest flight duration: around 5 hours non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 1,900 miles (3,060 km)
• Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $160–$715, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Istanbul Airport (IST)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines preferred for flights from Dubai to Istanbul, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layovers include Bahrain International Airport (BAH, approximately 2h 45m), Kuwait International Airport (KWI, about 2h 45m), and Hamad International Airport (DOH, around 2 hours). This variety allows you to customize your travel experience by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class to find the ideal itinerary.

• flydubai: This budget airline provides non-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $160 and $390. It represents about 47% of departures on this route, with a total travel duration of 5 hours.
• Emirates: Renowned for its full-service offerings, Emirates operates non-stop flights with one-way fares typically ranging from $190 to $3200. It makes up approximately 34% of departures on this route, maintaining a total flight time of 5 hours.
• Turkish Airlines: As a full-service carrier, Turkish Airlines offers non-stop service with one-way fares usually between $440 and $2900. It accounts for around 7% of departures on this route, with an overall travel time of 5 hours.
• Gulf Air: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way fares generally from $185 to $1150. Gulf Air covers about 5% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 5 hours 45 minutes and a total journey time of approximately 8 hours 15 minutes, including layover.
• Kuwait Airways: Another full-service option, Kuwait Airways offers one-stop flights with one-way prices typically ranging from $205 to $1090. It represents roughly 3% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 5 hours 45 minutes and a total travel duration of about 8 hours 15 minutes, factoring in layover.

Travelers flying from Dubai to Istanbul have the option to upgrade their flight. Leading airlines for business class include Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Gulf Air, all offering excellent service.

Best time to fly from Dubai (DXB) to Istanbul (IST)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Dubai to Istanbul are January, February, and April, when peak temperatures in Istanbul reach up to 54.3°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 77.9°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $315). Flight availability peaks in February, May, and June, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. March has the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $315, roughly 40% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: October typically offers an average one-way fare of around $338.
• Most flight options: February, May, and June have the highest number of flights from Dubai to Istanbul, with approximately 10 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative routes from Dubai (DXB) to Istanbul (IST)

• Dubai to Istanbul (DXB-SAW): Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) lies approximately 38 miles from Istanbul Airport (IST). One-way economy ticket prices on this route generally fall between $135 and $390, influenced by the season and how far in advance you book. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flight options. Major airlines operating this route include flydubai, a low-cost carrier, and Emirates. Business class service is also available on this route.
• Sharjah to Istanbul (SHJ-IST): Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) is located about 12 miles from Dubai International Airport (DXB). One-way economy fares for this journey typically range from $110 to $465, depending on the season and booking lead time. This route primarily offers non-stop flights, with Air Arabia being the leading airline on this route, known for its low-cost options.

How to find the best prices for flights from Dubai (DXB) to Istanbul (IST)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Dubai to Istanbul is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking 2 to 8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book within 2 weeks. Evening departures (6 PM to 12 AM) often offer lower prices, while afternoon flights (12 PM to 6 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Sunday generally provides cheaper options, even though Thursday is the busiest travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Istanbul Airport from Dubai International Airport

Istanbul welcomes travelers from Dubai with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Istanbul city center is approximately a 20-minute drive (covering about 16 miles) from Istanbul Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Istanbul efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Istanbul, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Istanbul Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Istanbul Airport on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Dubai to Istanbul Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Dubai to Istanbul

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Dubai to Istanbul are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Dubai to Istanbul with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Dubai to Istanbul

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Dubai to Istanbul: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Dubai to Istanbul

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Dubai to Istanbul in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $150 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Dubai to Istanbul flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Dubai to Istanbul airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.