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$116 Cheap Flights from Madrid (MAD) to Istanbul (IST)

View $116 flight on Wed, Oct 7, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to Istanbul Airport (IST)

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Cheap Flights from Madrid to Istanbul (MAD-IST)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $116 for one-way flights and $204 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Tarom-Romanian Air Transport
Tue, Feb 2 - Fri, Feb 5
MAD
Madrid
IST
Istanbul
$204 Roundtrip, found 20 hours ago
$204
Roundtrip
found 20 hours ago
Select Tarom-Romanian Air Transport flight, departing Tue, Feb 2 from Madrid to Istanbul, returning Fri, Feb 5, priced at $204 found 20 hours ago
Tarom-Romanian Air Transport
Tue, Oct 20 - Mon, Oct 26
MAD
Madrid
IST
Istanbul
$209 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$209
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select Tarom-Romanian Air Transport flight, departing Tue, Oct 20 from Madrid to Istanbul, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $209 found 6 hours ago
Lufthansa
Wed, Dec 2 - Thu, Dec 3
MAD
Madrid
IST
Istanbul
$215 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$215
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Lufthansa flight, departing Wed, Dec 2 from Madrid to Istanbul, returning Thu, Dec 3, priced at $215 found 1 day ago
Lufthansa
Fri, Nov 20 - Tue, Dec 1
MAD
Madrid
IST
Istanbul
$216 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$216
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Lufthansa flight, departing Fri, Nov 20 from Madrid to Istanbul, returning Tue, Dec 1, priced at $216 found 1 day ago
Lufthansa
Fri, Mar 12 - Tue, Mar 16
MAD
Madrid
IST
Istanbul
$218 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$218
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Lufthansa flight, departing Fri, Mar 12 from Madrid to Istanbul, returning Tue, Mar 16, priced at $218 found 2 days ago
Lufthansa
Fri, Sep 25 - Wed, Oct 7
MAD
Madrid
IST
Istanbul
$221 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$221
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Lufthansa flight, departing Fri, Sep 25 from Madrid to Istanbul, returning Wed, Oct 7, priced at $221 found 7 hours ago
Lufthansa
Sat, Jun 12 - Sat, Jul 10
MAD
Madrid
IST
Istanbul
$221 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$221
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Lufthansa flight, departing Sat, Jun 12 from Madrid to Istanbul, returning Sat, Jul 10, priced at $221 found 1 day ago
Air France
Thu, Jan 14 - Mon, Jan 18
MAD
Madrid
IST
Istanbul
$251 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$251
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select Air France flight, departing Thu, Jan 14 from Madrid to Istanbul, returning Mon, Jan 18, priced at $251 found 4 days ago
KLM
Thu, Jan 21 - Mon, Jan 25
MAD
Madrid
IST
Istanbul
$252 Roundtrip, found 17 hours ago
$252
Roundtrip
found 17 hours ago
Select KLM flight, departing Thu, Jan 21 from Madrid to Istanbul, returning Mon, Jan 25, priced at $252 found 17 hours ago
Air Serbia
Mon, Nov 23 - Mon, Nov 30
MAD
Madrid
IST
Istanbul
$254 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$254
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select Air Serbia flight, departing Mon, Nov 23 from Madrid to Istanbul, returning Mon, Nov 30, priced at $254 found 4 hours ago

Alternative airports near Istanbul

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Istanbul Airport IST. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 41 minutes. Flights from $284
IST
Istanbul Airport
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center41 min
Flights from $284

Find the cheapest month to fly from Madrid (MAD) to Istanbul (IST)

October is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $176 - $292 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas to Istanbul

Madrid (MAD) to Istanbul (IST) at a glance

Embark on an adventure from Madrid (MAD) to Istanbul (IST) with a range of airlines catering to this international short-haul route. Explore options from full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns best with your budget, travel schedule, and plans to experience Istanbul's iconic attractions and neighborhoods. Here, you'll find essential information on flights departing from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to Istanbul Airport (IST).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 4h 15m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,700 miles (2,740 km)
  • Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $145–$575, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to Istanbul Airport (IST)

Explore the top airlines favored by travelers flying from Madrid to Istanbul, focusing on both non-stop and one-stop options. Common layover spots include Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH) with a 1 hour and 15-minute stop and Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) with a 1 hour and 45-minute layover. These choices provide the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class, helping you craft the perfect itinerary for your journey.

  • Turkish Airlines: This full-service airline provides non-stop flights, with one-way fares generally falling between $160 and $975. It represents nearly 46% of all departures on this route, boasting a total travel duration of 4 hours and 15 minutes.
  • Air Europa: Another full-service option, Air Europa offers non-stop service with one-way ticket prices typically ranging from $145 to $625. It accounts for about 43% of flights on this route, with a journey time of 4 hours and 15 minutes.
  • Aegean: Operating with a one-stop service, this full-service carrier has one-way fares usually between $145 and $345. With approximately 7% of departures on this route, expect around 5 hours of in-flight time and a total travel duration of about 7 hours, including a layover.
  • Lufthansa: This full-service airline also provides one-stop service, with one-way fares typically ranging from $145 to $400. It makes up roughly 3% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 5 hours and a total journey time of approximately 7 hours, factoring in a layover.

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from Madrid to Istanbul by upgrading to business class, with Air Europa and Turkish Airlines both providing this premium service for the flight.

Best time to fly from Madrid (MAD) to Istanbul (IST)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Madrid to Istanbul are March, June, and September, when peak temperatures in Istanbul reach up to 72.5°F in June. If you prefer quieter travel, consider December, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 49.6°F. For better deals, February usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $225. Flight availability peaks in May, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: February usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $225, roughly 32% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: December typically offers an average one-way fare of around $228.
  • Most flight options: May has the highest number of flights from Madrid to Istanbul, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January45.0°F (7.2°C)Average8$295
February45.9°F (7.7°C)Average9$225
March48.4°F (9.1°C)Moderately High9$332
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Average9$425
May63.7°F (17.6°C)Average11$359
June72.5°F (22.5°C)Moderately High9$344
July77.4°F (25.2°C)Moderately Low8$441
August77.9°F (25.5°C)Moderately Low10$450
September72.3°F (22.4°C)Moderately High10$301
October63.9°F (17.7°C)Average10$352
November57.2°F (14.0°C)Average9$262
December49.6°F (9.8°C)Moderately Low7$228

*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 route from Madrid (MAD) to Istanbul (IST)

  • Madrid to Istanbul (MAD-SAW): Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) lies approximately 38 miles from Istanbul Airport (IST). One-way economy prices on this route generally fall between $110 and $350, influenced by the season and advance booking. Travelers often have access to non-stop flights. Key airlines operating this route include low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines and Iberia.

How to find the best prices for flights from Madrid (MAD) to Istanbul (IST)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Madrid 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 2-8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book within 2 weeks. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM often offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Monday typically yields cheaper rates, although 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 Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport

Istanbul welcomes travelers from Madrid 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.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $116 and cheap return flights from $204 Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $197 and $1325, and return flights often range between $340 and $1977. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST)?
The cheapest month to fly from MAD to IST is February when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST)?
There are 2 airlines offering direct flights from MAD to IST:

  • Turkish Airlines operates around 24 direct flights from MAD to IST every week
  • Air Europa operates around 7 direct flights from MAD to IST every week

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST)?
Sky Express is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Madrid (MAD) to Istanbul (IST), with round-trip tickets starting from around $204. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST)?
To find a cheap flight from Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST)?
The best airline to fly with from Madrid (MAD) to Istanbul (IST) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Turkish Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Pegasus Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. Lufthansa offers the most daily flights from MAD to IST, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST)?
There are approximately 4 nonstop flights per day from Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas (MAD) to Istanbul Airport (IST). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST)?
The earliest flight from Madrid (MAD) to Istanbul (IST) usually departs at around 12:20 AM local time, operated by Aegean Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in October, making it a great option for early travelers looking to explore Istanbul. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Madrid (MAD) to Istanbul (IST) are from 9am to 12pm. About 32% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Air Europa, Turkish Airlines, and KLM, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it allows travelers to arrive in Istanbul with ample time to explore the city.
How long does it take to fly from Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST)?
A nonstop flight from MAD to IST typically takes around 4 hours 20 minutes, covering approximately 1,680 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 5 hours 40 minutes to your travel time. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST)?
Business class is available on flights from MAD to IST. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • TAP Portugal
  • Lufthansa
  • KLM
  • Air Serbia
  • Aegean
  • Air Europa
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Air France
  • Iberia
  • LOT Polish Airlines

How much is a business class flight from Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Madrid (MAD) to Istanbul (IST) typically costs between $1,701 - $2,381. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $1,164 - $1,336. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Istanbul from Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas (MAD)?
From Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas (MAD), you can fly into Sabiha Gokcen Intl. (SAW) and Istanbul Airport (IST) in Istanbul. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Heathrow (LHR) before reaching Istanbul. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST) Istanbul Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST)?
If you booked your Madrid (MAD-Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) to Istanbul (IST) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas
Destination airport
Istanbul
Airlines serving
Aegean, Air Baltic, Air Europa, Air France, Air Serbia, British Airways, ITA Airways, Iberia, KLM, LOT-Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Pegasus Airlines, Royal Jordanian, SKY express, TAP Portugal, Tarom-Romanian Air Transport, Turkish Airlines, Vueling Airlines
Roundtrip price
$203
Distance
1679 mi
Average flight time
5 hours 10 mins

Book with confidence

Madrid to Istanbul Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Madrid 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 Madrid to Istanbul are during the month of February. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Madrid to Istanbul with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Madrid to Istanbul

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Madrid 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 Madrid 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 Madrid to Istanbul in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $116 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 Madrid 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 Madrid 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.

 

Madrid to Istanbul Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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