$74 Cheap Flights from Tel Aviv (TLV) to Istanbul (IST)

Tel Aviv (TLV) to Istanbul (IST) at a glance

Embark on an exciting journey from Tel Aviv (TLV) to Istanbul (IST) with a selection of airlines catering to this international short-haul route. Explore various options from full-service carriers to find the perfect flight that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel plans, allowing you to enjoy Istanbul's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Here are the essential details for flights departing from Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) to Istanbul Airport (IST).

• Fastest flight duration: around 3h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 2h 45m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 700 miles (1,130 km)
• Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $125–$435, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) to Istanbul Airport (IST)

Based on recent traveler preferences, here are the top airlines flying from Tel Aviv to Istanbul, often selected for their one-stop services. Popular layover locations include Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, ATH (approximately 2h 45m layover), Henri Coanda International Airport, OTP (about 4h 30m layover), and Heydar Aliyev International Airport, GYD (around 2h 45m layover). These options allow you to balance factors like price, overall travel duration, and cabin class to create the best travel itinerary for your needs.

• Aegean: This full-service airline provides a one-stop travel option, with one-way fares generally falling between $135 and $565. It represents about 74% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel time of around 7 hours, including layovers.
• Tarom-Romanian Air Transport: As another full-service carrier offering one-stop flights, Tarom's one-way fares usually range from $205 to $485. It accounts for roughly 9% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in a total journey time of about 7 hours, including a layover.
• Azerbaijan Airlines: This full-service carrier also provides one-stop services, with one-way ticket prices typically between $150 and $370. It makes up around 7% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, with the total journey time close to 7 hours, including a layover.
• Sky Express: Offering one-stop service as a full-service airline, Sky Express has one-way fares that commonly range from $125 to $140. It constitutes about 2% of the departures on this route, with a flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, leading to an overall travel time of roughly 7 hours, including a layover.
• Air France: This full-service carrier provides one-stop options, with one-way fares typically between $205 and $410. It accounts for around 2% of the departures on this route, with a flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in a total travel duration of about 7 hours, including layovers.

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from Tel Aviv to Istanbul with an upgrade, as Aegean provides business class service on this route.

Best time to fly from Tel Aviv (TLV) to Istanbul (IST)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Tel Aviv to Istanbul are February, April, and November, when peak temperatures in Istanbul reach up to 57.2°F in November. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 63.7°F. For better deals, April usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $241. Flight availability peaks in December, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. March, July, and August have the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: April usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $241, roughly 20% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: February, May, and March typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $245 to $259.
• Most flight options: December has the highest number of flights from Tel Aviv 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 Tel Aviv (TLV) to Istanbul (IST)

• Tel Aviv to Istanbul (TLV-ISL): Ataturk International Airport (ISL) is located approximately 20 miles from Istanbul Airport (IST).
• Tel Aviv to Istanbul (TLV-SAW): Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) lies about 38 miles from Istanbul Airport (IST).

How to find the best prices for flights from Tel Aviv (TLV) to Istanbul (IST)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Tel Aviv 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 at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book within two weeks. Evening departures between 6 p.m. and 12 a.m. generally offer lower prices and are also the most popular times to fly. Additionally, flying on Tuesday often results in cheaper fares, while Sunday remains the most popular 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 Ben Gurion Airport

Istanbul welcomes travelers from Tel Aviv with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Ben Gurion Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive (covering about 12 miles) from central Tel Aviv. 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.

Tel Aviv to Istanbul Flights

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

The best time to book a flight from Tel Aviv to Istanbul

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Tel Aviv 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 Tel Aviv 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 Tel Aviv to Istanbul in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $74 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 Tel Aviv 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 Tel Aviv 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.