Flying from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Istanbul: what you need to know
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is 10 hours behind Auckland, where Auckland Airport is located.
To ensure you get on your flight from AKL to Istanbul, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Travelling over a peak time such as July? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer lines and delays at check-in and security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
Think about adding a stopover to possibly find a cheaper flight from AKL to Istanbul. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing the departures. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these airports:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
You can visit Türkiye (Turkey) for tourism purposes without a visa if you hold a passport from New Zealand. But before reserving your cheap tickets from Auckland Airport to Istanbul, make sure you have the most up-to-date information. Visa rules are subject to change, and you may require some travel documentation if your trip is for business or other reasons.
Travelling from central Auckland to AKL takes approximately 1 hour and 24 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 27 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want a hassle-free start to your journey? Stay near AKL. Whether you have an early flight from Auckland Airport to Istanbul or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are ideal:
How to find the cheapest flights from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Istanbul
$861 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Auckland Airport to Istanbul. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $1,549. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares may change.
To score cheap tickets from AKL to Istanbul, book as early as you can. Airlines usually offer the most competitive fares when flights are first made available.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest tickets from Auckland Airport to Istanbul throughout the month. It's the best way to find a bargain if your plans are flexible.
Finding a cheap ticket from AKL to Istanbul is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as there's a better deal.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Auckland Airport to Istanbul. Simply enter your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines. Alternatively, sort your results by 'Cheapest' to get the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is around 50 minutes by car. It's approximately 48 kilometres away.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey of roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Reserve a hotel close to IST if you're catching a late flight from Auckland Airport to Istanbul. Settle into one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
The centre of Istanbul is located around 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Once your flight from Auckland Airport to Istanbul has hit the runway and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 57 minutes.
You can expect the trip to take about 1 hour and 30 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from AKL to Istanbul, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to SAW. These are some comfortable options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Best time to go to Istanbul
August is the most popular month to catch a flight from Auckland Airport to Istanbul while February is the quietest. To work out the ideal time to visit Istanbul, consider whether you prefer a lively vibe or a quieter pace.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with the temperature ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Lock in your flights from Auckland Airport to Istanbul in this month if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Search for cheap flights from AKL to Istanbul in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC and 11ºC on average.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Istanbul right here. Check out these options after you've booked your flight from Auckland Airport to Istanbul:
Topkapi Palace and The Basilica Cistern are just the start of the leading attractions to put on your Istanbul must-do list. Keep the momentum going by heading to Galata Tower.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
Choose one of our car rentals in Istanbul and see the sights on your own schedule. Easily compare rates in one place to find the perfect ride once you've booked your hotel and cheap flights from Auckland Airport to Istanbul.