Travelling from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Jump on a direct flight from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Istanbul and you'll be in the air for around 3 hours 40 minutes.
Istanbul is two hours ahead of Amsterdam, where Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is located. Istanbul runs on the UTC+3 timezone.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route, with 35 weekly departures to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from AMS to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 23:10. Choose the first departure with Turkish Airlines at 11:15 if you want to fly out earlier.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to board your AMS to Istanbul flight.
Heading away during a peak period like school or public holidays? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. Give yourself extra leeway and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Start your trip at AMS and fly nonstop to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). That's where you can expect to land when searching for Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Istanbul tickets.
Well-known carriers that operate direct flights from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Istanbul include:
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your trip and possibly even explore another city. When searching for flight tickets from AMS to Istanbul, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
AMS is about 13 kilometres from central Amsterdam. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 25 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour 5 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Istanbul? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these hotels close to AMS:
67.93% of flights that leave from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol make it to their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) to Istanbul
$149 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Istanbul flight. A return flight ticket starts from $251. These fares can change based on demand.
Lock in cheap flights from AMS to Istanbul by booking two months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for landing a bargain.
The best month for landing cheap Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Istanbul tickets is June. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then choose the dates that offer the biggest savings.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from AMS to Istanbul by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Istanbul by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 48 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. If you're getting a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes about 50 minutes.
Travelling by public transport takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Book a hotel near IST if you're coming in on a late flight from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Istanbul. Choose one of these accommodation options and make your first night all about catching up on rest:
Grab an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and explore Istanbul and beyond with your own set of wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are top providers to choose from here.
Lock in the best deal by reserving your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks ahead of your flight from AMS to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
The centre of Istanbul is located around 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). After your flight from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Istanbul has landed and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 55 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Following your AMS to Istanbul flight, settle in at a hotel close to SAW. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent and set off in the blink of an eye.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Securing your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time often means better prices and a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Visit Istanbul in high season if you like a bustling atmosphere, but remember that prices tend to be higher. Alternatively, book flights from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Istanbul in the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Book an Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Istanbul flight ticket with a departure in August if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
For cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from AMS to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
After booking your flight from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Istanbul, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Istanbul:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are top attractions which should feature on any good Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've visited Istanbul, now it's time to discover more of Türkiye (Turkey). Journey about 354 kilometres east to Ankara to tick off its top attractions. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
If you're looking to explore another major stop in Türkiye (Turkey), head for Izmir, roughly 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak are key highlights.