Flying from Istanbul to Melbourne: what you need to know
Istanbul is home to two main airports where you can kick off your trip. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Istanbul to Melbourne leaving from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW).
Come in for landing at Melbourne's major arrival point, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL).
The timezone in Melbourne is UTC+11, which is eight hours ahead of Istanbul.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your Istanbul to Melbourne flight.
During popular months like August, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than usual. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights whenever you're travelling during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Melbourne
Booking ahead of time is often the key to scoring a cheap Istanbul to Melbourne flight. Prices tend to rise as demand increases, so the nearer your departure date, the more it could cost you.
Getting cheap plane tickets from Istanbul to Melbourne is easy if you're flexible with your travel plans. Try using the 'Whole month' search function to see the lowest fares across each month and snap up a fantastic deal.
Getting a cheap flight from Istanbul to Melbourne is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when the price has dropped.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Istanbul to Melbourne flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Consider adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Istanbul to Melbourne flight. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Istanbul Airport. Break up the journey at one of these airports:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
The journey from central Istanbul to IST takes around 1 hour 10 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a taxi, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 45 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want a handy hotel close to Istanbul Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Istanbul to Melbourne, these stays will have you moments from your check-in counter:
Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW)
Make the most of your holiday with a stopover on your Istanbul to Melbourne flight. Visit family or friends or cross another city off your list. Whatever you'd like to do, check out these stops between Istanbul Sabiha Airport and Melbourne:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Zayed International Airport (AUH)
You can get to SAW from the centre of Istanbul in about 1 hour 5 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport will take roughly 1 hour 40 minutes to travel the 31 kilometres or so.
You're going on holiday, so why not book an extra night away? Think about kicking back in one of these accommodation options near Istanbul Sabiha Airport the day before your flight from Istanbul to Melbourne:
68% of all departures from Istanbul Sabiha Airport make it to their destination as expected.
Arriving in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
The distance from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to central Melbourne is approximately 19 kilometres. It takes about 25 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It typically takes 35 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
If you have a late flight from Istanbul to Melbourne, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these hotels near MEL:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast or Sixt and explore beyond Melbourne's main sights.
Booking your vehicle from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport about four weeks in advance can help you get the lowest rate.
Melbourne Avalon Airport (AVV)
The centre of Melbourne is located around 48 kilometres from Melbourne Avalon Airport (AVV). Once your flight from Istanbul to Melbourne has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
If you hop on public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 20 minutes or so.
No need to worry about public transport schedules or slow-moving taxi lines. Pick up a Melbourne Avalon Airport rental car and let the journey unfold your way. Check out the availability and rates from Sixt, Kangaroo Home and yesaway car rental.
Get the lowest price by reserving your ride from AVV three weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a wider selection of vehicles.
Melbourne Essendon Airport (MEB)
Melbourne Essendon Airport (MEB) is around 11 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the city centre in a car once you've hopped off your flight from Istanbul to Melbourne.
Public transport will get you there in roughly 55 minutes.
Whether you want a budget-friendly compact for a solo adventure or a roomy SUV to fit everyone and their gear, you'll find the perfect Melbourne Essendon Airport rental car for you. Explore the types of wheels available here from companies such as East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar.
If you're looking for a certain make or model, booking early increases your chances of snagging what you want. Reserve your ride from MEB at least a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Istanbul to Melbourne.
Best time to go to Melbourne
It's time to pick your trip dates for your flight from Istanbul to Melbourne. December is the busiest month for a trip to Melbourne. If you like a more relaxed atmosphere, go in March.
Lock in a Istanbul to Melbourne ticket departing in January if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Melbourne to range from 11ºC (52ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
Look for cheap flights from Istanbul to Melbourne in July if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 3ºC (37ºF) and 12ºC (54ºF) on average.
More about Melbourne
Start your Melbourne trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Melbourne, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Melbourne's Gardens, Melbourne Park and Arts Centre Melbourne are popular attractions which should feature on every Melbourne itinerary.
Explore more of Australia
You've done Melbourne, now it's time to discover other corners of Australia. Journey around 467 kilometres northeast to Canberra to tick off its must-visit sights. From National Gallery of Australia to National Portrait Gallery and Museum of Australian Democracy, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Around 64 kilometres southwest of Melbourne, Geelong is another essential stop in Australia. No visit is complete without checking out Wathaurong Booln Booln Cultural Centre, Eastern Beach Promenade and Eastern Beach.