Travelling from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) to Istanbul: what you need to know
The average time for a direct flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Istanbul is 7 hours 10 minutes.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is two hours ahead of Lagos, where Murtala Muhammed International Airport is located.
With seven flights a week between the two airports, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the busiest route. Hop on Turkish Airlines's 21:00 flight to get your journey from LOS to IST underway.
For stress-free travel, 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 catch your LOS to Istanbul flight.
If you're heading away during a bank holiday or another peak period, allow for even more time. A good general rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Check-in and security lines will be longer.
You can book a direct Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Istanbul ticket. Begin your trip at LOS and end it at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Be on the lookout for deals with Turkish Airlines. This carrier operates direct flights from Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Istanbul.
We make it easy to book flight tickets from LOS to Istanbul with a stopover. To see your options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight offering a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Popular stopovers include:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
LOS is about 10 kilometres from central Lagos. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour 30 minutes.
In search of a hotel near LOS? If you've booked an early flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Istanbul, these stays put the terminal practically at your doorstep:
Of all flights leaving Murtala Muhammed International Airport, 64.68% arrive on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) to Istanbul
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Istanbul flight is $770. The cheapest price for a return flight is $1,170. Bear in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Lock in cheap flights from LOS to Istanbul by booking one month ahead. Based on our research, that's the best time for finding the biggest deals.
May is the best month for scoring a fantastic deal on Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Istanbul tickets. If you'd like to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for each month.
Locking in a cheap flight from LOS to Istanbul is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know as soon as a better deal is available.
Save on your flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Istanbul with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The distance from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres. It takes about 50 minutes to get to the centre driving.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Think about booking a hotel near IST if you're coming in on a late flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Istanbul. Pick one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Follow your own route with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and venture far and wide through Istanbul and beyond.
Reserving your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks in advance of your flight from LOS to Istanbul can help you secure the lowest rate.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
The centre of Istanbul is located around 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Once your flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Istanbul has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 55 minutes.
The trip will take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near SAW. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your LOS to Istanbul flight:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent and be off and running.
Don't pay more than you need to. Reserving your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at SAW can help you lock in a better rate.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Before securing your flights from Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Istanbul, consider which time of year works best for you. Peak season in Istanbul offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of activities, while low season brings cheaper deals on hotels and fewer crowds.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC (68ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Lock in your Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
For cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from LOS to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
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. Browse these options after locking in your flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Istanbul:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be tricky to work out where to begin. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are popular attractions which should feature on any good Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've seen Istanbul, now it's time to discover more of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel around 354 kilometres east to Ankara to check off its popular sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Izmir is another sought-after destination in Türkiye (Turkey) and is around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. No trip is complete without seeing Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.