Travelling from Split Airport (SPU) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Book a direct flight from Split Airport to Istanbul and you'll be travelling for an average of 2 hours.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is two hours ahead of Split, where Split Airport is located.
With two weekly flights between the two airports, Split Airport (SPU) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route. Croatia Airlines operates the earliest flight at 21:10. If you're eager to make the most of your day before you fly, the latest departure from SPU to IST is with Croatia Airlines at 21:10.
For a stress-free journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to catch your SPU to Istanbul flight.
Longer lines at security and check-in are likely if you're jetting off during high season, so allow some extra breathing room. A good general rule for peak periods? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
You can book a direct Split Airport to Istanbul ticket. Begin your trip at SPU and end it at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Book your favourite seat with Croatia Airlines. This leading carrier offers direct flights from Split Airport to Istanbul.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling and maybe even tick a new city off your list. When searching for flight tickets from SPU to Istanbul, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
Located around 11 kilometres from central Split, SPU can be reached in about 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport takes roughly 55 minutes.
Have an early flight from Split Airport to Istanbul? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to SPU:
Of all flights departing from Split Airport, 77.36% touch down on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Split Airport (SPU) to Istanbul
$153 is currently the best price for a one-way Split Airport to Istanbul flight. Return flight tickets start at $265. These prices may change depending on demand and availability.
To secure cheap flights from SPU to Istanbul, reserve your journey six months before your planned departure.
Schedule your trip for October. That's the best month for landing an awesome deal on Split Airport to Istanbul tickets. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to access the cheapest price across each month.
Save time looking for cheap flights from SPU to Istanbul by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a new low fare is offered.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Split Airport to Istanbul.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to the centre of Istanbul takes about 50 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 48 kilometres away.
Travelling to the centre by public transport will take you around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Think about booking a hotel close to IST if you're coming in on a late flight from Split Airport to Istanbul. Check in to one of these accommodation options and make your first night all about catching up on rest:
Grab an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and discover Istanbul and beyond with your own wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are popular providers to choose from here.
Lock in the best deal by reserving your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks in advance of your flight from SPU to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Once your flight from Split Airport to Istanbul has hit the runway, you can make your way to the city centre in about 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
After stepping off your SPU to Istanbul flight, unwind at a hotel near SAW. These are some great options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make collecting a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car quick and easy. These trusted providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Avoid paying extra. Securing your ride four weeks before your arrival at SAW will help you save.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Carefully consider your travel dates before booking your flight from Split Airport to Istanbul. The city buzzes during peak season, but hotel rates are generally higher and major attractions can be busy. Go to Istanbul in the low season if you want a quieter vibe.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC (68ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Lock in your Split Airport to Istanbul flight ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
January sees average temperatures of between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from SPU to Istanbul around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Istanbul
After booking your flight from Split Airport to Istanbul, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Istanbul:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are attractions you won't want to skip in Istanbul.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many cities in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be explored once you've seen the sights of Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres away to the east, popular attractions include Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
Izmir is another sought-after destination in Türkiye (Turkey) and is around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. No journey is complete without a visit to Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.