Travelling from Glasgow to Istanbul: what you need to know
Start your holiday planning by considering where you'll catch your flight from Glasgow to Istanbul. Glasgow International Airport (GLA) and Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) are Glasgow's main airports.
When it comes to working out where to land in Istanbul, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are the major entry points.
Istanbul's timezone is UTC+3, which makes Istanbul three hours ahead of Glasgow.
For a stress-free start to your trip, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to catch your Glasgow to Istanbul flight.
During popular months such as June, it's best to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of international flights whenever you're flying during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Glasgow to Istanbul
Booking ahead of time is often the key to scoring a cheap Glasgow to Istanbul flight. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the closer your departure date, the more it could cost you.
Finding cheap plane tickets from Glasgow to Istanbul is easy if you're flexible with your trip dates. Try using the 'Whole month' function to see the lowest prices across each month and land a great deal.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from Glasgow to Istanbul by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when a special offer becomes available.
Tailor your trip using filters. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Glasgow to Istanbul flights.
Flying from Glasgow
Glasgow International Airport (GLA)
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save on your Glasgow to Istanbul flight. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Glasgow International Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
GLA is around 11 kilometres from central Glasgow. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the journey time to be around 35 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Glasgow to Istanbul? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near Glasgow International Airport:
When it comes to Glasgow International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 70.07% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK)
Give yourself a moment to recharge during your Glasgow to Istanbul flight with a stopover. Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is one of the options between Glasgow Prestwick Airport and Istanbul.
PIK is about 48 kilometres from central Glasgow. It'll take you 40 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 55 minutes.
It's your holiday, so why not enjoy another night away? Think about kicking back in one of these accommodation options near Glasgow Prestwick Airport the day before your flight from Glasgow to Istanbul:
Glasgow Prestwick Airport has an on-time performance rate of 77%. This figure gives an insight into how frequently flights that take off from this airport reach their destination on time.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is approximately 32 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 50 minutes.
It usually takes 1 hour 45 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Glasgow to Istanbul. Stay at one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Hit the road running by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and experience the lesser-explored corners of Istanbul and beyond.
Lock in the best rate by reserving your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks in advance of your trip.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
As soon as your flight from Glasgow to Istanbul has arrived, you can make your way to the city centre in around 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is approximately 31 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
If you hop on public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
After your flight from Glasgow to Istanbul, rest your head at a hotel near SAW. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
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 hit the road in a heartbeat.
Get the lowest price by reserving your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a bigger selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
It's time to choose your travel dates for your flight from Glasgow to Istanbul. April is the most popular month for a trip to Istanbul. If you like a more peaceful vibe, go in February.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Book your Glasgow to Istanbul ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Glasgow to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Istanbul right here. Browse these options once you've booked your flight from Glasgow to Istanbul:
Topkapi Palace and The Basilica Cistern are just the start of the top-rated attractions to add to your Istanbul must-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Galata Tower.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've seen Istanbul, now it's time to explore other corners of Türkiye (Turkey). Journey around 354 kilometres east to Ankara to tick off its leading sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another essential stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Start your sightseeing at Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square.