Flying from Istanbul to Frankfurt: what you need to know
Start your travel planning by considering where you'll board your flight from Istanbul to Frankfurt. Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's main airports.
When it comes to choosing where to land in Frankfurt, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Frankfurt - Hahn Airport (HHN) are the primary gateways.
Hop on a direct Istanbul to Frankfurt flight and you'll be flying for an average of 3 hours 20 minutes.
Frankfurt is two hours behind Istanbul and observes the UTC+1 timezone.
With 47 flights a week between the two airports, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the most popular route. Board the first flight from Istanbul to Frankfurt with Turkish Airlines at 04:05. If you prefer to make the most of your day before jetting off, the latest departure from IST to FRA is with Turkish Airlines at 21:00.
Give yourself enough time to get on your Istanbul to Frankfurt flight. As a general rule, turn up at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Travelling over a peak time like August? School holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer lines at check-in and security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Frankfurt
Currently, $58 is the best price we've found for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Frankfurt. The cheapest price for a return flight is $200. Keep in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To snag cheap Istanbul to Frankfurt flights, reserve your journey one month before your departure.
Organise your trip for April. That's the best month for scoring an incredible deal on plane tickets from Istanbul to Frankfurt. If you have flexibility with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across every month.
There's no need to check every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll tell you the moment a better deal comes up on cheap flights from Istanbul to Frankfurt.
Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Istanbul to Frankfurt flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Istanbul to Frankfurt, you can depart from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Travel from IST to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in one seamless journey.
Secure your Istanbul to Frankfurt plane tickets with Turkish Airlines. This airline is a popular option for direct flights from IST.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your journey — and maybe even explore a different city. When browsing Istanbul to Frankfurt flights departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Belgrad Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
Travelling from central Istanbul to IST takes about 1 hour 45 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a cab, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
After a leisurely start to your travels? Stay near Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Istanbul to Frankfurt or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
You can take a nonstop flight from Istanbul to Frankfurt leaving from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Start your travels at SAW and touch down at Frankfurt Airport (FRA).
From SAW, you can book a direct Istanbul to Frankfurt plane ticket with AJet.
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to recharge with a stopover. If you'd like to split up your Istanbul to Frankfurt flight, check out these options when leaving from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC)
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
SAW is about 31 kilometres from central Istanbul. It'll take 55 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
You're off on holiday, so why not book an extra night away? Consider kicking back in one of these accommodation options near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport the day before your flight from Istanbul to Frankfurt:
77% of all departures from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport arrive according to schedule.
Arriving in Frankfurt
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to central Frankfurt takes about 20 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 11 kilometres away.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of around 35 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel close to FRA if you have a late flight from Istanbul to Frankfurt. Select one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Frankfurt Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Wheego, Alamo or OK Mobility and explore beyond Frankfurt's usual tourist stops.
To secure the lowest price, reserve your ride from Frankfurt Airport about three weeks ahead of your Istanbul to Frankfurt flight.
Frankfurt - Hahn Airport (HHN)
Once your flight from Istanbul to Frankfurt has arrived, you can reach the city centre in about 1 hour 30 minutes by car. Central Frankfurt is roughly 105 kilometres from Frankfurt - Hahn Airport (HHN).
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 2 hours 40 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel close to HHN. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Istanbul to Frankfurt:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Frankfurt - Hahn Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Flex To Go, Alamo or Keddy By Europcar and set off in the blink of an eye.
Lock in the best price by booking your ride from HHN four weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Frankfurt
January is the quietest month for flights from Istanbul to Frankfurt, while April is the most popular. Work out the ideal time to go to Frankfurt based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
When booking your Istanbul to Frankfurt tickets, consider the weather you're most comfortable in. July is the warmest month in Frankfurt, with temperatures ranging from 12ºC to 28ºC.
January has average temperatures of between -4ºC and 7ºC. Search for cheap flights from Istanbul to Frankfurt around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Frankfurt
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Frankfurt right here. Explore these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Istanbul to Frankfurt:
Palmengarten and Goethe House are just a couple of the leading attractions to add to your Frankfurt travel itinerary. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Frankfurt Cathedral.
Explore more of Germany
Frankfurt is always a good idea, but there are so many other parts of Germany you should also see. Around 418 kilometres north-east of Frankfurt, a visit to Berlin will keep your itinerary busy. Start with attractions like Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery.
Around 386 kilometres north of Frankfurt, Hamburg is another favourite stop in Germany. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Miniatur Wunderland, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg and Port of Hamburg.
