Travelling from Muscat International Airport (MCT) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Take a direct flight from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul and you'll be in the air for an average of 4 hours 55 minutes.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is one hour behind Muscat, where Muscat International Airport is located.
Muscat International Airport (MCT) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route, with 15 flights a week to pick from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from MCT to IST is with Oman Air at 13:35. Opt for the first departure operated by Turkish Airlines at 01:25 if you want to fly out earlier.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to catch your MCT to Istanbul flight.
Longer lines at security and check-in are more likely if you're heading away during high season, so allow some extra wiggle room. A good rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
You can book a direct Muscat International Airport to Istanbul ticket. Start your trip at MCT and end it at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Top carriers that offer direct flights from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul include:
We make it simple to book flight tickets from MCT to Istanbul with a stopover. To see all the options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, select a flight that has a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Major stopovers include:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
Located around 10 kilometres from central Muscat, MCT can be reached in about 10 minutes by car. The journey on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 50 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays near MCT:
85.46% of flights departing from Muscat International Airport touch down at their destination according to schedule. Given its reliable on-time performance, disruptions are unlikely when setting off from MCT.
How to find the cheapest flights from Muscat International Airport (MCT) to Istanbul
$137 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way Muscat International Airport to Istanbul flight. A return flight ticket right now is $279. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares may change.
To pick up cheap flights from MCT to Istanbul, reserve your journey one month ahead of your departure.
May is the best month for nabbing a fantastic deal on Muscat International Airport to Istanbul tickets. If you're looking to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
There's no need to keep checking in to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know when there's an even better deal on cheap flights from MCT to Istanbul.
Save on your flight from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 48 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. If you're opting for a ride-share or a cab, the drive will take roughly 50 minutes.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 45 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these hotels near IST:
Grab an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and explore Istanbul and beyond with your own wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are popular outlets to choose from here.
Secure the lowest price by booking your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks ahead of your flight from MCT to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. Following your flight from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul, it'll take you around 55 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
The journey will take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
After stepping off your MCT to Istanbul flight, unwind at a hotel close to SAW. These are some great options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make collecting a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car quick and easy. These companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Call dibs on the best options. Securing your ride from SAW four weeks in advance often means more savings and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Before you book your flights from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul, consider which time of year is best for you. High season in Istanbul offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of activities, while the off-season brings better hotel deals and smaller crowds.
Book a Muscat International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket with a departure in August if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 20ºC to 30ºC.
January has average temperatures of between 2ºC and 11ºC. Search for a cheap ticket from MCT to Istanbul around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul, browse our range of hotels including:
The Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace are just two of the leading attractions to add to your Istanbul itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Galata Tower.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many cities in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be explored once you've seen Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres away to the east, check out popular attractions including 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 experiencing Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.

