Travelling from Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Istanbul: what you need to know
The average time for a direct flight from Milano Malpensa Airport to Istanbul is 3 hours.
Istanbul is two hours ahead of Milan, where Milano Malpensa Airport is located. Istanbul runs on the UTC+3 timezone.
With 28 flights a week between the two airports, Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the busiest route. Turkish Airlines operates the earliest flight at 06:50. If you'd like to make the most of your day before jetting off, the latest flight from MXP to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 20:10.
To avoid missing your MXP to Istanbul flight, leave plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
If you're jetting off during a bank holiday or another peak period, give yourself more time. A good rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Security and check-in lines will be longer.
You can book a direct Milano Malpensa Airport to Istanbul ticket. Begin your journey at MXP and land at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Turkish Airlines is a popular carrier that offers direct flights from Milano Malpensa Airport to Istanbul.
We make it a breeze to book flight tickets from MXP to Istanbul with a stopover. To see the options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight with a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Popular stopovers include:
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Paris Orly Airport (ORY)
MXP is about 40 kilometres from central Milan. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 45 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 55 minutes.
Searching for a hotel near MXP? If you're catching an early flight from Milano Malpensa Airport to Istanbul, these stays will put you moments from your departure gate:
When it comes to Milano Malpensa Airport's on-time performance, data shows 68.23% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Istanbul
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Milano Malpensa Airport to Istanbul flight is $97. The cheapest price for a return flight is $212. Keep in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Lock in cheap flights from MXP to Istanbul by booking two months ahead. According to our research, that's the best time for finding the biggest deals.
June is the best month for picking up a fantastic deal on Milano Malpensa Airport to Istanbul tickets. If you need to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for each month.
There's no need to check back in every day to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know the moment there's an extra saving on cheap flights from MXP to Istanbul.
Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Milano Malpensa Airport to Istanbul by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The distance from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres. It'll take you around 50 minutes to reach the centre driving.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Milano Malpensa Airport to Istanbul. Stay at one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Explore without limits with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and find adventure across Istanbul and beyond.
Booking your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks before your flight from MXP to Istanbul can help you get the best possible rate.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Central Istanbul is about 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). After your flight from Milano Malpensa Airport to Istanbul has touched down and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should take about 55 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
After stepping off your MXP to Istanbul flight, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to SAW. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent and get going in the blink of an eye.
Get the pick of the lot. Booking your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time often means better prices and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Carefully consider your travel dates before locking in your flight from Milano Malpensa Airport to Istanbul. The city comes alive during high season, but rates are generally higher and major attractions can be busy. Go to Istanbul in low season for a more relaxed vibe.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Lock in your Milano Malpensa Airport to Istanbul flight ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
January sees average temperatures of between 2ºC and 11ºC. Look for a cheap ticket from MXP to Istanbul around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Istanbul right here. Explore these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Milano Malpensa Airport to Istanbul:
Every great holiday has to 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 discovered once you've taken in 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.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another favourite stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.
