Cheap Flights from Abu Dhabi to Istanbul Starting at $71

The route Abu Dhabi — Istanbul is served by many carriers — 8 in total, including Pegasus Airlines, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways, Jazeera Airways, Gulf Air, Saudia, Wizz Air, and EgyptAir. This gives passengers wide opportunities: from finding the lowest fare (from $71) to selecting flights by schedule or service class. Our service aggregates data from multiple booking systems so you can compare offers in one place. This saves time and money: no need to check dozens of sites — just pick the right option and book online.

Abu Dhabi International (AUH) is the emirate’s primary international gateway and typically serves as a hub for Etihad Airways alongside a mix of full-service Middle Eastern and international carriers. The airport is positioned for long-haul and regional connections rather than low-cost domestic ops, and fares can be perceived as mid-to-high depending on season and carrier. It sits roughly 30–40 km east of Abu Dhabi city centre; taxis usually take 25–45 minutes and can cost around AED 60–120, while shuttle buses and airport express services take about 45–75 minutes with lower fares. Pros: modern terminals, good lounges, reliable international connections. Cons: distance from downtown and occasional congestion at peak times.

Fly nonstop from Abu Dhabi to Istanbul for the quickest, most convenient way to reach Turkey’s vibrant cultural hub—fewer hassles, no layovers, and more time to enjoy the sights. While connecting options can sometimes be cheaper, choosing a direct flight saves valuable time and offers a more comfortable travel experience, making it ideal for business trips or short getaways.

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the city’s major international hub and typically handles most long-haul and full-service carriers, making it the usual choice for transfer passengers and premium travelers. Located about 35–45 km northwest of the historic center, transfer times to Sultanahmet or Taksim can be roughly 40–60 minutes by taxi depending on traffic, with fares often higher than domestic trips; the airport shuttle and Havatas buses take around 50–90 minutes at lower cost, while the Metro M11 line and planned rail links can offer faster connections. Pros: modern facilities, wide route network and plentiful lounges; cons: longer transfer distances and occasional heavy traffic to central districts. Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) typically serves low-cost and regional carriers and is often perceived as the budget-friendly option for Istanbul trips, though fares vary by airline and season. Positioned on the city’s Asian side roughly 35–55 km from central areas like Taksim or Sultanahmet, journey times are usually 45–75 minutes by taxi depending on traffic and can be longer during peak periods; public buses and Havabus shuttles provide cheaper connections that generally take an hour or more, and newer motorway links can shorten travel time. Pros: convenient for travelers heading to the Asian side and many budget flights; cons: farther from some tourist hubs and fewer long-haul services compared with the main international airport.