Cheap Flights from Helsinki to Istanbul — $45

More than 9 airlines operate flights from Helsinki to Istanbul, including Pegasus Airlines, Norwegian Air International, Ryanair, Scandinavian Airlines, BRA, airBaltic, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Lufthansa, and Finnair. This is a popular route, so passengers can choose tickets based on budget and preferences. Ticket prices start from $45, and our service lets you instantly compare all options. The variety of offers simplifies planning: you can choose budget fares or more comfortable options with baggage included or extra services. We help you find the best deals so your trip is cost-efficient.

Helsinki is served primarily by Helsinki Airport (HEL), Finland’s main international hub that typically handles most long-haul and European connections and often hosts network and full-service carriers alongside low-cost operators. The airport sits about 17 km north of the city center; travel options usually include the Finnair City Bus or regional buses (roughly 30–40 minutes), the Ring Rail Line train (around 30 minutes) and taxis (about 25–35 minutes), with fares typically varying by mode and time of day. HEL can be perceived as mid-to-premium in pricing compared with smaller regional airports, offering modern amenities and relatively smooth transfers, while occasional peak congestion and distance from some neighborhoods can be minor drawbacks.

Fly nonstop from Helsinki to Istanbul for the fastest, most convenient way to bridge Scandinavia and the Bosphorus — fewer hassles, no layovers, and more time to enjoy the city. While connecting options can sometimes be cheaper, a direct flight saves hours and delivers a more comfortable, stress-free journey worth the extra cost for many travelers.

The cost of a one-way flight from Helsinki to Istanbul ranges from $73 (January 2026) to $181 (December 2026). On average, the ticket price is about $102–$176.

Istanbul Airport (IST) is Turkey’s main international gateway and a large hub for full-service carriers, typically serving long-haul and transfer traffic alongside national flag carrier flights. It’s located on the city’s European side, roughly 35–45 km from central areas such as Taksim or Sultanahmet; travel times can range from about 40 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic. Ground links include Havaist and IETT airport buses (fares usually modest), taxis and app-based rides (higher cost), plus a growing metro connection that shortens peak-time journeys. Pros: modern facilities and wide route choice; cons: distance from the historic center and sometimes long walking/transit times between terminals and services. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) functions more as a budget- and leisure-oriented airport on Istanbul’s Anatolian (Asian) side, commonly handling low-cost carriers and regional flights as well as some international services. It sits approximately 35–50 km from central European-side districts, but is much closer to Asian-side neighborhoods; typical travel times are 30–60 minutes by road depending on traffic. Transport options include public buses, private shuttle services, taxis and a commuter rail connection plus a metro extension in some phases that can cut travel time; fares are generally lower on buses and higher for taxis. Pros: often cheaper fares and convenience for Asian-side arrivals; cons: fewer intercontinental connections and variable transfers to European-side destinations.