Cheap Flights from Istanbul to Erbil — $48

The route Istanbul — Erbil is served by several airlines: Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and Valuair. This gives passengers more freedom in choosing flights. You can consider not only the price but also schedules, baggage policies, and onboard service. Our service compares all offers so you can find tickets from $48 and choose the most convenient option. Thanks to airline competition, you may also find promotional fares or special offers, helping you save even more. Plan your trip in advance and choose the best flights without overpaying.

Istanbul Airport (IST) serves as Turkey’s primary international hub, handling long-haul and transfer traffic for flag and full-service carriers as well as many global airlines. Located about 35–45 km north of the historic center, it’s typically perceived as the more premium option and can be reached by taxi (roughly 35–60 minutes, fares vary by route and time), Havaist and IETT express buses (about 45–75 minutes, modest fares), or the suburban rail network where available. Pros: modern facilities, extensive connections, and ample lounges; cons: longer transfer times to central districts and occasional heavy traffic on road links. Suitable for international and onward-connection travelers prioritizing service and connectivity. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) operates mainly as a budget-friendly and domestic-leaning airport on Istanbul’s Asian side, hosting many low-cost carriers and some scheduled international routes. It sits roughly 30–45 km from the old city depending on traffic, and is typically viewed as the more economical choice for point-to-point travelers. Main transport options include Havatas/Havaist buses and public buses (about 60–90 minutes), shared shuttles and taxis (roughly 40–70 minutes, fares vary), and limited rail connections via planned extensions. Pros: often lower fares and shorter queues for low-cost carriers; cons: fewer direct long-haul connections and longer crossings if you need to reach the European side.

Fly nonstop from Istanbul to Erbil for the fastest, most convenient way to reach northern Iraq — you’ll skip long layovers and arrive refreshed and on schedule. While connecting routes can sometimes be cheaper, direct flights save valuable time and offer a more comfortable, hassle-free journey so you can get straight to business or sightseeing.

Erbil International Airport (EBL) is the region’s main international gateway and typically serves a mix of full-service carriers, regional airlines, and budget operators connecting Iraq, the Gulf and parts of Europe and Asia. It is positioned as a hub for Erbil and the Kurdistan Region, so fares can be competitive for direct routes but may rise on peak dates. The airport sits roughly 10–15 km northeast of Erbil city centre; road transfer by taxi or private car usually takes about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic, with fixed-fare taxis and airport shuttles commonly used. Travelers can expect basic but functional facilities, relatively short walking distances, and straightforward security lines, while limited late-night public transport and occasional congestion at peak hours can be minor drawbacks.

The minimum one-way ticket price from Istanbul to Erbil is $62 (March 2026), while the maximum is $100 (February 2026). On average, a ticket costs $77–$170.