Cheap Flights from Istanbul to Urumqi Starting at $246

Istanbul’s air traffic is served primarily by two airports with distinct roles. Istanbul Airport (IST) functions as the city’s main international hub, handling long-haul and transfer traffic and hosting many full-service carriers; fares here can be mid- to high-range depending on season. It sits about 40–50 km from the historic center, reachable by taxi (35–60 min, fares vary), Havaist airport buses (roughly 60–90 min, modest fares), and metro connections that shorten journeys during peak service. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is a secondary airport on the Asian side, often favored by low-cost and regional airlines and typically offering lower fares; it’s around 45–60 km from central districts, accessible via shuttle buses, taxis (45–75 min), and some public transit links. Pros: IST is convenient for international connections and amenities; SAW can be cheaper and less crowded. Cons: both can involve long transfers to the city depending on traffic and time of day.

Fly direct from Istanbul to Urumqi for the fastest, most convenient way to bridge Europe and China — fewer hassles, no long layovers, and more time to enjoy your trip. While connecting itineraries can sometimes be cheaper, a nonstop flight saves hours and offers a more comfortable, stress-free journey so you arrive refreshed and ready to explore.

The route Istanbul — Urumqi is served by many carriers — 5 in total, including SCAT, Valuair, CanJet, Uzbekistan Airways, and Pegasus Airlines. This gives passengers wide opportunities: from finding the lowest fare (from $246) 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.

In different months, ticket prices from Istanbul to Urumqi vary: minimum — $254 (December 2025), maximum — $351 (May 2026). Typically, the flight costs $302–$351.

Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC) is the main international gateway for Xinjiang and typically functions as a regional hub handling both long-haul and domestic flights, with China Southern, China Eastern and local carriers such as Urumqi Air commonly represented. Fares can be competitive on domestic sectors but international services may be pricier compared with eastern Chinese hubs. The airport sits about 16–20 km northwest of Urumqi city centre; travel time is usually 25–45 minutes by taxi depending on traffic (fares often in the low double figures CNY), while airport shuttle buses take roughly 40–60 minutes at a lower cost. Pros: relatively modern facilities and direct long-haul connectivity; cons: transfers can feel lengthy and public rail links are limited compared with larger coastal airports.