Cheap Flights from Minneapolis to Istanbul — $293

More than 4 airlines operate flights from Minneapolis to Istanbul, including Icelandair, Westjet, Sun Country Airlines, and Frontier Airlines. This is a popular route, so passengers can choose tickets based on budget and preferences. Ticket prices start from $293, 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.

Fly nonstop from Minneapolis to Istanbul for the quickest, most convenient way to bridge the distance between the Twin Cities and Turkey’s vibrant cultural hub — fewer hassles, more time to enjoy the sights. While connecting options can sometimes be cheaper, direct flights save you hours and deliver a more comfortable journey, making them a smart choice when time and ease matter.

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) serves as the region’s primary international and domestic hub, handling a mix of legacy carriers—most notably Delta—and several major low-cost and regional airlines. Flights to MSP can be competitively priced for both domestic and transatlantic routes, though fares vary by season. The airport sits about 12 miles southeast of downtown Minneapolis; light rail (the Metro Blue Line) connects to downtown in roughly 25–35 minutes with fares typically under $5, while taxis or rideshares take about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic and cost more. Ground transportation options also include shuttles and rental cars. Pros: efficient layout, broad route network, and reliable ground links. Cons: can be busy during peak hours and parking or rideshare surges may add to trip time and cost.

Istanbul is served by two main airports with distinct roles. Istanbul Airport (IST) operates as the city’s primary international hub, handling long-haul and transfer traffic and serving full-service carriers like Turkish Airlines alongside many global airlines; fares here can be mid-to-premium depending on demand. Located roughly 35–50 km northwest of the historic core, travel times to central areas are usually 40–60 minutes by taxi or private transfer (fares vary widely), about 40–60 minutes by Havaist airport buses (moderate fares), and increasingly by metro connections that typically take around 40–50 minutes. Pros: comprehensive services and frequent long-haul options; cons: larger footprint and longer transfer times to some central neighborhoods. Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) functions mainly as a secondary, budget- and low-cost-focused airport on Istanbul’s Asian side, often favored by low-cost carriers and some regional flights; it can be perceived as cheaper on many leisure routes. It sits about 35–45 km southeast of Sultanahmet and Taksim, so ground transfers usually take 45–90 minutes depending on traffic. Options include municipal buses and Havabus/Havaist shuttles (economical fares), taxis or ride-shares (faster but more expensive), and limited commuter rail/bus links with variable journey times. Pros: lower-cost carrier choice and less congestion; cons: longer journeys across the city and fewer direct long-haul connections.