Cheap Flights from Seoul to Istanbul Starting at $224

The Seoul — Istanbul route is served by a wide range of airlines: 12 in total, including Turkish Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Korean Air, China Southern Airlines, Air China, China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, MIAT Mongolian Airlines, T'way Air, Vietnam Airlines, CanJet, and Etihad Airways. Competition among carriers gives passengers the opportunity to find tickets at attractive fares — with prices starting from $224. Our service helps compare all available offers within seconds and choose the most convenient option. You can filter flights by price, departure time, or baggage rules to make your trip as comfortable as possible. With so many airlines, there’s always a chance to catch special promotions and save.

Istanbul Airport (IST) serves as the city's main international hub and a premium gateway for long-haul and connecting flights, typically handling full-service carriers and many global alliances. It sits on the European side about 35–45 km from Sultanahmet and Taksim, with travel times usually ranging 35–60 minutes by taxi depending on traffic; fares can often be in the mid-to-high range compared with in-city rides. Public connections include the metro M11 (partial routes) and regular airport shuttles and buses; a metro link and express buses usually take about 40–60 minutes and are cost-effective for most travelers. Pros: modern facilities, frequent long-haul services and strong transfer options; cons: longer transfer distances, variable traffic, and potentially higher ground-transport costs. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) typically functions as Istanbul’s secondary international and low-cost carrier hub, with many budget airlines and regional services operating from this Asian-side airport. It is located roughly 30–50 km from the historic peninsula and central districts, with taxi rides often taking 45–90 minutes depending on peak traffic and bridge crossings; fares can be lower or comparable to IST for some routes but may rise during busy periods. Public transport includes Havabus airport shuttles, municipal buses and a commuter rail linkage to central areas that usually takes about 60–90 minutes and is economically priced. Pros: frequent low-cost options and often lower airfares; cons: longer surface travel times to European-side attractions and fewer premium transfer amenities.

Seoul is served by two main airports with distinct roles. Incheon International Airport (ICN) functions as the city’s primary international hub, handling most long-haul and full-service carriers and typically offering a wide range of facilities; it sits about 48 km west of downtown Seoul and can be reached by AREX express train (approx. 45–60 minutes) or airport limousine buses (60–90 minutes), with fares generally seen as moderate for the level of comfort and speed. Gimpo Airport (GMP) acts more as a domestic and short-haul gateway, frequently used by budget and regional airlines; it lies roughly 15 km from the center and is connected by subway (AREX and Line 9, ~20–30 minutes) and buses, usually costing less but offering fewer international services. Pros: Incheon is modern and well-equipped for transfers; Gimpo is closer and quicker for domestic trips. Cons: Incheon’s distance can add travel time and cost, while Gimpo has limited long-haul options and can be busier during peak commuter hours.

The minimum one-way ticket price from Seoul to Istanbul is $235 (January 2026), while the maximum is $334 (April 2026). On average, a ticket costs $246–$272.