Cheap Flights from Tirana to Istanbul — $40

The Tirana — Istanbul route is served by a wide range of airlines: 5 in total, including Valuair, Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, East African Safari Air, and LC Busre SAC. Competition among carriers gives passengers the opportunity to find tickets at attractive fares — with prices starting from $40. 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.

Tirana’s main gateway, Nënë Tereza International Airport (TIA), functions as Albania’s primary international and regional hub, serving a mix of full-service and low-cost carriers. Flights from European capitals and seasonal routes are common, and fares can be competitive compared with other Western Balkans airports. The airport sits about 17 km north of downtown Tirana; taxis typically take 20–30 minutes depending on traffic, while shared shuttles and private transfers can be similar in time but vary in price. Public bus links are available and usually cheaper though slower. Pros: compact terminal and straightforward connections for onward travel; cons: facilities can feel basic during peak season and options for late-night services may be limited.

Direct flights

The distance between Tirana and Istanbul is 762km (472 miles). The average flight duration is 1h 40m. There are 33 direct flights from Tirana to Istanbul. The time difference between Tirana and Istanbul is 2h. Flights from Tirana begin at 7:00 AM. The latest flight from Tirana departs at 3:10 AM

Fly direct from Tirana to Istanbul for the quickest, most convenient way to bridge Albania and Turkey — fewer hassles, no layovers, and more time to enjoy the city. While connecting options can sometimes be cheaper, a nonstop trip saves hours and offers a more comfortable travel experience, making it a smart choice for business or leisure.

Istanbul Airport (IST) is Turkey’s main international hub and typically handles long-haul and premium carriers alongside major full-service Turkish Airlines operations. Located about 35–45 km north of the historic city center, it can take roughly 35–60 minutes by taxi depending on traffic; the Havaist and municipal airport buses usually take 45–75 minutes with fares that are commonly mid-range for airport shuttles. Metro connections are expanding and can be a faster, cheaper option once used. Pros: modern facilities, extensive international connections and many lounge options; cons: distance from central neighborhoods and sometimes lengthy transfer times during peak hours. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) functions mostly as Istanbul’s budget and secondary international airport, favored by low-cost carriers and some charter operators. It sits about 45–55 km on the Anatolian (Asian) side, typically requiring 40–70 minutes by taxi to central Sultanahmet/Beyoglu depending on traffic, while Havatas/Havaist buses and shared shuttles often take 60–90 minutes with generally economical fares. There is growing public transport integration, including metro extensions that can reduce travel time and cost. Pros: often lower fares and simpler boarding for budget travelers; cons: farther from European-side sights and potentially longer road transfers during rush hours.