Cheap Flights from Tirana to Istanbul Starting at $38

The Tirana — Istanbul route is served by a wide range of airlines: 5 in total, including Pegasus Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Wizz Air, LC Busre SAC, and Air Serbia. Competition among carriers gives passengers the opportunity to find tickets at attractive fares — with prices starting from $38. 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.

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.

The minimum one-way ticket price from Tirana to Istanbul is $38 (December 2025), while the maximum is $105 (May 2026). On average, a ticket costs $43–$53.