Cheap Flights from Zagreb to Istanbul Starting at $70

The route Zagreb — Istanbul is served by many carriers — 10 in total, including Pegasus Airlines, Pacific Wings, Air Serbia, Air Malta, Ryanair, Bringer Air Cargo, Aegean Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Mokulele Airlines, and Croatia Airlines. This gives passengers wide opportunities: from finding the lowest fare (from $70) 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.

Zagreb Airport (Franjo Tuđman) serves as Croatia’s primary international gateway and typically handles a mix of full-service European carriers, low-cost airlines and seasonal charter services, making it a practical hub for both business and leisure travelers. It lies about 10–15 km southeast of the city centre, with transfer options that usually include a 30–40 minute taxi ride, app-based shuttle for a similar time at higher cost, or public buses that take around 40–60 minutes depending on traffic; fares can range from low-cost single-ticket bus fares to mid-range taxi/shuttle rates. The airport is generally compact and modern, offering straightforward arrivals and moderate wait times outside peak summer months; however, limited late-night public transport and seasonal crowding can be downsides for some itineraries.

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 for full-service carriers and many global alliances; it is typically perceived as mid-to-upper range in fares depending on season. Located about 35–45 km northwest of the city center, it’s usually reachable by taxi in 35–60 minutes ( fares can vary widely) or by Havaist/İETT express buses in roughly 40–75 minutes for modest fares; a future metro extension also improves connections. Pros: modern facilities and extensive flight choices; cons: greater distance to central districts and occasional longer transit times during peak traffic. Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) serves as Istanbul’s main budget and low-cost carrier base and often handles regional and point-to-point flights. Positioned on the Asian side about 35–50 km southeast of central areas, transfers typically take 40–70 minutes by taxi (prices vary by time/day) or about 60–90 minutes on public shuttle buses and suburban rail/bus combinations for lower fares. Pros: generally lower-priced tickets and shorter queues on many routes; cons: fewer long-haul connections and can be less convenient for European-side destinations due to bridge/tunnel traffic.

In different months, ticket prices from Zagreb to Istanbul vary: minimum — $74 (November 2025), maximum — $182 (October 2026). Typically, the flight costs $87–$102.