Cheap Flights from Zurich to Istanbul Starting at $35

The route Zurich — Istanbul is served by many carriers — 12 in total, including Valuair, Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, East African Safari Air, SmartLynx Airlines, Eurowings, EasyJet, Air Serbia, Scandinavian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, and Sun Express. This gives passengers wide opportunities: from finding the lowest fare (from $35) 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.

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the city’s main international hub and typically handles the majority of long-haul and premium carriers, so fares can be mid-to-high compared with budget-focused alternatives. It sits on the European side about 35–45 km from the historic center; road transfer times usually range from 40–60 minutes by taxi or airport shuttle depending on traffic, with fares typically higher than public transit. A metro line and Havaist/improved coach services provide regular, cost-effective links in about 45–70 minutes. Pros: modern terminals, many amenities and wide airline choice. Cons: distance from central districts and occasional heavy traffic to contend with. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) functions as Istanbul’s secondary international and budget-friendly gateway on the Asian side, often serving low-cost carriers and regional flights that can be cheaper than alternatives. It is located roughly 35–50 km from central Sultanahmet or Taksim; travel times by taxi or private car are commonly 45–75 minutes, while express shuttle buses and a growing metro connection can take about 50–90 minutes depending on route and transfers. Bus and shuttle fares tend to be lower than taxi rates. Pros: generally lower fares and a less hectic layout. Cons: longer transfers to European-side attractions and fewer nonstop long-haul options.

Fly direct from Zurich to Istanbul for the fastest, most convenient way to bridge Switzerland and Turkey — fewer hassles, no layovers, and more time to enjoy your trip. While connecting options can sometimes bring lower fares, direct flights save hours and offer a more comfortable, stress-free journey worth the convenience.

Zurich Airport (ZRH) is Switzerland’s primary international hub, handling a mix of full-service carriers, regional airlines and some low-cost operators, so fares can range from premium to moderately priced depending on season and carrier. It sits about 10–12 km north of Zurich city centre, with fast rail connections taking roughly 10–15 minutes to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (frequent trains, fares typically in the low single-digit CHF range) and S-Bahn or regional buses offering similar travel times. Taxis and app-based rides usually take 20–30 minutes and cost noticeably more. The airport is generally efficient and comfortable with extensive lounges and retail, while peak hours and international transfer flows can mean queues and higher on-site prices.

In different months, ticket prices from Zurich to Istanbul vary: minimum — $47 (October 2025), maximum — $143 (June 2026). Typically, the flight costs $88–$92.