Cheap Flights from New York (NYC) to Istanbul (IST)

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from New York to Istanbul

Finding cheap tickets from New York to Istanbul is easy with a little flexibility. Use our Whole Month search feature to scan through the calendar for the cheapest dates. You can also set up a Price Alert for your route and let us monitor the fares for you, sending notifications when prices change. If you’d rather skip layovers, select the Direct Flights search to view non-stop options that’ll save you time.

Booking your tickets early often leads to savings, but we can also find you some last-minute deals. In general, February is the best time to schedule your trip from New York to Istanbul, with the lowest average fares across the board. Keep these strategies in mind to find the best itinerary.

Handy information about New York airport

New York hosts a selection of airports, each serving a variety of destinations and offering multiple transportation options to ensure your transit to and from the city is as smooth as possible. LaGuardia Airport features four terminals, with Terminals A and B handling mainly domestic flights and Terminal D catering to both international and domestic routes. Transportation from LaGuardia includes a range of options from taxis and buses to the subway connecting M60 SBS bus.

John F. Kennedy International Airport, the city's conduit for extensive international travel, comprises six terminals where Terminal 1 and Terminal 4 are focal points for international carriers, while Terminals 5 and 8 accommodate both domestic and international flights. To navigate to the city or connecting flights, JFK offers the AirTrain service along with buses and taxis. Newark Liberty International Airport, serving both domestic and international flights across three terminals, provides the convenience of AirTrain Newark and NJ Transit trains, aside from the usual car services and taxis. For a more low-key departure or arrival, Stewart International Airport, with its single terminal, offers primarily domestic flights with a few international routes seasonally, accessible via car services and taxis.

Istanbul airport: good to know

Istanbul has two main airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). Istanbul Airport hosts three terminals. Terminal 1 accommodates both domestic and international flights, being the go-to for full-service and legacy carriers. For those arriving or departing, taxis, buses, and car rentals offer convenient transportation to and from this terminal. Meanwhile, Terminal 2 is undergoing renovation and is not currently functional. Terminal 3 hosts domestic and international flights as well, with a focus on low-cost carriers.

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport offers a single terminal that also serves both domestic and international flights. It welcomes a variety of airlines, from full-service to low-cost, ensuring options for different travel preferences. Similar to Istanbul Airport, passengers have access to taxis, shuttles, and public buses for their transportation needs. Arrange your airport transfers ahead of time when traveling from New York to Istanbul for a stress-free arrival.

Best time to fly from New York to Istanbul

The best time to fly from New York to Istanbul is during its spring or fall months, when you can enjoy mild temperatures averaging 50°F to 68°F. These seasons, spanning March to May and September to November, offer the ideal climate for exploring Istanbul’s rich history and culture in comfort. Summers are warm, and while they offer longer days for sightseeing, temperatures can climb to 86°F in July. Winter travelers can expect cooler weather, with averages between 41°F and 50°F, and a low chance of snowfall. For optimal weather conditions, planning your trip in the shoulder months is recommended.

Reasons to visit Istanbul

When planning your trip to Istanbul, check out these activities and attractions the city has to offer. Observe the religious and cultural splendor during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, where festivities reflect the rich traditions of the city. Marvel at the Hagia Sophia, a landmark that stands as a testament to Istanbul's historical significance, previously serving as both a church and mosque. Explore Topkapi Palace, once the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, now a museum displaying imperial collections. Lastly, visit the Blue Mosque, known for its striking architecture and the serene ambiance within its walls. Each of these attractions captures the essence of Istanbul's storied past and present.

Add hotel bookings and car hire to your New York to Istanbul flight

Content:

Planning your trip to Istanbul is easy and convenient with Skyscanner. Choose from reliable car rental options like Auto-Union, Central, and Garenta to explore the city at your own pace. For stays ranging from luxury to comfort, book with hotels such as Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, Hilton Istanbul Bomonti, or Swissotel The Bosphorus. With Skyscanner, arranging your travel essentials is efficient and straightforward, letting you focus on your itinerary.