Traveling from Istanbul to Milan: what you need to know
Get your vacation planning started by considering where you'll board your flight from Istanbul to Milan. Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's main airports.
Milan has a number of airports you can jet into. Arrive at Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP), Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY) or Milano Linate Airport (LIN).
The average duration of a direct Istanbul to Milan flight is 2 hours 55 minutes.
Milan's timezone is UTC+1, which makes Milan two hours behind Istanbul.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 28 weekly flights to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from Istanbul to Milan is with Turkish Airlines at 21:50. Choose the first IST to MXP departure operated by Turkish Airlines at 06:50 to make the most of your first day in Milan.
Give yourself plenty of time to catch your Istanbul to Milan flight. As a general rule, turn up at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like August, it's a good idea to get to the airport well in advance. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight when you fly during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Milan
$47 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Milan. Return flights start from $104. These fares can change depending on availability.
Lock in cheap Istanbul to Milan flights by booking four months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for bagging a bargain.
Organize your trip for July. That's the best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Istanbul to Milan. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across each month.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Istanbul to Milan by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when fares go down.
Tailor your flights using filters. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Istanbul to Milan flights.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Istanbul to Milan, you can depart from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Travel from IST to Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) in one seamless journey.
Reserve your Istanbul to Milan plane tickets with Turkish Airlines. This carrier is a popular choice for direct flights from IST.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save money on your Istanbul to Milan flight. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
IST is about 32 kilometers from central Istanbul. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the center, it'll take you 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Istanbul to Milan? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays close to Istanbul Ataturk Airport:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
You can book a direct flight from Istanbul to Milan out of Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Nonstop connections from SAW will get you to Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY).
Pegasus offers direct Istanbul to Milan plane tickets from SAW. Book your preferred window seat and arrive at your destination in a single hop.
Visit friends or family or just take some time to unwind with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Istanbul to Milan flight, browse these options when taking off from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC)
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
SAW is about 31 kilometers from central Istanbul. It'll take 55 minutes or so to get to the airport if you're driving from the city center. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your flight from Istanbul to Milan? Unwind in a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your break officially starts. Here's where you can stay:
Looking at how often flights stay on schedule, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 77%.
Arriving in Milan
Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) to central Milan takes around 45 minutes by car. The center is roughly 40 kilometers away.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of about 55 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Istanbul to Milan. Check in to one of these accommodation options near MXP instead:
Pick up a Milano Malpensa Airport rental car and discover Milan and beyond with your own wheels. Surprice, RentSmart24 and Noleggiare are top providers you can book with here.
Reserving your vehicle from Milano Malpensa Airport around one week in advance gives you the best chance of locking in a great deal.
Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY)
Central Milan is located around 48 kilometers from Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY). After your flight from Istanbul to Milan has hit the runway and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 1 hour.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll reach the center in 2 hours 20 minutes or so.
After your flight from Istanbul to Milan, kick back at a hotel close to BGY. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Surprice, RentSmart24 and Galdieri Rent make collecting an Orio al Serio International Airport rental car quick and easy. These reliable suppliers are located around or in the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Booking your ride from BGY two weeks ahead of time often means lower prices and a wider range of vehicles.
Milano Linate Airport (LIN)
Milano Linate Airport (LIN) is roughly 8 kilometers from the center of Milan. It'll take you about 30 minutes to get to the city center in a car once you've hopped off your flight from Istanbul to Milan.
Public transport can get you there in roughly 45 minutes.
Check in to a hotel close to LIN and go from the plane to your bed in a flash. Whether you're coming in on a late Istanbul to Milan flight or just want an easier arrival, these accommodation options offer convenience when you need it most:
Start your travels without stressing about how to arrive at your destination with a Milano Linate Airport rental car. Find your perfect set of wheels with trusted companies here like RentSmart24, Drivalia and Noleggiare.
About four weeks before your flight from Istanbul to Milan is a good time to book your vehicle from LIN. You're likely to snag a better deal or even pick up some early bird discounts.
Best time to go to Milan
July is the most popular month for flights from Istanbul to Milan. To steer clear of the crowds, go to Milan in January.
The warmest month in Milan is July, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 35ºC (95ºF). Book your Istanbul to Milan ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
Search for cheap flights from Istanbul to Milan in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -1ºC (30ºF) and 9ºC (48ºF) on average.
More about Milan
After booking your flight from Istanbul to Milan, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Milan:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be tricky to know where to begin. Grande Museo del Duomo di Milano, Milan Cathedral and The Last Supper Museum are top sights which should feature on any good Milan itinerary.
Explore more of Italy
Milan will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other parts of Italy you should also see. Around 483 kilometers south-east of Milan, a trip to Rome will keep your itinerary packed. Don't miss top attractions like Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Roman Forum.
Turin is another well-known destination in Italy and is around 129 kilometers west of Milan. No trip is complete without dropping by Galleria Sabauda (Palazzo Reale), Egyptian Museum and Royal Palace of Turin.
