Travelling from Glasgow International Airport (GLA) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Glasgow International Airport is located in Glasgow. Following the UTC+3 timezone, Istanbul is three hours ahead of Glasgow.
To avoid missing your GLA to Istanbul flight, leave plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Planning to travel during a peak time like school or public holidays? Expect longer lines at check-in and security. To play it safe, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to take a break from travelling and perhaps even explore a different city. When searching for flight tickets from GLA to Istanbul, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some options to consider:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Located around 11 kilometres from central Glasgow, GLA can be reached in about 15 minutes by car (depending on traffic). Travelling on public transport will take roughly 35 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your journey? Stay near GLA. Whether you've booked an early flight from Glasgow International Airport to Istanbul or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are worth a look:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Glasgow International Airport, data shows 70.07% of flights complete their journey on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Glasgow International Airport (GLA) to Istanbul
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Glasgow International Airport to Istanbul flight is C$105. The cheapest price for a return flight is C$261. Remember fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to land cheap flights from GLA to Istanbul if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some great early bird discounts.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Glasgow International Airport to Istanbul throughout the month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your travel plans are flexible.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from GLA to Istanbul by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a special offer becomes available.
Select your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Glasgow International Airport to Istanbul by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The distance from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres. It'll take you around 50 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Getting there on public transport will take you around 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Glasgow International Airport to Istanbul. Book one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and experience the lesser-explored corners of Istanbul and beyond.
Reserving your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks before your flight from GLA to Istanbul can help you get the best possible rate.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
The centre of Istanbul is around 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Once your flight from Glasgow International Airport to Istanbul has hit the runway and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 55 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre takes 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
You'll find some great places to rest your head close to SAW. Settle in and get cozy after your GLA to Istanbul flight at one of these well-located options:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make collecting a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car easy and quick. These trusted providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Get what you want, not just what's left over. Booking your ride from SAW four weeks in advance often means better deals and a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Visit Istanbul during peak season if you like a busy atmosphere, but remember that prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Glasgow International Airport to Istanbul in the low season when prices are cheaper and it's less crowded.
When booking your Glasgow International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket, think about the type of weather you enjoy. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
Look for cheap tickets from GLA to Istanbul in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF) on average.
More about Istanbul
Once you've booked your flight from Glasgow International Airport to Istanbul, choose a hotel that puts you right where the action is. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Istanbul:
Every great vacation has to include some sightseeing. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are must-visits when exploring Istanbul.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Istanbul is easy to fall in love with, but there are so many other corners of Türkiye (Turkey) you'll want to see. About 354 kilometres east of Istanbul, a visit to Ankara will keep you busy. Start with leading attractions like Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
If you're looking to explore another well-known destination in Türkiye (Turkey), head for Izmir, roughly 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak are key reasons to visit.
