Flying from Split Airport (SPU) to Istanbul: what you need to know
The average length of a direct flight from Split Airport to Istanbul is 1 hour 55 minutes.
Istanbul is 2 hours ahead of Split, where Split Airport is located. Istanbul operates on the UTC+3 timezone.
To ensure you get on your flight from SPU to Istanbul, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Travelling during a peak month like July? Major public holidays and other popular periods can mean longer queues at security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
You can catch a direct flight from Split Airport to Istanbul that lands at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Be on the lookout for promotions from Croatia Airlines. This carrier has direct flights from Split Airport to Istanbul.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper flight from SPU to Istanbul. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing the departures. Take a pause at one of these popular options:
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG)
You can enter Türkiye (Turkey) for tourism purposes without a visa if you have a passport from Croatia. But before booking your cheap tickets from Split Airport to Istanbul, make sure you have the latest information. Visa rules are subject to change, and you may require some documentation if your trip is for work or other reasons.
The journey from central Split to SPU takes about 54 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 23 kilometres in 26 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
After a leisurely start to your journey? Stay near SPU. Whether you've booked an early flight from Split Airport to Istanbul or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are the answer:
How to find the cheapest flights from Split Airport (SPU) to Istanbul
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Split Airport to Istanbul is 80 €. The cheapest price for a return flight is 155 €. Bear in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Lock in cheap tickets from SPU to Istanbul by booking 2 months ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for finding the biggest deals.
The cheapest month for tickets from Split Airport to Istanbul is October. Compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest day to fly.
Sign into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know straight away if there's a better deal on this route. It's simple to do, and it'll save you time searching for cheap tickets from SPU to Istanbul every day.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Split Airport to Istanbul. Enter your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to get the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 48 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. With your own car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is about 50 minutes.
Travelling by public transport typically takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Split Airport to Istanbul. Stay at one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is roughly 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. Following your flight from Split Airport to Istanbul, it'll take you around 57 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
The journey will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes on public transport.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from SPU to Istanbul:
Best time to go to Istanbul
August is the most popular month for flights from Split Airport to Istanbul. To steer clear of the crowds, plan your trip to Istanbul in February when it's quieter.
Lock in your flight from Split Airport to Istanbul for August to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 20ºC to 30ºC.
January sees average temperatures of between 2ºC and 11ºC. Search for cheap flights from SPU to Istanbul sometime then if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Istanbul
Once you've booked your flight from Split Airport to Istanbul, think about where you want to stay in this city. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Istanbul:
Topkapi Palace and The Basilica Cistern are just the start of the top-rated attractions to add to your Istanbul must-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Galata Tower.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
Pick one of our car rentals in Istanbul and see the sights at your own pace. Easily compare rates in one place to find the perfect set of wheels after booking your hotel and cheap flights from Split Airport to Istanbul.