Flying from Minneapolis to Istanbul: what you need to know
Minneapolis's main base, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), is where many great holidays begin. Explore the departure options from here when planning your flight from Minneapolis to Istanbul.
Step off your plane in Istanbul at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3, which is eight hours ahead of Minneapolis.
To ensure you make your Minneapolis to Istanbul flight, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is a good rule of thumb.
You'll likely experience bigger queues during popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure is a wise move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Minneapolis to Istanbul
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to get cheap Minneapolis to Istanbul flights if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some amazing early bird rates.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Minneapolis to Istanbul throughout the entire month. It's an easy way to snap up a bargain if your trip dates are flexible.
Save time looking for cheap flights from Minneapolis to Istanbul by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Minneapolis to Istanbul flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Minneapolis
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
We make it simple to find a Minneapolis to Istanbul flight with a stopover. To see the options leaving from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply select a flight offering a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Major stopovers include:
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Located around 11 kilometres from central Minneapolis, MSP can be reached in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport is roughly 25 minutes.
Want an easy start to your break? Stay near Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Minneapolis to Istanbul or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are perfect:
Of the flights that depart from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, 77.37% land on schedule at their destination.
You'll find MSP at 6040 28th Avenue South.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul takes about 50 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 32 kilometres away.
It usually takes 1 hour 45 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
If you have a late flight from Minneapolis to Istanbul, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these accommodation options near IST:
Grab an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and explore Istanbul and beyond with your own set of wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are popular outlets to choose from here.
Lock in the best possible rate by booking your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks before your departure date.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Once your flight from Minneapolis to Istanbul has hit the tarmac, you can get to the city centre in about 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is roughly 31 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
You'll find some great places to lay your head close to SAW. Kick back after your Minneapolis to Istanbul flight at any 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 providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Call dibs on the best options. Securing your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time often means more savings and a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
February is the quietest month for flights from Minneapolis to Istanbul, while April is the most popular. Pick the ideal time to visit Istanbul based on whether you prefer a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC (68ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Book your Minneapolis to Istanbul ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
Look for cheap flights from Minneapolis to Istanbul in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF) on average.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Istanbul right here. Check out these options once you've locked in your flight from Minneapolis to Istanbul:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be tricky to know where to begin. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are major attractions which should be on every Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've seen Istanbul, now it's time to discover other corners of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel about 354 kilometres east to Ankara to check off its leading attractions. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Izmir is another sought-after destination in Türkiye (Turkey) and is around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. No journey is complete without experiencing Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square.