Flights to Istanbul from Georgia: Airlines, Airports and Ticket Prices

In both Europe and Asia you will come across places that everyone should see at least once in a lifetime.

Between them, the two continents hold a staggering number of landmarks, and seeing them turns into an unforgettable memory for anyone. So what could be better than visiting the most colourful port city that links these two continents together? Indeed, flights to Istanbul really do put the best of both worlds within your reach at once.

Istanbul is one of the largest cities in Türkiye and sits right on the dividing line between Europe and Asia.

It is an ancient place that has preserved the oldest cultural treasures of the region to this day, along with the remarkable traces of the great empires that once ruled here.

Here you will find Roman-era monuments and Egyptian obelisks side by side, and the beauty of a rare Byzantine church will stop you in your tracks. Flights to Istanbul give you the chance to enjoy sights that date back as far as the sixth century.

If you decide to take a ferry ride through the heart of Istanbul, flying out from Tbilisi International Airport is the easiest way to get there. On this route the most affordable fare usually comes from Pegasus Airlines — a ticket to this beautiful ancient city can often be found for somewhere between 150 and 250 GEL.

If you would rather set off for Istanbul’s most distinctive neighbourhoods from Batumi International Airport, you will not be short of low-cost options there either.

From that airport the most reasonable fares to Istanbul are generally offered by Turkish Airlines, which will fly you to Türkiye’s most beautiful city for roughly 300 to 400 GEL.

Istanbul’s airports are familiar to almost every traveller, since they offer a connecting platform to virtually any destination — but you certainly will not be disappointed once you leave the terminal for the city either. That is exactly why it is worth booking your Istanbul tickets as early as you can, and then simply enjoying everything the city has to offer.

Istanbul is served by two international airports

Before you buy a ticket, check carefully which airport your flight lands at — Istanbul has two, and they sit on opposite sides of the city, a long way from each other:

• Istanbul Airport (IST) — on the European side, in the Arnavutköy district. This is Turkish Airlines’ main hub.
• Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) — on the Asian side, near Pendik. It is used mainly by low-cost carriers.

If your hotel is in Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu or close to Taksim, the airport on the European side is far more convenient. If a Sabiha Gökçen ticket is noticeably cheaper, bear in mind that reaching the historic centre will take more than an hour.

Flight time and airlines

A direct flight from Tbilisi to Istanbul takes about 2 hours 20 minutes, and from Batumi slightly less — around 2 hours. Several carriers serve the route:

• Turkish Airlines — flights into Istanbul Airport (IST); a standard economy fare includes checked baggage.
• Pegasus Airlines — flights into Sabiha Gökçen (SAW); the lowest fare normally covers hand luggage only.
• AJet — Turkish Airlines’ low-cost brand, which links Tbilisi with Sabiha Gökçen.

Istanbul is also one of the most convenient transit hubs anywhere: from here you can reach hundreds of cities across Europe, Asia and Africa with a single connection, and on a long layover you will even have time to see the city itself.

Getting from the airport into the city

• From IST: the M11 metro line connects the airport with Gayrettepe, from where the M2 line takes you straight to Taksim. The alternative is the Havaist coaches, which serve a range of districts across the city.
• From SAW: the M4 metro line runs towards Kadıköy, while Havabüs coaches go to Taksim and Kadıköy.

To use public transport you will need an İstanbulkart — it is sold from machines at the airport itself and works on the metro, buses and ferries alike.

Documents and visa-free travel

Georgian citizens can travel to Türkiye without a visa and may stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Before booking, check which document you intend to travel on: some airlines ask for a passport at check-in. The most reliable, up-to-date guidance is published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.

How to find a cheaper ticket

• Fares are usually at their lowest in the winter months, while July, August and the holiday periods are the most expensive.
• Midweek departures often work out cheaper than Friday and Sunday flights.
• With low-cost carriers, checked baggage and seat selection are charged separately — compare the final price, not just the headline fare.
• If your dates are flexible, compare departures from Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi airports against each other.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight to Istanbul cost?

The price depends on the season, the airline and how far in advance you book. The tables above update automatically with current fares.

Do Georgian citizens need a visa for Türkiye?

No — travel is visa-free, with the right to stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Which airport is closer to the city centre?

Both airports are some distance out, but IST is more practical for hotels on the European side, and Sabiha Gökçen for the Asian side.

Are there direct flights from Batumi?

Yes — Batumi International Airport also has direct flights to Istanbul, and they take about 2 hours.