Do you want to plan a trip from Tbilisi to Istanbul and buy your air tickets cheaply? Then this article is a must-read!
Istanbul has long held the title of one of the most interesting and distinctive cities in the world. That is exactly why so many tourists visit it every year and why it remains one of the most popular directions among travellers.
What impresses visitors most in Istanbul is the way European and Asian cultures come together. It is hard to imagine anyone staying indifferent to this remarkable meeting of two completely different styles, architectures and ways of life.
Which airlines fly from Tbilisi to Istanbul?
Direct flights on the Tbilisi Istanbul and Istanbul Tbilisi route are operated by the Turkish carriers Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines and AnadoluJet, which today operates under the name AJet.
Pegasus Airlines and AJet fly from Tbilisi airport to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport, while Turkish Airlines operates to Istanbul Airport.
Airlines serve the Tbilisi to Istanbul route on a daily basis.
As for the price, Pegasus Airlines and AJet usually offer more budget-friendly air tickets than Turkish Airlines.
How long is the flight on the Tbilisi Istanbul route?
It takes only 2 hours and 30 minutes to get from Tbilisi to Istanbul.
How to book cheap Tbilisi Istanbul air tickets?
- Buy your air tickets 1.5-2 months in advance.
- Choose a midweek departure rather than a weekend, because demand for travel is lower on working days and air tickets are cheaper.
- Book both directions at once. Airlines and agencies tend to offer better prices for a return ticket than for two one-way tickets bought separately.
- Use a search engine that brings together almost every airline and flight, so that you can find and book the ticket you want with far less effort.
When is the best time to travel to Istanbul?
If you are looking for a calm, budget-friendly trip, the best periods to fly to Istanbul are March to May and September to November. These months are not considered peak travel season, so the city is less crowded, hotel rates are comparatively low and the temperature is pleasant.
High season in Istanbul runs from June until the end of August. Demand is high during this period, and so are the prices.
The cheapest period falls between December and February, although Istanbul’s rainy, snowy and cold weather will not let you enjoy the city to the full.
Istanbul has two airports: which one should you choose?
Istanbul has two international airports, and there are direct flights from Tbilisi to both of them. Before you buy a ticket, always check which airport you will land at, because it directly affects how much time and money you will spend getting to the city centre.
Istanbul Airport (IST) is located on the European side of the city, in the Arnavutkoy district. This is where Turkish Airlines operates. The airport is linked to the centre by the M11 metro line (Istanbul Havalimani to Gayrettepe) and by HAVAIST buses.
Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) sits on the Asian side, roughly 32 kilometres from the centre. Pegasus Airlines and AJet fly here. Since October 2022 the metro reaches the airport as well, via the M4 line (Kadikoy to Sabiha Gokcen), and HAVABUS shuttle buses also run to the city.
If your hotel is on the European side (Sultanahmet, Taksim, Beyoglu), IST is the more convenient option; if you are staying on the Asian side (Kadikoy, Pendik), choose SAW.
AnadoluJet is now called AJet
In 2024 AnadoluJet, the low-cost subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, was rebranded and continued operating under the name AJet. In other words, if you cannot find AnadoluJet while searching, look for AJet instead: it is the same carrier that flies to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport.
Documents: what Georgian citizens need to travel to Turkey
Citizens of Georgia do not need a visa to enter Turkey. A stay of up to 90 days is visa free, and you may travel with a Georgian ID card, so a passport is not compulsory.
It is important that the name and surname printed on your air ticket match exactly the document you are travelling with. Border rules change from time to time, so it is always worth checking the current requirements from official sources before departure.
Good to know before you fly
- Time difference: Istanbul is one hour behind Tbilisi. The times printed on your ticket are always local times.
- Currency: payments in Turkey are made in Turkish lira (TRY).
- Baggage: the cheapest fares of low-cost airlines usually include hand luggage only. Checked baggage is paid separately, and adding it while booking costs less than adding it later or at the airport.
- At the airport: plan to arrive about 2 hours before an international departure to check in calmly.
- Frequency: there are daily direct flights from Tbilisi to both Istanbul airports, and several departures a day during the busy season.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the flight from Tbilisi to Istanbul take?
A direct flight takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Which airport will I land at?
Turkish Airlines flies to Istanbul Airport (IST), while Pegasus Airlines and AJet fly to Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW).
Do Georgian travellers need a visa for Turkey?
No. Citizens of Georgia can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days without a visa, and they can cross the border with an ID card.
When is the best moment to buy an air ticket?
About 1.5-2 months before departure. The closer the departure date, the more expensive the ticket becomes.
Which time of year has the cheapest tickets?
The lowest fares appear between December and February, although the weather in Istanbul is cold and rainy then. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) give you the best balance of price and weather.
Are there direct flights every day?
Yes, direct flights on the Tbilisi to Istanbul route operate daily.
You can buy Tbilisi Istanbul air tickets online quickly and comfortably using our search engine. Simply choose your departure and destination cities, enter the date you want, and our system will show you every available flight, so that you can pick the air ticket that fits your budget.
