$265 Cheap Flights from Columbus to Istanbul
One-way
Departing from
Columbus
Going to
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul (SAW)
Turkey • January, 2026
78% AI deal score
$2,075 $361
Istanbul (SAW)
Turkey • January, 2026
77% AI deal score
$2,075 $371
Top Cheap Flight Deals from Columbus to Istanbul
Recent round-trip flight deals to Istanbul
Wed, Jan 14 - Wed, Jan 21
Cheapest
Columbus (CMH) - Istanbul (IST)
United Airlines airlines • 2 stops • Washington, D.C. (IAD), Frankfurt (FRA)
Istanbul (IST) - Columbus (CMH)
United Airlines airlines • 2 stops • Frankfurt (FRA), New York (EWR)
$1,505
$925
-$580
39%
Fri, Jan 16 - Fri, Jan 23
Columbus (CMH) - Istanbul (IST)
United Airlines airlines • 2 stops • Washington, D.C. (IAD), Frankfurt (FRA)
Istanbul (IST) - Columbus (CMH)
United Airlines airlines • 2 stops • Frankfurt (FRA), New York (EWR)
$1,505
$926
-$579
38%
Sat, Jan 17 - Sat, Jan 24
Columbus (CMH) - Istanbul (IST)
United Airlines airlines • 2 stops • Washington, D.C. (IAD), Frankfurt (FRA)
Istanbul (IST) - Columbus (CMH)
United Airlines airlines • 2 stops • Frankfurt (FRA), Washington, D.C. (IAD)
$1,505
$926
-$579
38%
Mon, Mar 16 - Fri, Mar 20
Columbus (CMH) - Istanbul (IST)
United Airlines airlines • 2 stops • Washington, D.C. (IAD), Frankfurt (FRA)
Istanbul (IST) - Columbus (CMH)
United Airlines airlines • 2 stops • Frankfurt (FRA), Chicago (ORD)
$1,425
$1,037
-$388
27%
Mon, Sep 28 - Fri, Oct 9
Columbus (CMH) - Istanbul (IST)
United Airlines airlines • 2 stops • Washington, D.C. (IAD), Frankfurt (FRA)
Istanbul (IST) - Columbus (CMH)
United Airlines airlines • 2 stops • Frankfurt (FRA), Chicago (ORD)
$1,325
$1,073
-$252
19%
Sat, Jan 24 - Thu, Jan 29
Columbus (CMH) - Istanbul (IST)
Frontier Airlines airlines • 2 stops • Orlando (MCO), London (LGW)
Istanbul (IST) - Columbus (CMH)
Turkish Airlines airlines • 1 stop • Atlanta (ATL)
$1,505
$1,138
-$367
24%
The cheapest time to fly to Istanbul
Ready to jet to Istanbul on a budget? Check out these popular routes with surprisingly cheap fares (one-way prices):
Last-Minute Flights from Columbus to Istanbul
Need to get to Istanbul ASAP? Even if you're booking a flight on short notice, there are often last-minute deals available:
Next 2 weeks deals
Last Minute Flights to Istanbul
Find last-minute deals to Istanbul departing in the next two weeks, with prices starting from $926.
⌛ Last-Minute
Columbus - IST
A great last-minute steal for a cross-country flight.
Found 5 days ago
$926
round-trip
Facts About Flights from Columbus to Istanbul
To help you plan your journey, here are some quick Istanbul flight facts and tips.
Istanbul city airports
Istanbul is served by two major international airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) on the Asian side. Istanbul Airport (IST) is the larger and newer of the two, having replaced Atatürk Airport as the primary international gateway. IST boasts a massive capacity, modern facilities, and a wide range of international connections, making it a global hub. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), located further from the city center, is a popular choice for budget airlines and domestic flights, but it also offers a growing number of international routes. SAW generally experiences less congestion and can be a convenient option depending on your destination and airline. Both airports offer various transportation options to reach the city center, including taxis, buses, and airport shuttles.
Pro tip: search “Istanbul (Any)” to see fares to all Istanbul airports – sometimes one is cheaper than the others on your dates.
Insights for flights to Istanbul
Cheapest airport
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (SAW)
Hey there, jet-setter! Looking for the most budget-friendly gateway to Istanbul? Look no further than Sabiha Gokcen (SAW), your wallet's new best friend. Located on the Asian side, SAW is known for its efficient service and a wide array of budget airlines, making it the perfect starting point for your Istanbul adventure without breaking the bank!
Nonstop vs. 1-stop
100+ cities
As a major travel hub, Istanbul efficiently links Europe and Asia, offering travelers numerous connection opportunities. Popular routes include those connecting to major European cities like London, Paris, and Frankfurt, as well as destinations in Asia such as Dubai and Singapore.
SAW Airport Deal Stats
Current most discounted routes
Avg. most discounted routes (last 3 months)
SAW airport insights
Best days to catch a deal
Mon, Sun
Based on the provided data, Monday is the best day to find cheap flight deals for Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. Sunday also shows a high count, indicating it may be a good day to search for deals as well.
Avg. deal survival time
17.4 hours
Deals from Sabiha Gökçen International airport survive for an average of 17.4 hours. This means that you should book quickly when you see a deal you like!
Rare deal frequency
8 deals
We've identified 8 rare deals for Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in the last month. These rare deals had an AI Deal Score of 90+ and are typically mistake fares, special promotions, or ultra-discounts.
Average price drop
-85%
Based on historical data, flights to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) typically see an average price decrease of 84.7%. This means you have a high chance of finding a deal if you monitor prices for flights into SAW.
Next 4 weeks: deal forecast
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport Flight Forecast
Next month's forecast shows stable flight prices with a slight increase expected due to seasonal travel. No significant price drops are anticipated at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in the coming weeks.
Top 5 biggest price drops (last 3 months)
Found on January 2
Košice - SAW
$2,950 → $106
96%
Found on January 4
Tampere - SAW
$3,625 → $130
96%
Found on January 6
Ljubljana - SAW
$1,285 → $62
95%
Found on January 6
Niš - SAW
$1,335 → $82
94%
Found on January 4
Larnaca - SAW
$1,025 → $76
93%
Check these nearby airports too
Looking for more options? These airports near SAW sometimes drop rare deals too:
Esenboğa International (ESB)
~9 rare deals/month
Nevşehir Kapadokya (NAV)
~9 rare deals/month
If you’re flexible with departure cities, it’s worth keeping an eye on nearby airports — especially ESB and NAV for long-haul deal surprises.
When Is the Best Time to Fly from Columbus to Istanbul
Timing is everything when hunting for cheap flights. Here are data-backed insights on the best times to fly to Istanbul:
Cheapest month
February
Cheapest month
If you're dreaming of minarets and Turkish delights without emptying your wallet, February is your golden ticket to Istanbul! This month offers the cheapest flights, letting you explore the city's rich history and vibrant culture with fewer crowds and lower prices. Just pack a coat, as it can be chilly, but the warm Turkish hospitality will surely make up for it!
Best day to book
Tuesday
Best day to book
Snagging the best flight deal to Istanbul might just depend on when you decide to book! Historically, Tuesday is the day when airlines release discounted tickets to fill up the planes. Keep an eye on prices and you might just find your dream trip at an unbelievable price. Happy travels!
Cheapest days to fly
Wednesday
Cheapest days to fly
To save some serious dough on your trip to Istanbul, consider flying on a Wednesday! Mid-week flights are often less expensive due to lower demand from business travelers. You can use those extra savings to indulge in delicious Turkish cuisine or pick up some beautiful souvenirs!
Advance booking sweet spot
2 months
Advance booking sweet spot
To get the best deal on flights to Istanbul, booking around 2 months in advance can be a sweet spot! This timeframe usually allows you to grab lower prices before the last-minute surge. Booking ahead of time gives you more flight options and seat selection, too!
Istanbul Airports & Ground Transportation
One big question for travelers is which Istanbul airport to fly into. Here’s a quick guide to Istanbul’s airports and how to get to the city from each:
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the primary international airport serving Istanbul, Turkey. A vast and modern facility, it offers a wide array of amenities including duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges to cater to every traveler's needs. Located approximately 50 kilometers northwest of the city center, it has good connections to Istanbul via taxis, shuttle services, and public transportation. The Havaist airport shuttles provide convenient and direct access to various points in the city. With its sheer size, allow extra time to navigate this major hub!
Tip: Navigating Istanbul Airport can be a trek, so wear comfortable shoes!
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is on the Asian side of Istanbul, offering a convenient gateway to the eastern part of the city and beyond. While smaller than Istanbul Airport, SAW still boasts a good selection of shops, eateries, and services. Transportation to and from the city is facilitated by Havabus airport shuttles, public buses, and taxis. The airport is named after Sabiha Gökçen, the first female combat pilot in Turkey, adding a touch of history to your travels. Consider SAW if you're staying on the Asian side to save travel time!
What to Do in Istanbul
Istanbul isn’t just about getting there – it’s about enjoying the country once you arrive! Here are some top things to do in Istanbul, organized by interest:
Sightseeing & landmarks
Get ready to be transported back in time as you explore Istanbul's iconic landmarks! From the Hagia Sophia to the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, you'll be mesmerized by the rich history and stunning architecture around every corner.
Arts & culture
Immerse yourself in Istanbul's vibrant arts and culture scene. Discover traditional Turkish art, wander through contemporary galleries, and experience captivating performances that showcase the city's artistic soul.
Food & nightlife
Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure in Istanbul! Indulge in delectable Turkish cuisine, from savory kebabs to sweet baklava, and experience the city's lively nightlife with rooftop bars and traditional taverns.
Shopping & fashion
Shop 'til you drop in Istanbul's bustling bazaars and trendy boutiques! Discover unique souvenirs, exquisite textiles, and the latest fashion trends as you explore the city's diverse shopping scene.
Nearby getaways
Escape the city buzz with a rejuvenating getaway to nearby gems like the Princes' Islands or Bursa. Explore charming towns, relax on pristine beaches, and immerse yourself in nature's beauty just a stone's throw away from Istanbul.
No matter your interest – be it art, food, nightlife, or nature – Istanbul has something for everyone. And the best part? Many events and attractions refresh throughout the year, so there’s always something new to experience each visit.
Events in Istanbul This Month
16th international conference on education and information management
The 16th ICEIM will be held in Istanbul, a city that bridges Asia and Europe and boasts cultural, historical, and natural beauty. Participants will have the opportunity to explore this rich heritage within the city walls and engage in insightful discussions.
global academy of women’s cancer (gawc) meeting 2026
The Global Academy of Women’s Cancer (GAWC) Meeting 2026, organized by MedConcept GmbH, will take place from January 30-31, 2026, at the Sheraton Istanbul City Center in Istanbul, Turkey. This conference will bring together experts to discuss advancements in women's cancer research and treatment.
22nd icess 2026 - 22nd international conference on economics and social sciences
This event explores various aspects of economics, including micro and macro perspectives, economic history, fiscal administration, public management, politics, legal and ethical considerations, financial economics, languages, community development, development economics, and education. It offers a comprehensive overview of economic principles and their applications.
Istanbul Weather
Weather in Istanbul
Wed, Jan 7
15%
16° 11°
15%
Thu, Jan 8
Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Istanbul
Pro Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Istanbul
Finally, to wrap up, here’s a cheat sheet of pro tips that experienced travelers use to save on Istanbul flights:
Be Flexible With Your Dates: Istanbul is a year-round destination, but flying during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can save you a bundle. Plus, you'll dodge the peak summer crowds!
Consider Nearby Airports: Istanbul has two main airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Check both, as sometimes flying into one can be significantly cheaper!
