Quick answer: Dubai to Istanbul averaged about AED 1,521 return over the past 12 months. Sharjah was cheaper, about AED 1,160, with Air Arabia and Pegasus flying direct to Sabiha Gokcen. February was the cheapest month (about AED 1,197) and May the most expensive (about AED 2,368), almost double. Direct flights take about 5 hours.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Average return from Dubai | About AED 1,521 |
| Average return from Sharjah | About AED 1,160 |
| Cheapest month | February, about AED 1,197 |
| Most expensive | May (about AED 2,368), April (about AED 1,876) |
| Direct flight time | About 5h 10m |
| Cheapest day to fly | Tuesday |
Table of Contents
Two Istanbul airports
Istanbul has two airports, and it matters which one you land at. Istanbul Airport (IST) is on the European side, north of the city. Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) is on the Asian side, closer to Kadikoy. Check your hotel location before choosing, as the transfer between them can take well over an hour.
| From | Direct airlines | Istanbul airport |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | Emirates, Turkish Airlines | Istanbul Airport (IST) |
| Dubai | flydubai, AJet, Pegasus | Mostly Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) |
| Sharjah | Air Arabia (about 17 a week), Pegasus (about 10 a week) | Sabiha Gokcen (SAW), Air Arabia also to IST |
Sharjah saves about AED 360
Sharjah averaged about AED 1,160 return against about AED 1,521 from Dubai, around AED 360 less per person. For a couple that is over AED 700. The catch is that low cost fares usually charge for checked bags, so add those before you compare.
Spring is the expensive season
Istanbul is cheapest in February and most expensive in April and May, when the weather is mild and the tulip season draws crowds. May averaged about AED 2,368 return, almost double February. Last minute bookings in the final two weeks ran about 21% above normal, so this is not a route to leave late: booking about 17 weeks ahead saved around 38%.
Cheapest day
- Tuesday departures averaged about AED 1,520 return.
- Wednesday was the most expensive, about AED 1,942, around AED 420 more.
Visa for Turkey
Many UAE residents can apply for a Turkey eVisa online, depending on nationality and residence. See our Turkey visa guide for UAE residents or send us your passport and residence visa on WhatsApp and we will check.
Pay monthly for your ticket
If a return comes to AED 1,521, that can be four Tabby payments of about AED 380, or a longer Tabby plan of up to 12 months. UAE residents can also use Tamara or a 3 to 12 month plan on a UAE credit card from Mashreq, ADCB, RAKBANK, HSBC, FAB or Emirates NBD; we only need your phone number to send the link. Get a Dubai to Istanbul quote. Our office WhatsApp, +971 4 220 2133, answers 24 hours a day.
Fares are 12 month averages from public flight search data, checked by White Sky Travel in November 2026. Prices change daily. See also the cheapest month to fly from the UAE and our baggage allowance comparison.
Dubai to Istanbul FAQs
How long is the flight from Dubai to Istanbul?
A direct flight takes about 5 hours 10 minutes, and about 5 hours from Sharjah.
Which airlines fly direct from Dubai to Istanbul?
Emirates and Turkish Airlines fly to Istanbul Airport (IST), while flydubai, AJet and Pegasus mostly use Sabiha Gokcen (SAW). From Sharjah, Air Arabia and Pegasus fly direct.
Is Sharjah cheaper than Dubai for Istanbul?
Usually. Sharjah averaged about AED 1,160 return against about AED 1,521 from Dubai.
What is the cheapest month to fly Dubai to Istanbul?
February, at about AED 1,197 return. April and May are the most expensive.
Can I pay for a Dubai to Istanbul ticket monthly?
Yes. UAE residents can pay with Tabby, Tamara or a 3 to 12 month UAE credit card plan. We only need your phone number.
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