Flying from Dalaman Airport (DLM) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Around 1 hour 25 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct flight from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul.
Istanbul's timezone is UTC+3, which is the same as Dalaman (the location of Dalaman Airport).
The most popular route is from Dalaman Airport (DLM) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). You can choose from 84 services every week between these two airports. If you want to get on your way as soon as possible, the earliest flight from DLM to IST is the 00:10 Turkish Airlines service. If you prefer travelling later, the last departure is at 23:05 with Turkish Airlines.
To ensure you get on your flight from DLM to Istanbul, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Flying over a peak time such as August? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer lines at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
You can catch a nonstop flight from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul that arrives at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
There's a range of carriers that operate direct flights from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul, including:
Once you've booked your flight tickets from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul, get your travel documents ready. A passport or visa isn't required since you're travelling within Türkiye (Turkey). As long as you have another valid form of identification, like a driver's licence or an ID card, you're ready to go.
To reach DLM from central Dalaman, it takes around 6 minutes by car. Of course, this depends on traffic conditions. It's approximately 6 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Catching an early flight from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near DLM:
How to find the cheapest flights from Dalaman Airport (DLM) to Istanbul
ر.ق. 74 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul. A return flight starts from ر.ق. 156. These prices can change depending on demand.
Lock in cheap tickets from DLM to Istanbul by booking at least 8 months ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for picking up a bargain.
Organise your trip for April. That's the cheapest month for tickets from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across every month.
Sign into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you straight away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It doesn't take long, and it'll save you the hassle of searching for cheap flight tickets from DLM to Istanbul every day.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul. Simply enter your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines. Alternatively, sort your results by 'Cheapest' to get the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. With a car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is about 50 minutes.
It takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes when travelling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul. Stay at one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
The centre of Istanbul is located around 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). After your flight from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul has landed and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of about 57 minutes.
You can also opt for public transport, which typically takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.
After your flight from DLM to Istanbul, rest your head at a hotel close to SAW. These are some great options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
Best time to go to Istanbul
August is the busiest month to hop on a flight from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul while February is the quietest. To work out the ideal time to visit Istanbul, consider your preferred travel pace and style.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Lock in your flights from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul in this month if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, lock in a cheap flight from DLM to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
Topkapi Palace and The Basilica Cistern are just two of the top-rated attractions to put on your Istanbul travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Galata Tower.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul to track down incredible deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare your options in one place. Plus we give you all the info you need to know about car rentals in Istanbul, from the most popular car type to the average daily price.
