Closest Airports to Istanbul Ataturk Airport: Exploring Your Options
Istanbul's Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is a major international hub, serving as the gateway to both Europe and Asia. However, there are several other airports in the vicinity that offer convenient alternatives for travelers. These airports, each with their own unique features and services, provide practical options for those wanting to avoid the hustle and bustle of IST or seeking closer access to specific destinations.
In the list below, we present the nearest 10 airports to IST "as the crow flies", complete with an interactive map for easy navigation. Additionally, we provide driving distances and estimated drive times to major nearby cities. Please note that the information given is approximate and does not take into account variables like traffic, road conditions, or the need for additional transportation modes such as ferries. This guide aims to help you explore these alternatives, ensuring a smoother and more tailored travel experience.
Driving Distances From IST Airport:
From Istanbul Ataturk Airport, the closest cities and landmarks are:
Nearby Cities
- Istanbul, Turkey - 51 kilometers (Approx. 56 mins)
- Izmit, Turkey - 145 kilometers (Approx. 1 hour 36 mins)
- Bursa, Turkey - 195 kilometers (Approx. 2 hours 11 mins)
Other Landmarks
- Vodafone Park in Istanbul, Turkey - 42 kilometers (Approx. 42 mins)
Distances from IST (Istanbul Airport) to Nearby Airports:
- SAW (Sabiha Gokcen International Airport) - 26 miles; 42 kilometers
- BOJ (Burgas Airport) - 129 miles; 208 kilometers
- AXD (Alexandroupolis International Airport) - 150 miles; 242 kilometers
- VAR (Varna Airport) - 164 miles; 264 kilometers
- MJT (Mytilene International Airport) - 177 miles; 285 kilometers
- ADB (Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport) - 206 miles; 332 kilometers
- KVA (Kavala International Airport) - 219 miles; 353 kilometers
- ESB (Esenboga International Airport) - 227 miles; 366 kilometers
- CND (Constanta Mihail Kogalniceanu International Airport) - 234 miles; 377 kilometers
- SMI (Samos International Airport) - 249 miles; 401 kilometers
Services & Information: Alternative Airports Near IST
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)
Located on the Asian side of the bi-continental city of Istanbul, the Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport is an international airport serving as a major hub for both domestic and international travel. It is conveniently situated approximately 35 kilometers southeast of the city center, offering easy access to some of Istanbul's most iconic attractions.
Quick Facts
- IATA Code: SAW
- Official Name: Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport
- Location: Istanbul, Turkey
- Prominent Airlines: Pegasus, Turkish Airlines
- Popular Aircraft: Boeing 777, Airbus A330, Airbus A31X/32X, Boeing 737
- Top Destinations: Antalya, Ercan, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Kuala Lumpur, Almaty
- Transportation Options: Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport offers a variety of transportation options. These include taxis, car rentals, and rideshare services. There are also several private shuttle services that provide transportation to and from the airport.
Driving Distances
From Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport, the closest cities and landmarks are:
- Istanbul, Turkey - 48 kilometers (Approx. 56 mins)
- Izmit, Turkey - 68 kilometers (Approx. 49 mins)
- Bursa, Turkey - 117 kilometers (Approx. 1 hour 23 mins)
- Vodafone Park in Istanbul, Turkey - 42 kilometers (Approx. 42 mins)
Burgas Airport (BOJ)
Located just 10 km northeast of the city center, Burgas Airport serves as a convenient gateway to the stunning Bulgarian Black Sea Coast.
Quick Facts
- IATA Code: BOJ
- Official Name: Burgas Airport
- Location: Burgas, Bulgaria
- Prominent Airlines: Transavia, Transavia France
- Popular Aircraft: Boeing 757, Boeing 737, Airbus A31X/32X
- Top Destinations: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Transportation Options: Various transportation options are available for passengers at Burgas Airport. These include taxis, car rentals, and rideshare services. There are also several private shuttle services that provide convenient transportation to and from the airport.
Driving Distances
From Burgas Airport, the closest cities and landmarks are:
- Burgas, Bulgaria - 7 kilometers (Approx. 14 mins)
- Varna, Bulgaria - 121 kilometers (Approx. 1 hour 59 mins)
- Istanbul, Turkey - 344 kilometers (Approx. 4 hours 25 mins)
- Lazur Stadium in Burgas, Bulgaria - 11 kilometers (Approx. 16 mins)
Alexandroupolis Democritus Airport (AXD)
Located just 7 kilometers east of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis Democritus Airport serves as the main gateway to the city and the surrounding region, offering both domestic and international flights.
Quick Facts
- IATA Code: AXD
- Official Name: Alexandroupolis Democritus Airport
- Location: Alexandroupolis, Evros, Greece
- Prominent Airlines: Aegean Airlines, Sky Express
- Popular Aircraft: ATR 72/42, Airbus A31X/32X
- Top Destinations: Athens (ATH) is the main destination with 33 flights per week, accounting for over 94% of all weekly departures. Currently, there are no international flights from Dimokritos.
- Transportation Options: Various transportation options are available including taxis, car rentals, and private shuttles. Please check with your hotel for possible shuttle services. Rideshare services may be available based on local regulations.
Driving Distances
From Alexandroupolis Democritus Airport, the closest cities and landmarks are:
- Alexandroupolis, Greece - 6 kilometers (Approx. 12 mins)
- Komotini, Greece - 69 kilometers (Approx. 50 mins)
- Xanthi, Greece - 113 kilometers (Approx. 1 hour 14 mins)
- Alexandroupolis Stadium in Alexandroupolis, Greece - 8 kilometers (Approx. 13 mins)
Varna Airport (VAR)
Located just 10 km from the city center of Varna, Varna Airport is your gateway to the beautiful Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
Quick Facts
- IATA Code: VAR
- Official Name: Varna Airport
- Location: Varna, Bulgaria
- Prominent Airlines: Wizz Air, Bulgaria Air
- Popular Aircraft: Airbus A31X/32X, Code 220
- Top Destinations: Sofia, London, Istanbul
- Transportation Options: Various transportation options are available at Varna Airport. These include taxis, car rentals, and rideshare services. There are also several private shuttle services that offer door-to-door service from the airport to hotels in Varna.
Driving Distances
From Varna Airport, the closest cities and landmarks are:
- Varna, Bulgaria - 10 kilometers (Approx. 15 mins)
- Burgas, Bulgaria - 121 kilometers (Approx. 2 hours 13 mins)
- Constanta, Romania - 146 kilometers (Approx. 2 hours 13 mins)
- Ticha Stadium in Varna, Bulgaria - 11 kilometers (Approx. 16 mins)
Mytilene Airport (MJT)
Located just a short drive from the city of Mytilene, Mytilene Airport serves as a convenient gateway to the beautiful island of Lesbos, known for its rich history and stunning natural landscapes.
Quick Facts
- IATA Code: MJT
- Official Name: Mytilene Airport
- Location: Mytilene, Lesbos, Greece
- Prominent Airlines: Sky Express, Aegean Airlines
- Popular Aircraft: ATR 72/42, Airbus A31X/32X
- Top Destinations: Athens, Manchester, London
- Transportation Options: Taxis, car rentals, and rideshare services are available for transportation to and from the airport. There are also several private shuttle services that offer door-to-door service from the airport to hotels in Mytilene.
Driving Distances
From Mytilene Airport, the closest cities and landmarks are:
- Mytilene, Greece - 6 kilometers (Approx. 10 mins)
- Izmir, Turkey - 161 kilometers (Approx. 3 hours 12 mins)
- Thessaloniki, Greece - 705 kilometers (Approx. 9 hours 42 mins)
- Pantelis Petroulis Stadium in Mytilene, Greece - 6 kilometers (Approx. 10 mins)
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)
Located just 18 km south of the vibrant city of Izmir, the Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport serves as a major gateway to the breathtaking Aegean Coast of Turkey.
Kavala Alexandros Airport (KVA)
Located just 32km from the vibrant city of Kavala, Kavala Alexandros Airport serves as a convenient gateway to explore the rich history and beautiful beaches of Northern Greece.
Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB)
Located 28 kilometers northeast of the city center, Ankara Esenboga Airport serves as the main international gateway to Ankara, the capital of Turkey, and its surrounding regions.
Constanta Airport (CND)
Located just outside the city of Constanta, Constanta Airport serves as a convenient gateway to the stunning Black Sea coast.
Samos Airport (SMI)
Located just 5 km from the city of Samos, Samos Airport offers convenient access to the island's beautiful beaches and historical sites.