Turkish Airlines offers one direct flight every day from Edinburgh to Istanbul. Flights operated between Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and Istanbul Airport (IST) take four to four and a half hours in average. Ongoing all year round on a regular basis, the number of flights remains the same throughout the year, no changes occur seasonally. However, those wishing to increase their flight alternatives in this route may consider the connecting flights operated over Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) as well. The duration of the journey in connecting flights varies by the layover at Stockholm.
Serving as the capital of Scotland for centuries, Edinburgh is the second largest city countrywide, following Glasgow. Being one of the most adorable cities in Europe and offering a pleasant atmosphere for its guests with its view resembling a town of Medieval Age, the city arouses interest by its utterly glorious historical artifacts and welcomes a considerable number of visitors throughout the year.
The historical icon of the city, Edinburgh Castle is the most popular tourist attraction with its history of 1000 years. Serving as a museum today, the castle bears a great importance as it had also served as a residence for the royal family in the past. Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden shines out as one of the most delightful spots in the city by its plant species over 13 thousand. Royal Mile and St. Giles Cathedral on this route also draw attention as one of the most attention-grabbing sites. Besides, National Museum of Scotland and Scotland National Gallery attracts a large number of tourists. During your stay in this enchanting city you may enjoy your time getting lost between the narrow gateways and visiting Holyrood Palace, the palace of the British royals in Scotland; meeting the warmhearted and sincere Scottish people and getting to know their culture better.
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the sole airport serving to the air traffic in the city. Accordingly, flights from Edinburgh with Turkish Airlines take off from this airport.
It is possible to use Edinburgh Trams serving from the center to the airport. You may also prefer Airlink buses operating as airport shuttles to reach the airport. Buses numbered 100 set off across Waverley Bridge Railway Station and reach the terminal. Operating in every 10 minutes in the daytime, these buses serve 24 hours, less frequently in the night. You may also use the buses numbered 200 to reach the airport within 25 minutes from the Ocean Terminal in Leith.
Moreover, N2 night bus serves at nights from Princes Street to the airport. In addition to all these, you may also take the cabs available 7/24 in the city to get to the airport in a comfortable way.
The popular Turkish destination, Istanbul is the most populous metropolis countrywide by its present population of 15 million, rapidly increasing each passing day. This major metropolis as home to a large number of industrial enterprises, finance and technology companies and commercial organizations receive major migration all over the world thanks to the favorable employment opportunities it offers.
Ranking among the top pioneer cities countrywide, Istanbul is a center of great attention by its deep-rooted history of hundreds of years as well as its natural gems. Topkapı and Dolmabahçe Palaces serve as an iconic tourist attractions, offering a wide range of collections from the Ottoman Empire period to the present day. The city is flooded by a large number of tourists to visit the numerous museums, including but not limited to the Archeology Museum, Hagia Sophia and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts. There are always countless things to do in this fascinating metropolis to enjoy your time; get involved in the city life with taking a boat tour between the two sides of the splendid Bosporus, swim in the Princes’ Islands, try the palatable tastes of Turkish cuisine served with fresh seafood at an elegant restaurant along Bosporus… Istanbul simply offers everything you are seeking for in a dreamlike holiday.
As the city with the busiest air traffic countrywide, Istanbul hosts two international airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Passengers holding a flight ticket to Istanbul from Edinburgh with Turkish Airlines land at Istanbul Airport (IST).
Istanbul Airport is located on the European side, between Tayakadın, a neighborhood on the Black Sea coast, and Akpınar villages. Istanbul Airport is 35 km from the city center.
From the airport there are many modes of transportation, such as taxi, rent-a-car and airport shuttles. There are rent-a-car companies available at Istanbul Airport (IST) that set off from the city center, ensuring you a smooth journey. If you are looking for a cheaper, quicker option then you can benefit from the Havaist and IETT bus services. Travel comfortably with the airport shuttles that run day and night; these shuttles reach many places in the city. In addition, you could pay 100-110TL for a 30-minute taxi drive from the city center.
For more information on transportation from Istanbul Airport, check our transport information page.