Best part of the journey: Stopover in Istanbul

There's no point in stopping in Istanbul if you can't enjoy the city, so take advantage of the chance to stopover and enjoy yourself in the city. See the legendary views of the Bosphorus, spectacular palaces, and a rich variety of shopping and entertainment. Enjoy all Istanbul has to offer, and thanks to Turkish Airlines, stay in some of the city's best hotels free of charge.
	Istanbul adventure		Free accommodation		A pleasant break		Shopping and entertainment

There's no point in stopping in Istanbul if you can't enjoy the city, so take advantage of the chance to stopover and enjoy yourself in the city. See the legendary views of the Bosphorus, spectacular palaces, and a rich variety of shopping and entertainment. Enjoy all Istanbul has to offer, and thanks to Turkish Airlines, stay in some of the city's best hotels free of charge.

	Istanbul adventure
	Free accommodation
	A pleasant break
	Shopping and entertainment

STOPOVER IN ISTANBUL

What is a stopover?

A stopover is where you stop in a city on the way to your final destination, and spend more than 20 hours in that city before continuing your journey. With a stopover, you can discover Istanbul while waiting for your next flight.

How does a stopover work?

You can stopover in Istanbul on round trip journeys to a number of different destinations around the world. While purchasing your ticket, be aware of the stopover duration when making your selection.

Plan your trip

Free accommodation

You can stay in a five star hotel for two days on Business Class trips, and in a four star hotel for one day on Economy Class trips, free of charge. For more information or to request a hotel voucher, please see the contact details listed in cities and countries in the scope of stopovers table below.

STOPOVER IN ISTANBUL

What is a stopover?

How does a stopover work?

You can stopover in Istanbul on round trip journeys to a number of different destinations around the world. While purchasing your ticket, be aware of the stopover duration when making your selection.

Plan your trip

Free accommodation

Istanbul adventure

Starting your trip with Istanbul is a fantastic idea! With a stopover, you can discover Istanbul for free. You won’t be charged an additional ticket fare. You could take a relaxing break before your business trip, and make those final preparations or key decisions while relaxing with the views of the Bosphorus.

Free accommodation

Are you ready to stay in some of Istanbul's best hotels absolutely free? Turkish Airlines will transform your stopover into an Istanbul adventure. You’ll receive free accommodation for two days in a five star hotel on Business Class trips, and for one day in a four star hotel on Economy Class trips.

Visa and e-visa

To learn more about the visa regime which applies to your country, please visit the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Depending on your nationality, you may be able to apply for a visa online for a fee. Visit the Republic of Turkey Electronic Visa Application System webpage and apply for your e-visa in around three minutes.

Cities and countries in the scope of stopovers
Departure points	Arrival points	E-mail	Telephone
Pakistan	USA, United Kingdom, Ireland, Schengen countries, Canada, Saudi Arabia (Hajj, Umrah)	freehotel@thy.com	+92 21 384 02 333
Russia	America Region (USA, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Cuba, Venezuela), Asia-Far East, Africa, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Portugal, Greece, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Georgia, Malta, Israel, Prague, Vienna, Belgrade, Baku, Bucharest, Jordan, Croatia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Bulgaria, Hungary	freehotelrussia@thy.com	+7495 980 5207
Kazakhstan	America Region (USA, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Cuba), United Kingdom, Ireland, Schengen countries, Middle East (Tel Aviv, Dubai, Doha, Bahrain), South Africa (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban)	freehotelkazakhstan@thy.com	+7727 250 6219
Australia	Balkans, Europe, Middle East, Turkey domestic routes	freehotelaustralia@thy.com	+61 2 9255 9900
Belarus	Asia-Far East, Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Southern Europe	freehotelbelarus@thy.com	+375 17 3272555
Ukraine	America Region (USA, Canada, Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Cuba), Europe, United Kingdom, Ireland, Seychelles, Mauritius, Georgia , Azerbaijan, Thailand, Israel, China, Maldives, Dubai, Morocco, Russia, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Krygyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan	freehotelukraine@thy.com	+38 044 289 44 00
Algeria	America Region (USA, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Cuba, Venezuela), Asia-Far East, Middle East	freehotelalgeria@thy.com	+213669078308
South Africa	Asia-Far East, America Region (USA, Canada, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Cuba), United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe, Saudi Arabia (Hajj, Umrah), Middle East, North Africa	freehotelsouthafrica@thy.com	+27 21 936 3448
Nigeria	Asia-Far East , Middle East, America Region (USA, Canada, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Cuba)	freehotelnigeria@thy.com	+234 1 277 22 30-32
Iran	America Region (USA, Canada, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Cuba), Asia-Far East, Eastern Europe, North Europe, Balkans, United Kingdom, Africa	freehoteliran@thy.com	+98 21 235 46
Portugal	Asia-Far East, Middle East, Africa, Europe, Balkans	freehotelportugal@thy.com	+351 213163121
Tunisia	America Region (USA, Canada, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, Cuba, Argentina, Brazil), United Kingdom, Africa, Asia-Far East, Middle East, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, Romania, Greece, France	freehoteltunisia@thy.com	+216 71 960 999
USA	Africa, Eastern Europe, Balkans, Southern Europe, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan	freehotelusa@thy.com	+1 703-992-1476
Spain	Middle East, Asia-Far East, Eastern Europe, Balkans, North Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, America Region (USA, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Cuba, Venezuela), United Kingdom, North Africa, Greece	freehotelspain@thy.com	+34 91 758 23 35
Greece	Middle East, Asia-Far East, Eastern Europe, Balkans, North Europe, America Region (USA, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Cuba, Venezuela), United Kingdom, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa	freehotelgreece@thy.com	+30 210 985 00 76
Estonia	Asia & Far East and Eastern Africa	freehotelestonia@thy.com	+372 623 1111
Latvia	Asia & Far East, Middle East, Africa, America Region (USA, Canada, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, Cuba, Argentina, Brazil) and South Europe	freehotellatvia@thy.com	+371 673 59441
Lithuania	Asia & Far East, Middle East and America Region (USA, Canada, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, Cuba, Argentina, Brazil)	freehotellithuania@thy.com	+370 521 90 725
Azerbaijan	America Region (USA, Canada, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, Cuba, Argentina and Brazil), Asia & Far East, Africa, Russia, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Israel	freehotellazarbaijan@thy.com	+994 12 404 10 51
Morocco	Middle East & Cyprus, Saudi Arabia (Hajj & Umrah), Asia & Far East, Eastern Europe and the Balkans, Sub-Saharan Africa, Sudan, Egypt, Greece, France, Malta, Belarus, Russia, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Sweden, Norway and Cuba	freehotelmorocco@thy.com	+212 522 640 507
Kuwait	America Region (USA, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Cuba, Venezuela), Europe, Balkans	freehotelkuwait@thy.com	+965 18 849 18
Oman	America Region (USA, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Cuba, Venezuela), United Kingdom, Ireland, North Africa, Europe, Balkans, Jordan, Lebanon, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya	freehoteloman@thy.com	+968 2476 5074
Qatar	America Region (USA, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Cuba, Venezuela), Cyprus, Mauritania, Ireland, North Africa, Europe, Balkans, Jordan, Lebanon, Tanzania, Ghana, Ethiopia	freehotelqatar@thy.com	+974 3030 4712

Enjoy a five star experience

You'll experience something completely new on your Business Class stopover in Istanbul. You'll stay in Taksim, the heart of Istanbul, in a superb five star hotel.

More information

Stay in Sultanahmet

What would you say to a day's free accommodation on your trip with an Istanbul stopover? A fantastic four star hotel is waiting to welcome you in the historical Sultanahmet district.

More information

The world’s favorite on your way

Stopover in Istanbul, and set yourself off on an unforgettable adventure!

As the gateway between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a fantastic place for a stopover. Dozens of countries are just a few hours away from Istanbul, providing the perfect place for a break on your trip. Be sure not to leave before you've seen the wonder of two continents combined, the stunning views of the Bosphorus, and the vibrant, colorful city.

Discover Istanbul

The world’s favorite on your way

Stopover in Istanbul, and set yourself off on an unforgettable adventure!

Discover Istanbul

Discover the colors of Istanbul

Istanbul is full of incredible venues and wonderful tastes. Reserve your vehicle now to make sure you can discover every corner of this incredible city.

Make a reservation

Mini Port

The Miniport baggage carrying service offers baggage transfer between our Istanbul Atatürk Airport Miniport Office, our Taxim sales office, and hotels which have existing agreements with the Miniport service. You can discover Istanbul knowing your baggage is being carried safely.

More information

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Stopovers apply for the cities and countries in the scope of stopovers indicated in the table above.
The departure and return country of the round trip must be the same for a stopover to apply.
Free accommodation is available for round-trip tickets. Free accommodation can be used on the outbound or return journey.
Visa fees, the cost of travel around the city, and cost of travel between the airport and hotel are borne by the passenger.
Free accommodation is available to passengers with a stopover lasting 20 hours or more.
Free accommodation is available for flights operated by Turkish Airlines. Passengers can take advantage of free accommodation using their ticket number.

What is Touristanbul?

If you have a connecting international flight in Istanbul with a layover between 6-24 hours, you can make use of our free Touristanbul service to discover Istanbul.

How to apply?

After your Turkish Airlines connecting international flight, you can sign up for Touristanbul at the Hotel Desk in the International Arrivals Terminal of Istanbul Ataturk Airport.

Tour schedules & details

08:30 - 11:00 sightseeing tour
09:00 - 15:00 tour
12:00 - 18:00 tour
09:00 - 18:00 tour
16:00 - 21:00 Walk tour

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Departure from Istanbul Ataturk Airport

Following the Coastal Road

Sight seeing tour (outer visit & sight seeing tour)

Yedikule Fortress

Old Samatya Armanian District

Yeni Kapı Harbour

Walls of Constantine

Eminonu District

Photo break on Galata Bridge for 10 mins

Dolmabahçe Palace

Free time at Dolmabahçe Palace for 20 mins

Departs from Dolmabahçe Palace

Taksim Square

Galata Tower

Golden Horn

Aqueduct of Valens

Yeni Kapı Harbour

Returns to Istanbul Ataturk Airport

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Departure from Istanbul Ataturk Airport

Lunch

Pierre Loti Hill & Coffee House

Eyüp Sultan Mosque & Square

Byzantine City Walls

Ayvansaray Sahaba Tombs

Church of St. Mary (Panagia - Blachernae)

Balat (a walk through the streets with ancient houses)

Bulgarian St. Stephen Church (from outside)

Ahrida Synagogue (from outside)

Fener Greek Orthodox College (from outside)

Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople

Return to Istanbul Atatürk Airport

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Departure from Istanbul Ataturk Airport

Following the Coastal Road

Yeni Kapı Harbour

Beyazit Square

Istanbul University (outer visit)

Beyazit Tower

Old Book Market

Grand Bazaar

Çorlulu Ali Pasha Mosque

Tomb of Mahmud the 2nd

Column of Constantine

Hippodrome Square

German Fountain

Egyptian Obelisk

Serpentine Column

Obelisk of Theodosius

Blue Mosque (outer visit)

Hagia Sophia (outer visit)

Dinner

Returns to Istanbul Ataturk Airport

Learn more

Best part of the journey: Stopover in Istanbul

STOPOVER IN ISTANBUL

What is a stopover?

How does a stopover work?

Free accommodation

STOPOVER IN ISTANBUL

What is a stopover?

How does a stopover work?

Free accommodation

Istanbul adventure

Free accommodation

Visa and e-visa

Enjoy a five star experience

Stay in Sultanahmet

The world’s favorite on your way

Stopover in Istanbul, and set yourself off on an unforgettable adventure!

The world’s favorite on your way

Stopover in Istanbul, and set yourself off on an unforgettable adventure!

Discover the colors of Istanbul

Mini Port

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

What is Touristanbul?

How to apply?

Tour schedules & details