Turkish Airlines offers one or two direct flights every day from Istanbul to Thessaloniki. Flights taking off from Istanbul Airport (IST) take nearly an hour and twenty minutes and land at Thessaloniki Macedonia Airport (SKG). Operated regularly all year round by Turkish Airlines, the number of flights in this route remains quite the same throughout the year; however there may be some differences on the hours of departure on a seasonal basis.
As the most populous city in Türkiye, Istanbul ranks among the top significant metropolises worldwide as well. The country’s pioneer in many aspects, this marvelous city owns an extremely innovative and modern level especially in industry, education, culture and technology. Evoking admiration by its historical artifacts bearing the traces of a history of thousands of years in addition to its natural gems thanks to its geographical location, Istanbul’s top attraction is the site called Historical Peninsula full of utterly valuable museums, palaces, mosques and inns to visit. Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue (Sultanahmet) Mosque and the Grand Bazaar rank among the top noteworthy historic icons in this region. Moreover, you may have a chance to enjoy the sun and sea in the beaches along the Black Sea, as well as the Princes’ Islands in Marmara inland Sea, if you happen to visit this fascinating metropolis in the summertime.
Istanbul hosts two airports to manage the extremely busy air traffic: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Flights from Istanbul to Thessaloniki with Turkish Airlines take off from Istanbul Airport (IST).
There are many ways that you can reach Istanbul Airport from Istanbul city center, located approximately 35 km from the airport. By private vehicle you can take the connected TEM and E5 roads to reach the airport. If you wish, you can reach the airport in approximately half an hour for around 100TL.
If you are opting for public transportation, there are scheduled IETT buses and Havaist shuttles that depart from 60 different locations You can find more detailed information on how to reach the airport via our transport information page.
Shining out by its historical and natural gems, Thessaloniki ranks among the top delightful cities in Greece. Bearing the traces of Roman and Byzantine period on its many artifacts, this splendid city is also known for the birthplace of the great Turkish leader and the founder of the modern Republic of Türkiye, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
As a city with the warm weather and the relax lifestyle of the Mediterranean, Thessaloniki promises an unforgettable holiday with numerous historical artifacts it hosts. The White Tower, which was used as a dungeon in the past, as one of the top noteworthy icons in the city today, is one of the works commissioned by Suleyman the Magnificent. The architect of this structure which highly resembles the Rumeli Fortress in Istanbul is the Great Turkish architect Sinan. Arch of Galerius dating back to the Roman period, draws attention as one of the surviving ruins of the palace complex. The house where Atatürk was born serves as a Museum today, attracting a considerable number of visitors every year. Ladadika district standing out by its historic attractions like the Archeology Museum, Hagia Sophia Church and the Church of Saint Demetrius, as well as the entertainment venues, is among the popular spots in the city.
Macedonia Airport (SKG) manages the city’s air traffic on its own. Accordingly, passengers booking their flights to Thessaloniki with Turkish Airlines land at this airport which is 15 kilometers from the city center.
It is possible to use the buses operating for 24 hours for reaching the city center from the airport. You may take the buses numbered 01X and 01N setting off from the airport and reaching the center, following the route Thessaloniki Central Railway Station, Monastiriou Street and Bus Terminal. The buses numbered 01X serve in every 15 minutes during the day and reach the center within approximately 40 minutes. The buses numbered 01N, on the other hand, operate at night in every 30 minutes, heading towards the center and the Bus Terminal (KTEL).
Apart from all these, you may use the cabs serving 7/24 on the way out the airport, or rent a car from the car rental offices, if you are interested in a private transport.