Flying from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Melbourne: what you need to know
Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located in Istanbul. Based in the UTC+11 timezone, Melbourne is eight hours ahead of Istanbul.
For a relaxed start to your IST to Melbourne flight, leave enough time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Delays at check-in and security are likely if you're jetting off during high season, so allow even more breathing space. A good rule of thumb for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially land a cheaper plane ticket from IST to Melbourne. All you need to do is deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a detour (and maybe pocket some savings) by stopping at one of these connection hubs:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Travelling from central Istanbul to IST takes around 1 hour 45 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Looking for a hotel near IST? If you're boarding an early flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Melbourne, these stays will put you moments from your departure lounge:
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Melbourne
The best price we've found for a one-way Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Melbourne flight is $527. The cheapest price for a return flight is $1,183. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
To pick up cheap flights from IST to Melbourne, book as early as possible. Airlines usually offer lower prices when tickets are first released.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel dates, take advantage of the 'Whole month' tool. It'll find the cheapest price across every month when looking for an Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Melbourne ticket.
There's no need to check back in every day to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know the moment there's an even bigger deal on cheap flights from IST to Melbourne.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Melbourne.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
The distance from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to central Melbourne is roughly 24 kilometres. It'll take you around 30 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Travelling to the centre by public transport takes about 40 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Melbourne. Stay at one of these accommodation options near MEL instead:
Grab a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car and discover Melbourne and beyond with your own wheels. Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast and Sixt are popular providers you can book with here.
To lock in the lowest price, book your ride from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport about four weeks in advance of your flight from IST to Melbourne.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Once your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Melbourne has hit the runway, you can make your way to the city centre in about 50 minutes by car. Central Melbourne is roughly 56 kilometres from Avalon Airport (AVV).
Public transport will get you there in around 2 hours 5 minutes.
Unpack your bags not long after your IST to Melbourne flight at Corio Bay Motel. This comfy accommodation option is a quick drive from AVV.
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with an Avalon Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Sixt, Kangaroo Rental or yesaway car hire and make a speedy getaway.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Securing your ride three weeks before your arrival at AVV can help you lock in a better rate.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Essendon Airport (MEB) is about 19 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne. It'll take you about 25 minutes to get to the city centre in a ride-share or cab after your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Melbourne.
The journey will take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes if you use public transport.
If you don't want to make the journey into the centre, head for a hotel near MEB. Check in to one of these options after your IST to Melbourne flight:
Begin your journey without worrying about how to get to where you're going with an Essendon Airport rental car. Find your perfect set of wheels with trusted names here like East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar.
Rental agencies sometimes offer discounts for early bookings, so secure your vehicle from MEB a few weeks ahead of your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Melbourne. A bit of planning goes a long way for your wallet.
Best time to go to Melbourne
Plan your trip to Melbourne in high season if you want a bustling atmosphere, but remember that prices are generally higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Melbourne in the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
Book an Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Melbourne plane ticket with a departure in January if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 12ºC (54ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from IST to Melbourne in July if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 4ºC (39ºF) and 13ºC (55ºF) on average.
More about Melbourne
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Melbourne right here. Explore these options after you've booked your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Melbourne:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be tricky to know where to start. National Gallery of Victoria, Federation Square and Eureka Skydeck 88 are popular attractions which should be on any good Melbourne itinerary.
Explore more of Australia
Canberra is just one of the many cities in Australia waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of Melbourne. Around 467 kilometres away to the north-east, check out popular attractions including Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House.
If you're interested in discovering another major stop in Australia, head for Launceston, about 451 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. City Park, Tamar Island Wetlands and James Boag Brewery Experience are the start of reasons to visit.
