Flying from Malta International Airport (MLA) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Expect to be in the air for 2 hours 40 minutes. That's the average journey time for a direct flight from Malta International Airport to Istanbul.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is two hours ahead of Valletta, where Malta International Airport is located.
With 17 flights a week between the two airports, Malta International Airport (MLA) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route. KM Malta Airlines operates the earliest flight at 06:00. If you're eager to make the most of your day before taking off, the latest flight from MLA to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 19:30.
To avoid rushing for your MLA to Istanbul flight, allow plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Taking off during a peak time like a bank holiday? Expect longer lines at security and check-in. Give yourself extra leeway and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
You can book a direct Malta International Airport to Istanbul ticket. Start your trip at MLA and touch down at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Look out for offers from Turkish Airlines. This carrier operates direct flights from Malta International Airport to Istanbul.
We make it simple to book plane tickets from MLA to Istanbul with a stopover. To see all your options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight with a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Well-traveled stopover hubs include:
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
Central Valletta to MLA is around 4 miles. Depending on traffic, it'll take you about 15 minutes to get there if you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing.
In search of a hotel close to MLA? If you're boarding an early flight from Malta International Airport to Istanbul, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure lounge:
Of the flights that depart from Malta International Airport, 72.79% land on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Malta International Airport (MLA) to Istanbul
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way Malta International Airport to Istanbul flight is £45. The cheapest price for a return flight is £85. Keep in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book two months before your departure date. Pricing trends show that this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from MLA to Istanbul.
The best month for picking up cheap Malta International Airport to Istanbul tickets is June. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates offering the lowest fares.
Snapping up a cheap flight from MLA to Istanbul couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know when a better deal is available.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Malta International Airport to Istanbul by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 30 miles from central Istanbul. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 50 minutes.
Getting to the centre by public transport typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Malta International Airport to Istanbul. Stay at one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Go wherever you want, whenever you want with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and see more of Istanbul and beyond.
Get the best deal by booking your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks before your flight from MLA to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
After your flight from Malta International Airport to Istanbul has hit the tarmac, you can reach the city centre in about 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is roughly 30 miles from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
The trip will take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
Following your MLA to Istanbul flight, rest your head at a hotel near SAW. These are some great options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or waiting in a long cab line. Pick up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and take your journey in whatever direction you like. Compare availability and rates from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Get first dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time often means better prices and a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Carefully consider your dates before locking in your flight from Malta International Airport to Istanbul. The city buzzes in peak season, but rates are generally higher and top attractions can be busy. Visit Istanbul in low season if you prefer a more relaxed vibe.
Before locking in your Malta International Airport to Istanbul plane ticket, think about the type of weather you enjoy. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from MLA to Istanbul in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF) on average.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Istanbul right here. Browse these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Malta International Airport to Istanbul:
All great holidays should include some sightseeing. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are attractions you won't want to skip in Istanbul.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've visited Istanbul, now it's time to discover other parts of Türkiye (Turkey). Journey about 220 miles east to Ankara to tick off its top sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Around 200 miles south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another favourite stop in Türkiye (Turkey). No visit is complete without checking out Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.