Travelling from M.R. Stefanik Airport (BTS) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Istanbul is two hours ahead of Bratislava, where M.R. Stefanik Airport is located. Istanbul observes the UTC+3 timezone.
With two weekly flights between the two airports, M.R. Stefanik Airport (BTS) to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is the most popular route. Pegasus operates the earliest flight at 12:10. If you'd like to make the most of your day before jetting off, the last flight from BTS to SAW is with Pegasus at 17:50.
Leave enough time to get on your BTS to Istanbul flight. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Longer lines at check-in and security are more likely if you're flying during high season, so give yourself some extra breathing space. A good rule of thumb for peak times? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Direct M.R. Stefanik Airport to Istanbul tickets are available for booking. Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is where you'll be touching down.
Get on board with Pegasus. This leading carrier operates direct flights from M.R. Stefanik Airport to Istanbul.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to take a break from travelling and possibly even explore a different city. When searching for plane tickets from BTS to Istanbul, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY)
Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG)
Sofia Airport (SOF)
The journey from central Bratislava to BTS takes about 40 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 4 miles in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Looking for a hotel close to BTS? If you're boarding an early flight from M.R. Stefanik Airport to Istanbul, these accommodation options set you up for a seamless send-off:
65.09% of flights that leave from M.R. Stefanik Airport land at their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from M.R. Stefanik Airport (BTS) to Istanbul
£40 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way M.R. Stefanik Airport to Istanbul flight. A return plane ticket right now is £76. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares may change.
To find cheap flights from BTS to Istanbul, book as early as you can. Airlines tend to offer their most competitively priced fares when tickets are first released.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across every month when searching for a M.R. Stefanik Airport to Istanbul ticket.
Locking in a cheap flight from BTS to Istanbul is easy with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic notifications and we'll notify you as soon as a cheaper option becomes available.
Snag an affordable flight from M.R. Stefanik Airport to Istanbul with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to the centre of Istanbul takes around 50 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 30 miles away.
Travelling on public transport takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel near IST if you're coming in on a late flight from M.R. Stefanik Airport to Istanbul. Choose one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Pick up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and discover Istanbul and beyond with your own set of wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are popular outlets to choose from here.
Reserving your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks in advance of your flight from BTS to Istanbul can help you secure the lowest rate.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Central Istanbul is about 30 miles from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). After your flight from M.R. Stefanik Airport to Istanbul has landed and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 55 minutes.
You can expect the trip to take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your BTS to Istanbul flight:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or cab lines. Pick up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and let your trip unfold on your terms. Check out the rates and availability from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Avoid paying extra. Reserving your ride four weeks before your arrival at SAW will help you save.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Travel to Istanbul during high season if you like a bustling atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are generally higher. Alternatively, book flights from M.R. Stefanik Airport to Istanbul in the low season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Before booking a M.R. Stefanik Airport to Istanbul plane ticket, think about the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from BTS to Istanbul in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF) on average.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from M.R. Stefanik Airport to Istanbul, check out our selection of accommodation options including:
The Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace are just a couple of the top attractions to add to your Istanbul must-do list. Keep the momentum going by heading to Galata Tower.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Istanbul has its own special appeal, but there are so many other corners of Türkiye (Turkey) you'll want to see. Around 220 miles east of Istanbul, a trip to Ankara will keep you busy. Don't miss top attractions like Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
If you're eager to discover another side of Türkiye (Turkey), consider Izmir, about 200 miles south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak are among the biggest draws.