Flying from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Melbourne: what you need to know
The timezone in Melbourne is UTC+11. The city is eight hours ahead of Istanbul, where Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located.
Leave enough time to make your IST to Melbourne flight. As a general rule, turn up at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like August, you'll want to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight when you fly during high season in general.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper plane ticket from IST to Melbourne. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a detour (and maybe pocket some savings) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
IST is about 32 kms (20 miles) from central Istanbul. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Searching for a hotel near IST? If you're boarding an early flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Melbourne, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure gate:
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 £308. The cheapest price for a return flight is £582. 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)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to central Melbourne takes around 30 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 24 kms (15 miles) away.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 40 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Melbourne, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these accommodation options near MEL:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast or Sixt and experience the lesser-explored corners of Melbourne and beyond.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport about four weeks in advance of your flight from IST to Melbourne.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Central Melbourne is located around 56 kms (35 miles) from Avalon Airport (AVV). After your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Melbourne has hit the runway and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 50 minutes.
The trip will take roughly 2 hours 5 minutes on public transport.
Corio Bay Motel is one accommodation option within an easy drive of AVV. Check in here after your IST to Melbourne flight and then hang the 'Do not disturb' sign for some uninterrupted rest.
No need to worry about public transport schedules or slow-moving cab lines. Grab an Avalon Airport rental car and let your trip unfold on your terms. Compare rates and availability from Sixt, Kangaroo Rental and yesaway car hire.
Snap up a deal by securing your ride from AVV three weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a wider range of vehicles.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Essendon Airport (MEB) is around 19 kms (12 miles) from the centre of Melbourne. It takes about 25 minutes to get to the city centre in a ride-share or taxi once you've stepped off your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Melbourne.
The journey will take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by public transport.
If you don't want to travel into the centre, choose a hotel near MEB. Settle in at one of these options after your IST to Melbourne flight:
Start your trip without worrying about how to get to your destination with an Essendon Airport rental car. You can book with reliable companies here like East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar.
Booking a couple of weeks in advance of your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Melbourne is a smart move. As well as better prices, you'll be able to choose the vehicle make and model you prefer at MEB.
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 to 29ºC.
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 and 13ºC on average.
More about Melbourne
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Melbourne right here. Check out these options after you've booked your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Melbourne:
National Gallery of Victoria and Federation Square are just the start of the major attractions to add to your Melbourne travel itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Eureka Skydeck 88.
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 290 miles 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 280 miles south-east of Melbourne. City Park, Tamar Island Wetlands and James Boag Brewery Experience are the start of reasons to visit.