Travelling from Istanbul to Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG): what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports to choose from in Istanbul. Check out your options leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when organising your flight from Istanbul to Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG).
2 hours 9 minutes is the time it takes on average for a direct flight from Istanbul to Franjo Tudman Airport.
Zagreb is 2 hours behind Istanbul. Franjo Tudman Airport is located in Zagreb, which operates on the UTC+1 timezone.
With 47 direct weekly flights between the two airports, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) is the most popular route. Turkish Airlines operates the earliest flight at 06:55. If you prefer to get more out of your day before flying, the latest departure from IST to ZAG is with Turkish Airlines at 18:40.
To ensure you catch your flight from Istanbul to ZAG, leave plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
During popular months like August, you'll want to get to the airport earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for an international flight when you fly during high season in general.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
You can book a direct flight from Istanbul to Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) out of Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Turkish Airlines is a popular carrier that operates direct flights from Istanbul to Franjo Tudman Airport taking off from IST.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to take a travel break — and perhaps even explore a different city. When searching for flights from Istanbul to ZAG leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST), uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:
Podgorica Airport (TGD)
Belgrad Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)
From the centre of Istanbul, IST is around 30 miles away. Use navigation apps or check the official airport website to find the best way to arrive at the terminal.
Catching an early flight from Istanbul to Franjo Tudman Airport? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by picking one of these hotels near Istanbul Ataturk Airport:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) operates nonstop flights from Istanbul to Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG).
Pegasus Airlines has direct flights from Istanbul to ZAG out of SAW. Book your favourite aisle (or window) seat and arrive at your destination in a single journey.
You can get to SAW from the centre of Istanbul in about 57 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The ride by public transport will take roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to cover the 30 miles or so.
It's your holiday, so why not enjoy an additional night away? Consider checking in to one of these hotels near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport the day before your flight from Istanbul to ZAG:
About Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG)
If you have a late flight from Istanbul to Franjo Tudman Airport, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these options near ZAG:
Getting from Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) to central Zagreb
Franjo Tudman Airport to central Zagreb is around 25 minutes by car. It's approximately 10 miles away. See what options are available, such as car rentals, cabs or ride-sharing.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey of roughly 58 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG)
For a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Franjo Tudman Airport, £47 is the cheapest price. You can also book a return trip starting from £104. These are currently the lowest fares but are subject to change based on availability.
It's best to book 2 months before your planned departure. Flight price data suggests you're more likely to find cheap tickets from Istanbul to ZAG within that timeframe.
The cheapest month for tickets from Istanbul to Franjo Tudman Airport is November. Use the 'Whole month' search feature to find the most affordable day to fly if you're flexible with your departure dates.
Set up a Price Alert and keep track of changes on this route through push notifications or email. We'll let you know when prices go down. Timing is key for finding cheap tickets from Istanbul to ZAG.
Customise your journey with filters. Choose the number of stops, total duration, and arrival and departure times to find the ideal flight from Istanbul to Franjo Tudman Airport. You can also sort the results to see the 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' options first.
The best time to fly from Istanbul to Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG)
February is the quietest time to travel to Zagreb. Alternatively, join the crowds and visit in August. This is the busiest month for flights from Istanbul to Franjo Tudman Airport, but the best time to go is up to you.
Think about the kind of weather that'll work with your plans for Zagreb. August is known as the warmest month. Lock in your flights from Istanbul to ZAG during then and you can expect temperatures of between 14ºC and 30ºC.
January sees average temperatures of between -7ºC and 8ºC. Look for cheap flights from Istanbul to Franjo Tudman Airport sometime then if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Zagreb
Start your Zagreb trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Franjo Tudman Airport, browse our range of hotels including:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. Zagreb Cathedral, Ban Jelacic Square and Museum of Broken Relationships are essential stops on your Zagreb itinerary.
Complete your Zagreb trip with a car rental
Shut down all those tabs and let us do the hard work for you. We've also got amazing deals on car rentals in Zagreb once you've booked your cheap flight from Istanbul to Franjo Tudman Airport. Easily compare prices in one place and drive away with the perfect rental for less.