Flying from Muscat International Airport (MCT) to Istanbul: what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul is 4 hours 54 minutes.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is 1 hour behind Muscat, where Muscat International Airport is located.
With 118 flights a week between the two airports, Muscat International Airport (MCT) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the busiest route. Turkish Airlines operates the earliest flight at 01:30. If you'd like to make the most of your day before you fly, the latest flight from MCT to IST is with Oman Air at 14:30.
To ensure you get on your flight from MCT to Istanbul, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Travelling during a peak month like July? Public holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer queues at security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
You can catch a direct flight from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul that lands at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
You'll have your pick of airlines that offer direct flights from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul. Head off on your trip with any of these:
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your journey — and perhaps even visit a new city. When searching for flights from MCT to Istanbul, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)
You can visit Türkiye (Turkey) for tourism purposes without a visa if you have a passport from Oman. But before booking your cheap tickets from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul, make sure you have the most up-to-date information. Visa rules can change, and you may need some travel documentation if your trip is for work or another reason.
The journey from central Muscat to MCT takes about 1 hour and 51 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 7 miles in 10 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Catching an early flight from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to MCT:
How to find the cheapest flights from Muscat International Airport (MCT) to Istanbul
£59 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul. Return flights start at £120. These fares may change depending on demand and availability.
Score cheap tickets from MCT to Istanbul by booking at least 9 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for finding the biggest deals.
The cheapest month for tickets from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul is May. You can easily compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest travel date.
Snapping up a cheap ticket from MCT to Istanbul is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as the price has fallen.
Take advantage of the filters to find your ideal trip. To see the 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter results by airline, departure and arrival times, and number of stops.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 30 miles from the centre of Istanbul. With a cab or in your own car rental, the drive is around 50 minutes.
It typically takes 1 hour and 45 minutes when travelling by public transport.
Reserve a hotel near IST if you have a late flight from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul. Settle into one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
The centre of Istanbul is around 30 miles from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). After your flight from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 57 minutes.
You can also opt for public transport, which will take roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes.
After your flight from MCT to Istanbul, settle in at a hotel close to SAW. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Best time to go to Istanbul
August is the most popular month to board a flight from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul while February is the quietest. To work out the best time to visit Istanbul, consider whether you prefer a lively vibe or a quieter pace.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with the temperature ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Lock in your flights from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul in this month if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
If you like cooler conditions, lock in a cheap flight from MCT to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul, explore our range of accommodation options including:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are attractions you won't want to skip in Istanbul.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Muscat International Airport to Istanbul isn't our only cool trick. Check out our car rentals in Istanbul and explore the city on your own terms. We find deals from trusted car rental companies and put them all in one place. Instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.