Travelling from Varna Airport (VAR) to Istanbul: what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from Varna Airport to Istanbul is 1 hour 2 minutes.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is 1 hour ahead of Varna, where Varna Airport is located.
Varna Airport (VAR) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route, with 14 departures a week to choose from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from VAR to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 22:25. Go for the first departure with Turkish Airlines at 03:30 if you want to fly out earlier.
To ensure you get on your flight from VAR to Istanbul, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Travelling during a popular month such as July? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer queues and delays at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
You can catch a nonstop flight from Varna Airport to Istanbul that arrives at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Book your ticket with Turkish Airlines. This popular airline offers direct flights from Varna Airport to Istanbul.
You don't need a visa for Türkiye (Turkey) if you hold a passport from Bulgaria and are visiting for tourism purposes. Travel documentation and visa requirements are subject to changes or updates. So before organising your cheap tickets from Varna Airport to Istanbul, be sure to check with your airline and your destination country's local consulate or embassy for the latest rules.
Located around 10 kilometres from central Varna, VAR can be reached in about 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport takes roughly 30 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Varna Airport to Istanbul? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these stays close to VAR:
How to find the cheapest flights from Varna Airport (VAR) to Istanbul
RM330 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Varna Airport to Istanbul. Return flights start from RM909. These fares can change depending on demand and availability.
Book 9 months before flying. After crunching the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you'll want to book ahead to secure cheap tickets from VAR to Istanbul.
The cheapest month for tickets from Varna Airport to Istanbul is May. Compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool and choose the date that offers the best deal.
Getting a cheap ticket from VAR to Istanbul is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when the price has fallen.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Varna Airport to Istanbul. Simply select your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines. Alternatively, sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to the centre of Istanbul is around 50 minutes by car. It's approximately 48 kilometres away.
Getting there by public transport takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Book a hotel near IST if you're catching a late flight from Varna Airport to Istanbul. Settle into one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. After your flight from Varna Airport to Istanbul, it'll take you around 57 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
The trip will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes on public transport.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near SAW. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your flight from VAR to Istanbul:
Best time to go to Istanbul
August is the most popular month for flights from Varna Airport to Istanbul. To steer clear of the crowds, visit Istanbul in February when things are quieter.
Lock in your flight from Varna Airport to Istanbul for August to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 20ºC to 30ºC.
January has average temperatures of between 2ºC and 11ºC. Search for cheap flights from VAR to Istanbul sometime then if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Istanbul right here. Browse these options after you've booked your flight from Varna Airport to Istanbul:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are major attractions which should be on any good Istanbul itinerary.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
Pick one of our car rentals in Istanbul and see the sights on your own terms. Easily compare options in one place to find your ideal ride once you've locked in your hotel and cheap flights from Varna Airport to Istanbul.