Travelling from Dresden International Airport (DRS) to Istanbul: what you need to know
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is two hours ahead of Dresden, where Dresden International Airport is located.
For a relaxed start to your DRS to Istanbul flight, leave enough time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Delays at check-in and security are likely if you're heading away during high season, so give yourself even more breathing space. A good general rule for peak periods? Get there up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling and possibly even explore another city. When searching for flight tickets from DRS to Istanbul, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Some popular options include:
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC)
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
DRS is around 10 kilometres from central Dresden. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 25 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Dresden International Airport to Istanbul? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays near DRS:
84.36% of flights leaving Dresden International Airport reach their destination as planned. Given its reliable on-time performance, you're unlikely to face delays when jetting out of DRS.
How to find the cheapest flights from Dresden International Airport (DRS) to Istanbul
RM654 is currently the best price for a one-way Dresden International Airport to Istanbul flight. Return flight tickets start at RM827. These prices can change depending on demand.
To find cheap flights from DRS to Istanbul, book as early as possible. Airlines usually offer lower prices when tickets first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Dresden International Airport to Istanbul throughout the month. It's an easy way to find a bargain if your plans aren't set in stone.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from DRS to Istanbul by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Save money on your flight from Dresden International Airport to Istanbul with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The distance from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres. It'll take you around 50 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Travelling on public transport takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Dresden International Airport to Istanbul, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these accommodation options near IST:
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 well-known companies to choose from here.
For the best deal, reserve your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks ahead of your flight from DRS to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Central Istanbul is located around 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Once your flight from Dresden International Airport to Istanbul has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should take about 55 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your DRS to Istanbul flight:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make picking up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car quick and easy. These trusted providers are located in or around the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Booking your ride four weeks before your arrival at SAW can land you a better rate.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Travel to Istanbul during high season if you prefer a lively atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are usually higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Dresden International Airport to Istanbul during the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Book a Dresden International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket with a departure in August if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from DRS to Istanbul around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Dresden International Airport to Istanbul, check out our selection of accommodation options including:
The Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace are a couple of top-rated attractions to put on your Istanbul to-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at Galata Tower.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've seen Istanbul, now it's time to discover more of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel about 354 kilometres east to Ankara to check off its leading sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Izmir is another favourite destination in Türkiye (Turkey) and is around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. No trip is complete without experiencing Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.