Cheap Flights from Madrid (MAD) to Istanbul (ISL)

Popular airlines from Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to Ataturk Intl. Airport (ISL)

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Flights from Madrid (MAD) to Istanbul (ISL)
Origin airport
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas
Destination airport
Ataturk Intl.
Distance
1686 mi

Madrid to Istanbul Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Madrid to Istanbul

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Madrid to Istanbul are during the month of . You can find some of the cheapest flights from Madrid to Istanbul with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Madrid to Istanbul

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Madrid to Istanbul: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Madrid to Istanbul

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Madrid to Istanbul in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Madrid to Istanbul flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Madrid to Istanbul airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to fly from Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to Istanbul Airport?
Turkish Airlines operates a direct flight taking off from Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) at 6:45PM and reaching ISL at 11:55PM — a total flight duration of 4 hours and 10 minutes. Lock in the seat that’s perfect for you, pack some things to keep you entertained and the time will fly by.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to Ataturk Intl. Airport (IST) last minute?
Booking your trip from Madrid–Barajas Airport to ISL at the last minute could save you some dough if you stumble on an amazing deal. However, airfares don’t usually get cheaper as the date of departure nears. If you wait around, flights could also be sold out or the best seats taken (don’t get stuck in the middle!). If you’d prefer to play it safe, book well ahead of the date you want to leave. In fact, you can find some of the biggest deals up to 12 months in advance. If your preferred airline hasn’t released its fares yet, check back regularly as deals are constantly updated on Expedia.
What airline has the least delays from Madrid Airport to ISL?
With an on-time flight record of 50%, Turkish Airlines is the carrier that’s more likely to fly you from Madrid Airport to Istanbul Airport without any delays. Flight delays aren’t just irritating — they can also cause you to miss an important connection or even ruin your entire trip. Stay updated about delays by reviewing your flight status through the Expedia App before making your way to the airport. If you’re already there and you’re worried about the knock-on effects, visit the customer service desk to find out your next steps.
What airports do you fly into for Istanbul from Madrid?
From Madrid, you can connect to Istanbul through Ataturk Intl. Airport (IST), Istanbul (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen Intl. Airport (SAW). Do some research into which airport is the best option for you before making your decision. If you opt for Ataturk Intl. Airport (IST), it’s roughly 9 mi west of the center of the city. Use the dollars you save when booking your fare with Expedia to visit the city’s popular attractions, such as Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Madrid Airport to Ataturk Intl. Airport (IST)?
The most popular departure times for trips from MAD to ISL are between 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM on Turkish Airlines. Our advice is to head off in the morning. The earlier you do, the better your chances of arriving on time as air traffic hasn’t yet built up around airports.
Can I change the date of my flight from MAD to Istanbul Airport?
Plans don’t always work out, so Expedia is here to help make amending your trip as easy as possible. First, find your Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to Istanbul Airport itinerary through the Expedia Trips portal and check the fare rules about change fees or other charges. If you booked in the last 24 hours, some airlines will allow you to cancel for free and book new flights. If you bought your ticket more than 24 hours ago, get in touch with us via our Customer Service portal to find out what your options are.

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