$78 Cheap flight deals from Madrid (MAD) to Istanbul (IST)

Flying out of Madrid

Finding the right flights from Madrid can be as simple as doing a search at Orbitz.com. The search engine at the Orbtiz.com site combs through current flight schedules to show comparative costs, as well as departure and arrival times, layovers and other issues that make certain flight options more attractive than others. The Madrid-Barajas Airport, located at Avenida de la Hispanidad, 28042 Madrid, is 12 miles from the city center. It's the main hub for Iberia and does business with major airlines, including EasyJet, Delta, Air France, British Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Europa and others.

Parking at the Madrid-Barajas Airport

Orbitz.com can help travelers find convenient, affordable places on and off site for vacation parking. The airport in Madrid has express parking meant for dropping off and picking up travelers. For the first 30 minutes, the parking is free. Short- and long-term parking lots can be found at each terminal and cost from €9.60 for two hours up to €60 per day for Terminal 2 short-term parking. Long-term parking is available for €18.30 per day. The economy lot requires a shuttle ride back and forth to the terminals but costs only €10.80 per day or €62.80 per week.

Transportation to and From the Airport

For travelers who wish to avoid parking, Orbitz.com can help find special offers on ground transportation to and from Madrid-Barajas Airport. It takes approximately 30 minutes to get there from downtown by car. A credentialed taxi service will charge anywhere from €25 to €30 for the ride, but oftentimes there are taxi drivers inside the terminals offering cheaper rides who do not have the same credentials as those who have signed a contract with the airport. Passengers can also opt for a €2 train ride or take the bus for a similar fee.

Restaurants Near Madrid-Barajas Airport

There's no need to leave the airport to find an excellent selection of restaurants, counter service diners or bars. Orbitz.com can offer travelers deals on food and air packages, though they might not be dining in-house. The convenience of dining at the airport while waiting for flights from Madrid may be worth the cost, but passengers should expect the cost to be relatively more expensive than similar restaurants found in the city center.

Istanbul Area Airports

Orbitz.com offers cheap flights to Istanbul and vacation packages that let you explore this fascinating city, which spans two separate continents. The main airport for the city, Istanbul Atatürk International Airport, is located on the European side of the city, about 24 kilometers from the downtown area. Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is on the Asian side of Istanbul, about 35 kilometers southeast of the city center. Istanbul Atatürk International Airport handles flights from over 70 airlines, including British Airways, United Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Air France. Sabiha Gokcen International Airport serves over 30 airlines, including Sky Airlines, EasyJet, Turkish Airlines, and SunExpress.

Getting to the Airport

From Istanbul Atatürk International Airport, arriving visitors can opt to take the metro train or sea bus into Istanbul. The Sabiha Gokcen airport shuttle makes regular trips from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport to various points within the city, and it costs 10 euro per person. Visitors can also get into the city from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport via sea bus or public bus. Both airports are also accessible via taxi.

Weather Conditions in Istanbul

In the summer, high temperatures average around 82 degrees Fahrenheit in June and July and drop to lows of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Rain is uncommon in the summer, although the humidity remains high during the summer months. Winters are often cold and snowy. In January, temperatures average between 37 to 47 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and fall tend to be mild, and the bargain prices offered during these seasons make them ideal for a visit.

Vacationing in Istanbul

Take in a bit of history with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, or one of the many Ottoman mosques scattered throughout the city. Archaeology museums are another popular attraction, or you can get tickets for a cruise on the Bosphorus to get a view of the city from the water. Once you know the sights you want to see in Turkey, check out Orbitz.com for cheap flights to Istanbul at any time of the year.