Thessaloniki to Istanbul (SKG–IST) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
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No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
SKG–IST is served by 3 airlines with nonstop service. Aegean Airlines, Gulf Air and Turkish Airlines lead the route. The flight covers 305 miles in approximately 1h 30m. Beyond nonstop, 28 hubs offer 1-stop connections.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A3 Aegean Airlines | 10 | 320, 73H | 1h30 | – | Star Alliance | – |
| GF Gulf Air | 7 | 320 | 1h30 | – | – | – |
| TK Turkish Airlines | 7 | 32Q | 1h30 | – | Star Alliance | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
Other ways to reach Istanbul from Thessaloniki
| Metric | SKG→IST | SKP→IST | SOF→IST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance from SKG | – | 122 mi | 152 mi |
| Nonstop airlines | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Weekly flights | 24 | 7 | 35 |
| Flight time | 1h 30m | 1h 7m | 1h 30m |
Travel Essentials
SKG: EET · IST: +03
When it's 6:00 PM in Thessaloniki, it's 7:00 PM in Istanbul.
Greek passport holders enter Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. No eVisa is needed. You can enter with a passport or a Greek national ID card. Turkey also accepts Greek passports that have expired within the last 5 years, though carrying a valid one avoids hassle at check-in.
M11 Metro to Gayrettepe takes about 35 minutes (₺60–70 with Istanbulkart) with connections to M2 (Taksim) and M7. Runs from 5am to midnight. The metro bypasses O-7 motorway traffic, which is frequently heavy into the city.Havaist buses serve major destinations including Taksim, Kadıköy (European and Asian sides), and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (₺50–80). Taxis from arrivals are metered; insist on the meter. Journey to Sultanahmet or Taksim costs ₺400–700 depending on traffic. Rental cars available. Hotel shuttles common for business hotels near the city.
The new airport sits 35km from central Istanbul on the European side, slightly inland and exposed to Black Sea weather systems. Winters (December–March) are cold (0–8°C) with fog, rain, and occasional snow. Snow on the exposed plateau is more likely than in the city. Ice on taxiways causes delays.
Summers are warm (25–32°C) with dry, reliable weather. Spring and fall bring heavy rain and strong northerly winds (Poyraz) that can affect smaller aircraft. Fog is the primary low-season disruption risk. The airport's elevated position makes it slightly windier than the Atatürk site it replaced.
SKG–IST Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from SKG to IST
Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport (SKG) and İstanbul Airport (IST) are connected by nonstop service from Aegean Airlines, Gulf Air and Turkish Airlines. With 24 weekly departures, this is a well served route.
SKG to IST Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from SKG to IST ranges from 1 hours 30 minutes. The route covers a distance of 305 miles (491 km). There are approximately 24 weekly flights outbound and 45 return, totaling 69 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
28 one-stop connections are available, with the fastest taking approximately 9 hours via OTP. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs. Nearby alternative airports include Ilinden (SKP) and Sofia (SOF).