10 Popular Winter Routes Direct from Istanbul Airport

The winter destinations accessible with direct flights from İstanbul Airport will continue offering amazing options for travel enthusiasts in the new year.

From historic cities in Europe to the warm corners of the Mediterranean, you can experience an unforgettable winter holiday in many different atmospheres and make the most of the season. We’ve compiled the top 10 winter destinations that İstanbul Airport provides direct access to for you.

1. Zurich, Switzerland

When it comes to winter holidays, the first activity that comes to mind is skiing, right? Zurich, one of Europe’s most dazzling destinations, becomes a paradise for ski lovers in winter with its Alpine views and snow-covered landscapes.

Offering visitors a high-end holiday experience with its luxurious hotels, spa centers, and advanced ski slopes, Zurich is also home to numerous museums and art galleries for those interested in cultural activities.

With Turkish Airlines’ direct flights, you can reach Switzerland’s capital, Zurich, in just 3 hours and 15 minutes.

2. St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg, which takes on a fairytale-like atmosphere in winter, also ranks among the popular winter destinations for the new year.

Founded as the dream of Tsar Peter the Great, this city turns your winter holiday into an unforgettable adventure with its magnificent architecture, ice-covered rivers, and world-renowned museums like the Hermitage Museum.

St. Petersburg is an excellent destination for those wanting to experience Russia, with Turkish Airlines’ direct flights from İstanbul Airport providing a convenient and comfortable journey of 3 hours and 50 minutes.

3. Munich, Germany

Munich, one of Germany’s most beautiful cities, becomes especially popular in winter. The massive Christmas market at Marienplatz Square and the winter festivals spread across the city are among the top reasons why Munich is a favorite winter holiday destination.

Munich, also a skiing paradise due to its proximity to the Alps, is accessible with direct Turkish Airlines flights in just 2 hours and 50 minutes.

4. Vienna, Austria

To feel like you’re in a Christmas postcard, you must visit Vienna in winter. The city’s famous Christmas markets, with their glittering displays, and the historic buildings blanketed in white, draw countless travelers to Vienna every winter.

If you gift yourself a Vienna trip with Turkish Airlines’ 3-hour and 50-minute direct flights, be sure to watch a world-class opera performance at the Vienna State Opera and take a cozy coffee break in the city’s historic cafés.

5. Paris, France

The city of lights and romance, Paris, becomes even more romantic in winter. Walking along the famous decorated avenues and taking a stroll by the Seine River will make you feel as if you’re in a movie scene. It's worth noting that iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral are less crowded this season, giving you a chance to explore Paris peacefully.

Those wishing to ring in the New Year by attending the famous celebrations on the Champs-Élysées can find themselves in Paris in just about 4 hours via Turkish Airlines’ direct flights from İstanbul Airport.

6. New York, USA

You’ve probably seen the massive Christmas tree and ice rink at Rockefeller Center in a holiday movie. If you’d like to experience it in person and see Central Park blanketed in snow, give New York a chance this winter—it's truly one of the most magical cities to visit in winter.

With Broadway theaters, iconic shopping streets, and grand New Year’s Eve events in Times Square, New York offers an array of activities for an unforgettable winter holiday.

Keep in mind that you can reach New York with Turkish Airlines flights in approximately 11 hours.

7. Tokyo, Japan

Those who have visited Tokyo before know that spending winter in Tokyo is like living out a winter dream. The city, which takes on a unique atmosphere during this season, offers an exceptional experience to explore Tokyo’s cultural richness and enjoy traditional Japanese festivals in winter.

You can reach Tokyo in about 11 hours and 10 minutes with Turkish Airlines’ direct flights from İstanbul Airport.

8. London, England

The city of theater, musicals, and iconic landmarks, London, is always on the radar for those wishing to spend a romantic winter. With events like Winter Wonderland, Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and special winter shows, London offers unforgettable moments, especially around New Year’s.

If you’d like to gift yourself a trip to London this winter, you can reach the city in approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes with a comfortable journey from İstanbul Airport.

9. Copenhagen, Denmark

The home of “hygge,” a lifestyle focused on "finding joy in small things", Copenhagen is an ideal destination to experience this culture during winter.

Walking along the Nyhavn canal, admiring historic buildings, and exploring the city adorned with Christmas lights are must-do experiences in Copenhagen. If you’re looking for a peaceful and joyful holiday, we highly recommend visiting Copenhagen in winter.

Don’t forget: you can reach Copenhagen in approximately 3.5 hours with Turkish Airlines’ direct flights.

10. Cape Town, South Africa

Are there any summer lovers here already missing the warm days? Cape Town, which enjoys its best summer days in January and February, is a favorite destination for those who can’t let go of the warm weather. Seeing the penguin colonies and enjoying the sea and sun on the beaches surrounding the famous Table Mountain are surely among the best activities to enjoy during a winter holiday.

If you’d like to escape winter and dive straight into summer, treat yourself to a ticket to Cape Town this winter. The direct Turkish Airlines flights from İstanbul to Cape Town take around 11 hours.

BONUS: New Flight Destinations and Airlines Added in 2024

Connecting to 109 airlines and 317 destinations today, İstanbul Airport continues to introduce us to brand new destinations. As of November 4, it is possible to fly non-stop from İstanbul Airport to Bristol with EasyJet. Starting November 12, Skyexpress will also be joining the network for direct flights to Athens from İstanbul Airport.