Istanbul to Tbilisi is a key Caucasus route with 3 major carriers competing. Turkish Airlines flies IST-TBS direct from €150 return including bags. Pegasus offers SAW-TBS from €100 return but charges for hold luggage. AnadoluJet serves SAW-TBS from €105 return. The 1,150km route takes 2h15m direct. Peak summer (July-August) pushes fares to €300, while January and February see returns as low as €120.
Route: Istanbul (IST) → Tbilisi (TBS)
Distance: 1150 km
Prices by Season
| Season | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Jan-Feb | €120 | €180 |
| Mar-May | €140 | €220 |
| Jun-Aug | €250 | €350 |
Airlines on This Route
- Turkish Airlines: direct, 2h15m, from €150, 2x daily
- Pegasus: direct, 2h20m, from €100, 1x daily
- AnadoluJet: direct, 2h20m, from €105, 1x daily
Best Time to Book
Book 4-6 weeks ahead for cheapest regional fares. Tuesday/Wednesday flights save €20. January and February cheapest months. Avoid Friday departures which cost 20% more. Summer requires 2 months advance booking.
Luggage Tips
Turkish Airlines: 8kg cabin + 15kg checked included. Pegasus: 8kg cabin free, 20kg checked €40-55. AnadoluJet: 8kg cabin free, 20kg checked €40-55. Dimensions 55x40x23cm. Pre-book bags online to save 50% versus airport counter rates.
Destination Highlights
- Tbilisi International (TBS): 17km from city center, small terminal, fast security.
- Old Town Tbilisi: 20min from airport, cobblestone streets, sulfur baths.
- Sameba Cathedral: Largest orthodox church, visible from most city viewpoints.
Airport Transfer Tips
IST: Havaist bus to Taksim €3.50, 90 min. Taxi €35-45, 45 min. SAW: Havabus to Kadikoy/Taksim €3, 60-90 min. Taxi €25-35. TBS: Airport bus €0.50, 30 min to Freedom Square. Taxi €10-15, 20 min to center via Bolt/Yandex.
Related Pages
- Istanbul Airport (IST) Guide 2026
- Tbilisi Airport (TBS) Guide
- Turkish Airlines vs Pegasus Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are cheap flights from Istanbul to Tbilisi?
Turkish Airlines return fares start around €150 including checked baggage and meals on board. Pegasus and AnadoluJet offer tickets from €100 return but charge extra for hold luggage individually. Adding a 20kg bag costs €40-60 depending on season. Total budget trip with bags is €140-160 on low-cost carriers. Summer prices rise significantly to €300 return.
Which Istanbul airport should I fly from to Tbilisi?
Istanbul has two main airports: IST for Turkish Airlines and SAW for Pegasus and AnadoluJet. IST is on the European side, SAW on the Asian side. Tbilisi uses TBS airport which is only 17km from the city center. Choose IST for full service, SAW for budget fares and Asian side access in Istanbul.
When should I book Istanbul to Tbilisi flights?
Book 4-6 weeks before departure for the best deals on this regional route specifically. Tuesday and Wednesday flights are typically €20 cheaper than weekend departures. Avoid Georgian holidays and summer peak July-August. January and February offer the lowest fares. Set alerts 2 months ahead for summer travel plans to secure seats.
What luggage can I bring on Istanbul-Tbilisi flights?
Turkish Airlines includes an 8kg cabin bag and 15kg checked bag in Economy class. Pegasus and AnadoluJet allow one 8kg cabin bag free but charge €35-55 for 20kg checked luggage. Dimensions for cabin bags are 55x40x23cm strictly enforced. Always pre-book baggage online to save 50% compared to airport counter fees.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Tbilisi?
Direct flight time is 2 hours and 15 minutes average. There is no time difference between Istanbul and Tbilisi so no jet lag. Total travel time including security and transfer is around 5 hours. Turkish Airlines flights usually depart from IST, while budget carriers operate from SAW airport on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Are there direct flights from Istanbul to Tbilisi?
Yes, all three airlines operate direct flights daily throughout the year. Turkish Airlines flies from IST, Pegasus and AnadoluJet from SAW. Frequency increases to 4-5 flights daily in summer season. No layovers are required for this route. Flight path crosses the Black Sea and eastern Turkey. Winter schedules may reduce frequency.
Data updated: 2026-03
