Find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Tbilisi in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: Istanbul (ISL) → Tbilisi (TBS)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 4h 30m – 8h 45m
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €340 | low |
| February | €310 | low |
| March | €330 | low |
| April | €380 | medium |
| May | €420 | medium |
| June | €480 | high |
| July | €520 | high |
| August | €540 | high |
| September | €460 | high |
| October | €380 | medium |
| November | €320 | low |
| December | €350 | low |
Airlines on This Route
- Turkish Airlines (direct): from €380 — Best for reliable schedules and comfortable connections. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for lowest fares. ISL-TBS route operates 2-3 times daily.
- Pegasus Airlines (direct): from €290 — Often cheapest option if traveling light. Low-cost carrier with strict baggage enforcement. Checked bag is NOT included in base fare.
- Georgian Airways (direct): from €350 — National carrier often has competitive packages. Check their website for Georgian diaspora discounts if you have Georgian heritage.
- Azerbaijan Airlines (connecting): from €420 — Only worth considering if Turkish Airlines/Pegasus are sold out. Baku connection adds 4-6 hours to journey.
Booking Strategy
For Istanbul to Tbilisi, the sweet spot is booking 5-7 weeks before departure when Turkish Airlines and Pegasus release their discounted allocation. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are consistently €30-60 cheaper than weekend flights. February offers the lowest fares (€290-320) making it ideal for budget travelers, while August peaks at €500+ due to Georgian summer tourism. Pegasus frequently undercuts Turkish Airlines by €50-80 but charges extra for baggage—calculate total cost before booking. Use Google Flights for price tracking but book directly with airlines for better customer service if issues arise. Avoid Friday-Sunday departures unless necessary. If traveling in summer peak (June-August), book 10+ weeks ahead as prices climb steadily.
Route Tips
- Book Turkish Airlines or Pegasus departing from Istanbul Airport (ISL)—Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) has no direct Tbilisi flights and requires a connecting flight anyway.
- Georgian visa-free entry applies to EU passport holders for 90 days—ensure your passport is valid 3+ months beyond arrival. No visa needed for short trips.
- If flying Pegasus, add checked baggage at booking time (+€25-40) rather than at the airport (+€60+) to save significantly.
- Tbilisi Airport has efficient e-gates for EU citizens—arrivals are quick but have only one ATM in the terminal so carry some cash in local currency (GEL) or euros.
- Consider combining this route with a stopover in Baku (Azerbaijan Airlines) if you have extra time—visa-on-arrival available for most nationalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Tbilisi?
The direct flight takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes from Istanbul Airport (ISL) to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). Turkish Airlines operates the most frequent daily departures (morning and evening), while Pegasus offers 4-5 weekly flights. If booking connecting flights via Baku, Moscow, or Belgrade, expect journey times between 5-9 hours with layovers ranging from 2-5 hours.
How much does it cost to fly from Istanbul to Tbilisi?
Round-trip fares range from €290 to €550 depending on season and airline. Pegasus Airlines offers the cheapest direct flights starting at €290 return in low season (November-March), though this excludes checked baggage. Turkish Airlines averages €380-450 for the same route with 23kg luggage included. July-August prices surge to €500-550 due to peak Georgian tourism. Budget €320-380 for shoulder season (April-May, October) travel.
Are there direct flights from Istanbul to Tbilisi?
Yes, direct flights operate multiple times daily. Turkish Airlines runs 2-3 daily departures from ISL to TBS, making it the most convenient option. Pegasus Airlines offers budget alternatives 4-5 times weekly with fares starting lower but add-ons for luggage. Georgian Airways also operates direct flights, often at competitive rates with baggage included. No budget carriers operate from Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) to Tbilisi—all flights depart from main Istanbul Airport.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Istanbul to Tbilisi?
February is the cheapest month with average fares of €310 return—perfect for budget travelers seeking off-peak Georgian adventures. November and March also offer excellent value at €320-330. The expensive season runs June through September when prices hit €460-540 due to summer tourism and Georgian wine harvest season. Christmas/New Year (December) sees moderate pricing around €350. Avoid August unless booked well in advance.
Which airlines fly from Istanbul to Tbilisi?
Three airlines operate direct flights: Turkish Airlines (most frequent, premium service, 23kg bag included), Pegasus Airlines (budget carrier, bag extras cost €25-40), and Georgian Airways (national carrier, good value with bag included). Connecting options include Azerbaijan Airlines via Baku, Belavia via Minsk, and Air Serbia via Belgrade—these typically cost €420+ and take 6-9 hours total.
What airport do I fly into in Tbilisi?
You arrive at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), located 17km southeast of central Tbilisi. From the airport, marshrutka (shared minibus) to Liberty Square costs €0.50-1 and takes 30-40 minutes. Private taxis via Yandex or Bolt apps cost €8-15 and take 20 minutes. Airport express buses run every 30 minutes for €1-2. Avoid airport taxi touts offering fixed prices of €30+—use app-based transport instead.
How far in advance should I book Istanbul to Tbilisi flights?
Book 5-7 weeks ahead for the best balance of availability and price. Last-minute deals are rare on this route as Georgian Airways and Turkish Airlines maintain stable pricing. For summer travel (June-August), book 8-10 weeks ahead as flights fill quickly. Winter months (November-February) offer more flexibility with 3-4 weeks advance booking sufficient. January and February often have flash sales from Pegasus starting €250.
Is it cheaper to fly from Istanbul to Tbilisi on weekdays?
Yes, weekday flights are noticeably cheaper. Tuesday and Wednesday departures save €30-60 compared to Friday-Sunday on the same airline and route. Monday and Thursday fall in the middle pricing tier. The difference is most pronounced on Turkish Airlines routes. Saturday departures are occasionally discounted as a remnant of business travel patterns. For best rates, target Tuesday or Wednesday departures in the early morning or late evening slots.
Data updated: 2026-03
