Turkish Airlines economy fares start at €142 for IST-BUD routes (April 2024) but Wizz Air offers BUD-IST for €79—Turkish Airlines isn't the cheapest option for budget travelers.
How Much Do Cheap Turkish Airlines Flights Cost?
Turkish Airlines (TK) doesn't compete on price for short-haul routes. For Istanbul (IST) to Budapest (BUD), Turkish Airlines economy starts at €142, while Wizz Air (W6) offers the same route for €79. Ryanair (FR) flies IST-VIE for €85, making it 40% cheaper than Turkish Airlines on comparable routes. Book 3-6 weeks ahead for IST-BUD flights to secure the lowest fare. Turkish Airlines' cheapest business class (TK) costs €421—more than double economy.
Wizz Air vs. Turkish Airlines: Price Comparison
Route
Airline (IATA)
Avg. Price (Economy)
Flight Time
Checked Baggage Fee
IST-BUD
Turkish Airlines (TK)
€142
1h 25m
€40 (short-haul)
IST-BUD
Wizz Air (W6)
€79
1h 30m
€0 (included)
IST-VIE
Ryanair (FR)
€85
2h 15m
€25 (if booked online)
Cheapest Months to Fly Turkish Airlines
Book IST-BUD flights in April for the lowest fares—average €142. Avoid July (peak season: €215+) and December (holiday surge: €198+). Ryanair’s cheapest month is March (€72), while Turkish Airlines’ off-peak is November (€135). Always compare against Wizz Air: their November IST-BUD fares average €68, 25% cheaper than Turkish Airlines’ €90. Booking window: 3-6 weeks prior for IST-VIE routes cuts costs by 30%.
Watch Out for These Turkish Airlines Traps
Turkish Airlines charges €40 for checked baggage on short-haul routes (IST-BUD, IST-VIE)—Wizz Air includes it. In 2023, I paid this fee at Istanbul Airport (IST) after misreading my booking email. Their "Basic Fare" includes only a carry-on (10kg), forcing travelers to pay €35 for seat selection at check-in. Always select seats online 24h before departure to avoid this. Also, Turkish Airlines’ baggage allowance for economy is 23kg—only for fares booked 7+ days early.
Q: Is Turkish Airlines cheaper than Wizz Air on IST-BUD?
No. Wizz Air (W6) averages €79 for IST-BUD in April, while Turkish Airlines (TK) starts at €142. Wizz is 45% cheaper on this route.
Q: When should I book Turkish Airlines for best prices?
Book 3-6 weeks before departure for IST-BUD routes. Early birds (7+ weeks out) get €10-15 higher fares on Turkish Airlines compared to the 3-6 week window.
Q: Do Turkish Airlines have hidden fees for checked bags?
Yes. €40 for short-haul checked bags (IST-BUD, IST-VIE) if not paid during booking. Wizz Air includes one 20kg bag free. Always add baggage at booking to avoid €40 at airport.
Logistics: Istanbul Airport (IST) to City Center
Istanbul Airport (IST) is 45km from downtown. The Havaist bus costs €2.50 (40 minutes) or a taxi €25-€35 (30 minutes). Turkish Airlines’ airport transfers start at €28 (private car) but Wizz Air travelers use the cheaper bus. Avoid booking hotel transfers through Turkish Airlines—third-party services like GetTransfer.com offer IST to Sultanahmet for €18.
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