Book flights from Melbourne to Istanbul with Qatar Airways

Enjoy comfortable travel from Melbourne to Istanbul with Qatar Airways. This is a long flight, but the hours will literally glide by as you savour the delights of our delicious cuisine, and numerous in-flight entertainment options.  There’s never been a better time to visit the ‘City of the World’s Desire’ in all its splendour, and there’s no better way to get there than with Qatar Airways.

Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, has an extraordinary history and is an eclectic mix of centuries of expansion and culture. Ancient Byzantium, a byword for glamour, straddles the junction of Europe and Asia, and visitors have access not only to the great monuments like the Blue Mosque but also to new restaurants, cafés and shopping malls offering exclusive designer goods.

Sitting astride the Bosphorus, the iconic city of Istanbul bridges Asia and Europe both culturally and physically, giving it a unique perspective on both cultures, and a character unlike any other major city.

This energetic, frenetic city has been at the very heart of trade between the two continents for thousands of years, and today is just as important strategically, and a natural magnet for tourists looking for a fascinating and unique location.

Book a flight to Istanbul with Qatar Airways and you’ll quickly discover the charm of the city for yourself. From lively markets and souqs to exclusive malls, beautiful mosques and spectacular forts, Istanbul has it all.

Tourist attractions

Istanbul’s myriad of ancient monuments date back to the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. Most, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), and Basilica Cistern are clustered around Sultanahmet Square, making a tour of some of the city’s finest attractions easy.

However, it is worth wandering a little further afield, and a stroll across the Golden Horn will bring you to Galata. This district to the north is full of its own attractions, including the Galata Tower, which provides visitors with magnificent panoramic views of the city.

If you’re interested in seeing some of the best examples of contemporary Turkish art then head to the Istanbul Modern on the waterfront.

A site of considerable religious importance and the home of another iconic image of Istanbul are the Galata Whirling Dervish Hall of Sufi Mevlevi order; you’ll find this to the north of the Galata Tower.

Travel Considerations

Flights to Istanbul with Qatar Airways land at Istanbul Atatürk Airport. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Istanbul please check the visa and passport requirements.

This award-winning airport is one of the most popular in Australia, taking business and leisure travellers to destinations all over the globe. Qatar Airways flights from Melbourne take you to our hub in Doha, and the sheer comfort and luxury of Melbourne Airport means that your journey is a pleasure from the very start.

Aboriginal art decorates the airport terminals, while modern shopping options provide you with those last-minute gifts and souvenirs.

Transportation and parking

Short-term parking is available close to the main terminal, while longer-term options are also available. Business parking is just a few metres from the main building, and pick-up and drop-off points are located outside the main entrances.

A bus service runs from the long-term parking area to the main terminal. The Skybus to, and from, the airport runs from the city centre every 15 minutes, while other bus services run throughout the day. Taxis are plentiful, and a pre-book limousine service and car rental are also on offer.

Arriving in Melbourne

Qatar Airways flights from Melbourne depart from Terminal 2, which handles all outbound international flights. An expansion scheme was completed in 2012, providing greater space for retail outlets and passenger lounges.

Because Qatar Airways uses the new A380 Airbus, most departures will be from Gate 9 and11.

Facilities and amenities

The Air Lounge in Terminal 2 offers passengers a relaxing location to grab a quick bite before boarding their Qatar Airways flight from Melbourne.

A number of Australian produce outlets are also located in Terminal 2, as well as luxury accessories retailers and shops selling everything from surfing paraphernalia to perfumes and watches. There is also a large number of food options, from small cafés to excellent restaurants serving international cuisine.