Turkish Airlines gives connecting passengers a free Istanbul hotel stay — and free guided city tours — on long layovers.
Here’s who qualifies, how many free nights you get, and how to turn a layover into a mini Istanbul trip.
What the Program Includes
Turkish Airlines offers two separate perks for passengers connecting through Istanbul — and travellers often confuse them.
- Stopover in Istanbul: a free hotel stay for passengers with a long layover (at least 20 hours).
- Touristanbul: a free guided city tour for passengers with a 6 to 24-hour layover.
You can be eligible for one, the other, or both, depending on how long you’re on the ground. Each has its own rules, covered below.
Free Hotel: Who Qualifies
The Stopover service is for passengers flying from one international city to another via Istanbul Airport (IST), with a layover of at least 20 hours and up to 7 days.
To qualify, you need to meet all of these conditions:
- Your ticket is issued on Turkish Airlines stock (the number starts with 235).
- It’s a round-trip ticket on a single booking (one PNR) — separate one-way tickets don’t count.
- Your departure and arrival country are the same.
- Your fare is not in the N or R class (most free or award tickets are excluded).
- Your starting country is on Turkish Airlines’ list of included countries.
You can use the benefit once per trip — either on the way out or the way back, not both.
How Many Free Nights You Get
The number of free nights and the hotel rating depend on your cabin class — and, for some routes, your starting country.
| Cabin Class | Most Countries | Extended-List Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | 1 night, 4-star hotel | 2 nights, 4-star hotel |
| Business | 2 nights, 5-star hotel | 3 nights, 5-star hotel |
The extended stay applies to passengers starting their journey from Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and the USA.
So a traveller from Dubai, Jeddah, or Delhi connecting onward gets the standard one or two nights, while a long-haul passenger from the USA or Japan may get an extra night.
How to Book the Free Hotel
Apply at least 72 hours before the flight you want the hotel on. Miss this window and you lose the benefit, even if you qualify on everything else.
Two ways to apply once your ticket is issued:
- Booker tool: on the Turkish Airlines stopover page, enter your last name and ticket number.
- Email: send your request to the stopover address for your departure country, listed on the same page.
Touristanbul: Free Guided Tours
If your layover is shorter — between 6 and 24 hours — you can join Touristanbul, a free guided tour of Istanbul, instead of (or alongside) a hotel stay.
It’s open to passengers connecting from one international flight to another at Istanbul Airport, as long as your flight times line up with a tour. The service is completely free, including transport to and from the airport.
Tours and What You’ll See
There are several routes with different lengths, from a roughly 3.5-hour morning sightseeing tour to an 11.5-hour full-day tour. You pick the one that fits your layover.
Most tours include a free meal — the full-day option comes with breakfast and lunch. Stops can include:
- Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
- The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet) and the Hippodrome
- Topkapı Palace and Dolmabahçe Palace
- The Grand Bazaar
- Bosphorus views
Turkish Airlines updated the daily tour schedule from 1 May 2026, so check the current timings against your connection before you fly.
How to Join at the Airport
You don’t pre-book Touristanbul online. There are two Touristanbul desks at Istanbul Airport — one in the transfer area for information, and one on the Arrivals floor where eligible passengers register.
Visit the desk to confirm you’re eligible and sign up for a tour that matches your layover. Arrive at the meeting point at least 30 minutes before the tour departs.
Because the tour leaves the airport, you’ll need to meet Turkey’s entry requirements — many nationalities need a visa or e-Visa to do so.
Tips to Get the Most From It
A few things that make the difference between using these perks and missing out:
- Plan the long layover on purpose. When searching flights via Istanbul, a longer connection can unlock a free hotel night rather than wasted hours at the gate.
- Apply early for the hotel. The 72-hour deadline is firm — do it as soon as your ticket is confirmed.
- Check your visa first. Both perks require leaving the airport, so confirm whether you need a Turkey e-Visa.
- Match the tour to your layover. Don’t pick the 11.5-hour tour on a 7-hour connection — leave a buffer for traffic and security.
If your stay is long enough, you can also look at hotels in Istanbul on your own and explore the city at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the hotel really free?
Yes. The accommodation is complimentary for eligible passengers. You only cover your own visa, any transfers not provided, and extras beyond the included stay.
Do I need a visa to leave the airport?
Possibly. Both the hotel stay and the tour mean entering Turkey, so you must meet entry requirements. Many travellers need a visa or e-Visa — check before you fly.
How long must my layover be?
For the free hotel, at least 20 hours (up to 7 days). For the Touristanbul tour, between 6 and 24 hours, with flight times that match a tour slot.
Does adding a stopover cost extra on my ticket?
A longer layover can sometimes change the fare, but the stopover service itself is free. Compare connection options when booking to find one that qualifies.
Sources
- Turkish Airlines — Stopover in Istanbul
- Turkish Airlines — Touristanbul
- Turkish Airlines — Touristanbul Tour Schedule
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
