Turkish Airlines Stopover Program — Complete 2026 Guide

The Turkish Airlines stopover program will cover your hotel in Istanbul at no cost if you extend your connection to 20 hours or more. Economy passengers get one night at a 4-star hotel. Business class passengers receive two nights at a 5-star or boutique property. Passengers departing from the United States, Canada, or Australia get an extra night on top of that. No elite status, promo codes, or loyalty membership required.

The program works because Turkish Airlines connects to over 130 countries, more than any other airline. As a result, millions of passengers route through Istanbul Airport (IST) each year. Instead of rushing a three-hour connection, eligible travelers can deliberately book the next day’s flight and let Turkish Airlines cover the hotel.

First, an important distinction: this article covers the Stopover Hotel Program for layovers of 20 hours or more up to 7 days. This is entirely separate from Touristanbul, Turkish Airlines’ complimentary city tour service for layovers of 6 to 24 hours. You cannot combine both on the same route. In short, if you want the free hotel, you need the Stopover program.

Who Qualifies for the Turkish Airlines Stopover?

Eligibility depends on your ticket type, routing, and departure country. Below is a clear breakdown of what qualifies and what doesn’t.

You Must Meet All of These Conditions

• Your itinerary connects through Istanbul Airport (IST) only — not Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). SAW is excluded from the program.
• Your Istanbul layover is at least 20 hours and no more than 7 days.
• You hold a round-trip ticket on a single PNR. Separate outbound and return tickets are not accepted. Furthermore, your departure and arrival country must be the same.
• Your ticket number starts with 235 — Turkish Airlines’ own ticket stock. Other ticket numbers are not eligible.
• You apply at least 72 hours before departure on the flight on which you use the accommodation.
• Your departure country appears on Turkish Airlines’ eligible country list, published on the stopover page.
• You use the benefit once per round trip — outbound or return, not both.
• You are 18 or older if traveling alone. Unaccompanied minors cannot use the program.

You Are Not Eligible If

• You hold a one-way ticket.
• Your ticket is in N or R fare class. These deep-discount fare buckets are not eligible for the stopover hotel benefit.
• A shorter connection to your destination was available, and you didn’t take it. Turkish Airlines requires the stopover to represent the minimum available connection time.
• You purchased your ticket within 72 hours of the flight you want to use the accommodation for.
• You connect through Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) instead of Istanbul Airport (IST).

Award Tickets

Miles & Smiles award tickets qualify for the stopover hotel program. However, the ticket must be Turkish Airlines-operated. Also note that award tickets booked online cannot include a stopover. You must book them by phone. One stopover is allowed per round-trip award itinerary.

Bonus Nights for US, Canada, and Australia Departures

Passengers from the United States, Canada, or Australia get one extra free night. In practice, economy class gets 2 nights at a 4-star hotel. Business class gets 3 nights at a 5-star or boutique property. Three nights at a top Istanbul hotel easily exceeds $600–$750 in retail value.

The Turkish Airlines Stopover Hotel List (2026)

Turkish Airlines assigns hotels from a contracted partner list. When you apply, you can choose from the available properties. Because availability is quota-based, popular properties fill quickly. Therefore, apply as soon as possible after ticketing — especially during peak season (April–June and September–October).

Important: The hotel list changes regularly. Properties rotate in and out of the program. Always verify current options via the Booker tool when you apply. All entries below need to be checked before booking, as no property is guaranteed year-round.

Business Class Hotel Options (5-Star and Boutique)

Passengers on business class flights typically see 5 to 7 options when they apply. These are some of the hotels passengers have recently been able to stay at for free when traveling in business class with Turkish Airlines.

1. Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus

5-star | Beşiktaş district

Sits on the European Bosphorus shore — roughly 35–40 minutes from IST and 8 km from Taksim. It’s a Hilton Honors property. Notably, status holders report Executive Lounge access as a bonus on top of the free stay.

2. Hilton Istanbul Bomonti

5-star | Bomonti/Şişli district

One of Istanbul’s largest hotels. It has a rooftop pool and strong metro connections. Around 6–7 km from Taksim Square, and consistently well-reviewed for stopover stays.

3. Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus

5-star | Harbiye district

The classic Hilton Istanbul. Well-located for Nişantaşı shopping, and within 20 minutes of the historic center. A long-established property with reliable quality.

4. Hilton Istanbul Maslak

5-star | Maslak (northern Şişli district)

Further from the historic center, but well-connected by metro. A solid modern property, popular with corporate travelers.

5. Fairmont Quasar Istanbul

5-star | Şişli district

Modern luxury hotel with panoramic city views. Central to Taksim, and a popular stopover choice given its facilities.

6. Marriott Istanbul Şişli

5-star | Şişli district

A Marriott Bonvoy property. Status holders may unlock additional program perks. Business-focused facilities in a central location.

7. Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Şişli

4/5-star | Şişli district

A solid mid-luxury option in a well-connected part of the city.

8. Radisson Blu Pera

4/5-star | Beyoğlu/Pera district

Best-located of the Radisson options. Walking distance to İstiklal Avenue and the historic Pera neighborhood. Approximately 4 km from Hagia Sophia.

9. Polat Renaissance Hotel

5-star | Ataköy district

Beachfront on the Sea of Marmara. The sea views are a genuine draw. However, the location is further out — budget 45–60 minutes to reach Sultanahmet.

10. Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler

5-star | Etiler/Beşiktaş

An upscale neighbourhood popular with Istanbul’s professional class. Good dining options within walking distance.

11. Sheraton Istanbul Levent

5-star | Levent/Beşiktaş

Located in Istanbul’s financial district. A Marriott Bonvoy property with strong facilities.

12. Sofitel Istanbul Taksim

5-star | Taksim/Beyoğlu

Excellent location — steps from Taksim Square and İstiklal Avenue. If available, this is one of the strongest picks for walkability to central Istanbul.

Economy Class Hotel Options (4-Star)

Economy passengers typically see four to six options when they apply. The following properties appear on recent Turkish Airlines economy lists:

1. Armada Hotel Sultanahmet

4-star | Sultanahmet district

The standout economy pick for the location. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar are all roughly 10 minutes on foot. If it’s available when you apply, take it.

2. Grand Yavuz Sultanahmet

4-star | Sultanahmet district

Also in the historic heart of Istanbul. Another strong choice for travelers who want maximum sightseeing time on a short stay.

3. Sheraton Istanbul Ataköy

4-star | Ataköy district

Sea of Marmara views, though further from the historic sights. A comfortable property, but plan on a 30–40 minute journey to Sultanahmet.

4. Mercure Istanbul West

4-star | Western Istanbul

A competent mid-tier property. Not ideally located for sightseeing. Best for travelers who primarily want rest.

5. Ramada Ataköy

4-star | Ataköy district

Appears on some business class lists, too. Sea-facing in Ataköy, with similar trade-offs to the Sheraton Ataköy.

6. Grand Cevahir Hotel

4-star | Şişli district

Attached to a large shopping mall. Good transport connections throughout the city.

7. Eresin Hotel Topkapı

4-star | Topkapı district

Eresin Hotel borders the historic peninsula. Reasonably close to the main sights, though not quite as central as the Sultanahmet options.

In particular, the Armada Sultanahmet and Grand Yavuz Sultanahmet earn consistent praise from economy travelers. Both put you within a 10-minute walk of Istanbul’s top landmarks — making them the best picks when time is short.

How to Book Your Turkish Airlines Stopover Hotel

1. Book a qualifying ticket. Search for Turkish Airlines flights and look for connection options showing 20 or more hours in Istanbul. Pick the longer layover over any same-day connection. Your round-trip itinerary must be on one PNR. Also, check that the ticket number starts with 235.
2. Wait for ticketing to complete. The stopover application only works after Turkish Airlines issues your ticket and assigns a PNR. You cannot apply before that. If you book via a travel agent, confirm the ticket carries a 235-series number.
3. Apply via the Booker tool. Go to turkishairlines.com/en-int/flights/stopover/ and click the Booker link. Enter your surname and 13-digit ticket number starting with 235. The system then shows available hotels for your dates. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
4. Choose your hotel. Business class passengers typically see five to seven five-star options. Because availability is quota-based, popular hotels fill first. If your first choice is gone, pick an alternative straight away rather than waiting.
5. Save your hotel voucher. Turkish Airlines sends a PDF voucher with the hotel name, dates, and confirmation reference. Save it to your phone and email it to yourself because you will need it at check-in.
6. Arrange your own airport transfer. Transportation between Istanbul Airport (IST) and your hotel is not included in the program. Istanbul Airport (IST) sits roughly 35 km from the city center. Your options are: the M11 metro line to Gayrettepe (40–60 minutes, cheapest option), a taxi (45–90 minutes, typically $25–45 USD), or a pre-booked private transfer. Allow extra time during rush hours because Istanbul traffic is unpredictable.
7. Check in at your hotel. Show your flight confirmation and hotel voucher at the front desk. The stay covers bed and breakfast only. Consequently, meals beyond breakfast, minibar use, spa services, and other incidentals are your responsibility.

Alternatively, Apply by Email

If the Booker tool shows no availability or you encounter a technical issue, Turkish Airlines has dedicated stopover email addresses for each departure country. Find the full list on the official stopover page. Allow at least 48 hours for a response, and send your request well before the 72-hour deadline.

Critical Deadline

Submit your application at least 72 hours before the flight on which you will use the accommodation. Miss this window, and you lose the benefit entirely, even if you meet every other eligibility condition.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Chauffeur Service (Exclusive Drive)

Exclusive Drive is a separate perk from the stopover hotel program. It is a complimentary door-to-door chauffeur service for eligible business class passengers. Many travelers searching for Turkish Airlines business class benefits don’t know it exists. One key clarification first: Istanbul Airport (IST) is not part of Exclusive Drive. Accordingly, if you stop over in Istanbul, this perk does not cover your local transfers.

What it is: A private chauffeur picks you up from your home, hotel, or office and drives you to the airport. On arrival at your destination city, a chauffeur meets you and takes you to your final address. The service runs both ways on round-trip tickets.

Where it’s available: Exclusive Drive operates in American and Canadian gateway cities, specifically Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Denver, Detroit, Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. It covers routes between these North American cities and select destinations in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

Who qualifies: Business class passengers in fare classes C, D, K, J, or Z on Turkish Airlines-operated flights. Economy passengers can also use the service, but they pay a fee. Furthermore, the service does not apply to complimentary upgrades, complimentary tickets, or tickets purchased within 24 hours of departure.

Distance covered: The first 35 miles from the airport are complimentary. Beyond 35 miles, the passenger pays an additional per-mile rate.

How to book: Go to exclusivedrive.turkishairlines.com and enter your PNR and surname. Book at least 24 hours before departure. When Turkish Airlines issues a qualifying ticket, it automatically sends an eligibility notification to the email address on the booking.

Turkish Airlines Stopover FAQs