How to get to the Europa League Final 2026 in Istanbul

Tupras Stadium of Besiktas, Istanbul Turkey. Photo by Thomas Berwing, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

SC Freiburg – Aston Villa

The UEFA Europa League Final in 2026 will be played in Istanbul. The match will take place at the Tüpraş Stadium, home of Beşiktaş. Whether you already have a ticket or are just considering travelling, this guide gives an overview of how to get there and what to expect.

SC Freiburg - Aston Villa conference league final

Flights to Istanbul

Istanbul is well connected to most major European cities, with two main airports:

  • Istanbul Airport (IST)
  • Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)

Both airports offer a wide range of international and low-cost connections. Once the finalists are confirmed, demand for flights may increase, but even before that there are usually multiple daily options available from major cities.

Flights for Freiburg and Aston Villa fans

SC Freiburg and Aston Villa will meet in the 2026 Europa League Final in Istanbul.Supporters travelling from Germany or England already have several flight options available to Istanbul, including routes to both Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport. You can compare current flight routes and availability below to start planning your trip to the final at the Tüpraş Stadium.

istanbul stadium and airport map

Alternative travel options

Depending on where you’re travelling from, overland routes can also be considered. However, due to Istanbul’s location, flying is often the most practical option for most supporters.

Where to stay in Istanbul

Istanbul is a large city, so choosing the right area can make a big difference.For the final, it’s generally recommended to stay in central districtsor in areas with good public transport connections. This makes it easier to get to the stadium and access fan zones or viewing areas.

No ticket? You can still go

Not every fan travelling to the final will have a match ticket. That’s common for European finals.In previous editions, UEFA has organised fan zones with:

  • large screens
  • entertainment
  • food and drinks

There are also many sports bars and public viewing options across Istanbul. Even without a ticket, travelling to the host city can still be worthwhile for the atmosphere alone.

Getting to the stadium

The final will be played at the Tüpraş Stadium, located near the city centre. Public transport and walking routes are typically the easiest ways to reach the stadium on matchday.

Plan your trip

If you’re considering travelling to Istanbul for the Europa League Final, it’s a good idea to explore your options early. Below you can check current flight availability and start planning your trip.