Travelling from Belfast to Istanbul: what you need to know
Get your holiday planning started by considering where you'll board your flight from Belfast to Istanbul. Belfast International Airport (BFS) and Belfast City Airport (BHD) are the main airports in Belfast.
Step off your plane in Istanbul at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW).
Istanbul's timezone is UTC+3, which makes Istanbul three hours ahead of Belfast.
To ensure you make it on your Belfast to Istanbul flight, leave plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule to follow.
Flying over a peak time such as September? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer queues at security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Belfast to Istanbul
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap Belfast to Istanbul flights if you book early. Airlines often have some great early bird rates.
Getting cheap plane tickets from Belfast to Istanbul is more likely if you can be flexible with your dates. Use the 'Whole month' search function to see the lowest prices across the month and pick up an awesome deal.
Save time searching for cheap flights from Belfast to Istanbul by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a lower fare pops up.
Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Or sort your Belfast to Istanbul flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Belfast
Belfast International Airport (BFS)
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your journey — and maybe even explore a different city. When browsing Belfast to Istanbul flights leaving from Belfast International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Manchester Airport (MAN)
London Stansted Airport (STN)
Located around 19 kilometres from the centre of Belfast, BFS can be reached in about 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport is roughly 45 minutes.
After a leisurely start to your trip? Stay near Belfast International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Belfast to Istanbul or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are ideal:
82% of flights departing from Belfast International Airport arrive at their destination on time. Given its reliable on-time performance, delays are unlikely when taking off from BFS.
Belfast City Airport (BHD)
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to stretch your legs with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Belfast to Istanbul flight, here's where you can stop when heading out from Belfast City Airport:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA)
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
You can reach BHD from central Belfast in about 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The ride on public transport takes roughly 25 minutes to cover the 5 kilometres or so.
Start your holiday early with an extra night away from home. Before your flight from Belfast to Istanbul, kick back in one of these hotels close to Belfast City Airport:
The majority of flights that leave Belfast City Airport get to their destination within the expected time frame. It boasts a strong on-time performance rate of 80%.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul Airport (IST) is approximately 32 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes around 45 minutes.
Getting there on public transport will take you around 1 hour 10 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Belfast to Istanbul. Check in to one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Istanbul Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and explore beyond Istanbul's usual tourist stops.
For the lowest price, book your vehicle from Istanbul Airport around two weeks ahead of your Belfast to Istanbul flight.
Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW)
Central Istanbul is about 31 kilometres from Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW). As soon as your flight from Belfast to Istanbul has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Belfast to Istanbul:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or long taxi queues. Pick up a Istanbul Sabiha Airport rental car and take your journey in whatever direction you like. Check out the availability and rates from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Call dibs on the best options. Securing your ride from SAW four weeks in advance often means lower prices and a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
March is the quietest month for flights from Belfast to Istanbul, while August is the most popular. Figure out the best time to go to Istanbul based on whether you like a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Before locking in your Belfast to Istanbul tickets, consider the kind of weather you prefer. July is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC (70ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Search for cheap flights from Belfast to Istanbul around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Istanbul right here. Explore these hotels as soon as you've booked your flight from Belfast to Istanbul:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Hagia Sophia, Historic Areas of Istanbul and Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum are attractions you won't want to skip in Istanbul.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've visited Istanbul, now it's time to explore other corners of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel around 354 kilometres east to Ankara to check off its top attractions. From The Roman Theatre to Kocatepe Mosque and Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Around 322 kilometres southwest of Istanbul, Izmir is another essential stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Aegean Coast, Smyrna Basilika and Ataturk Konak Square.
