Flying from Chicago to Istanbul: what you need to know
Chicago is home to a couple of airports where you can kick off your travels. Explore your options for booking a flight from Chicago to Istanbul flying out of O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's major gateways.
Around 10 hours 30 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct Chicago to Istanbul flight.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3, which is eight hours ahead of Chicago.
The most popular route for flights from Chicago to Istanbul is from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). You can select from 15 services every week between these two airports. If you want to get going as soon as possible, the earliest flight from ORD to IST is the 11:25 Turkish Airlines option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the final departure is at 23:45 with Turkish Airlines.
To ensure you catch your Chicago to Istanbul flight, leave plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Travelling during a peak month such as August? School holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer lines and delays at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Istanbul
Book seven months before travelling. Pricing trends show that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Chicago to Istanbul flights.
The best month for picking up cheap plane tickets from Chicago to Istanbul is October. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then select the dates with the lowest fares.
Finding a cheap flight from Chicago to Istanbul is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when there's a better deal.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Chicago to Istanbul flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
You can book a direct flight from Chicago to Istanbul taking off from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Begin your trip at ORD and come in for landing at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Turkish Airlines is a leading airline that offers direct Chicago to Istanbul plane tickets leaving from ORD.
We make it simple to find a Chicago to Istanbul flight with a stopover. To see all your options departing from O'Hare International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight offering a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Popular stopovers include:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
Travelling from central Chicago to ORD takes about 55 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a cab, you'll cover the 26 kilometres in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Searching for a handy hotel near O'Hare International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Chicago to Istanbul, these stays will have you nice and close to your departure gate:
When it comes to O'Hare International Airport's on-time performance, 74.85% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to stretch your legs with a stopover. If you'd like to split up your Chicago to Istanbul flight, here's where you can stop when heading out from Chicago Midway International Airport:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
On public transport, you can travel from central Chicago to MDW in around 45 minutes. The terminal is roughly 14 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 20 minutes.
Kick off your holiday early with an extra night away from home. Before catching your flight from Chicago to Istanbul, unwind in one of these hotels close to Chicago Midway International Airport:
78% of all departures from Chicago Midway International Airport arrive according to schedule.
The street address for MDW is 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is approximately 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 50 minutes.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Chicago to Istanbul. Book one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and explore beyond Istanbul's main sights.
For the best deal, reserve your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks ahead of your Chicago to Istanbul flight.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
After your flight from Chicago to Istanbul has touched down, you can reach the city centre in around 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is approximately 31 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
There are some comfortable places to lay your head close to SAW. Unwind after your Chicago to Istanbul flight at one of these well-located options:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or cab lines. Grab a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Compare availability and rates from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Get the lowest price by securing your ride from SAW four weeks in advance. You can also expect to have a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
February is the quietest month for flights from Chicago to Istanbul, while April is the most popular. Choose the ideal time to visit Istanbul based on whether you like a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
When booking your Chicago to Istanbul tickets, think about the type of weather you enjoy. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC to 30ºC.
January sees average temperatures of between 2ºC and 11ºC. Search for cheap flights from Chicago to Istanbul around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Istanbul
After booking your flight from Chicago to Istanbul, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Istanbul:
Topkapi Palace and The Basilica Cistern are just two of the major attractions to put on your Istanbul travel itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Galata Tower.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've done Istanbul, now it's time to discover more of Türkiye (Turkey). Journey about 354 kilometres east to Ankara to tick off its top attractions. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
If there's time to check out another major destination in Türkiye (Turkey), consider Izmir, roughly 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square are highlights.