Travelling from Craiova Airport (CRA) to Istanbul: what you need to know
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is one hour ahead of Craiova, where Craiova Airport is located.
Give yourself plenty of time to catch your CRA to Istanbul flight. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Delays at security and check-in are likely if you're flying during high season, so give yourself a bit more breathing room. A good rule for peak times? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Located around 6 kilometres from central Craiova, CRA can be reached in about 15 minutes by car. Travelling on public transport takes roughly 35 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Craiova Airport to Istanbul? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near CRA:
How to find the cheapest flights from Craiova Airport (CRA) to Istanbul
The best price we've found for a one-way Craiova Airport to Istanbul flight is Rs24,157. The cheapest price for a return flight is Rs46,014. Bear in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
Booking early is often the key to finding a cheap flight from CRA to Istanbul. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the nearer you get to departure, the more expensive your ticket may be.
Landing cheap tickets from Craiova Airport to Istanbul is more likely if you're flexible with your dates. Use the 'Whole month' search function to access the lowest fares throughout the month and score a fantastic deal.
You don't need to check back constantly to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you as soon as there's an updated deal for cheap flights from CRA to Istanbul.
Save money on your flight from Craiova Airport to Istanbul with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul takes about 50 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 48 kilometres away.
Travelling to the centre by public transport typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Craiova Airport to Istanbul. Check in to one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Say yes to new adventures 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.
Booking your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks in advance of your flight from CRA to Istanbul can help you get the lowest rate.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is roughly 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. Following your flight from Craiova Airport to Istanbul, it'll take you around 55 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll reach the centre in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
There are some comfortable places to call home for the night near SAW. Tuck yourself in and get cosy after your CRA to Istanbul flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make collecting a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car easy and quick. These trusted providers are located in or around the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Get first dibs on the best options. Securing your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time often means better deals and a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Carefully consider your dates before booking your flight from Craiova Airport to Istanbul. The city comes alive during peak season, but hotel rates are often higher and major attractions can be busy. Visit Istanbul in the off-season if you prefer a more relaxed vibe.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Lock in your Craiova Airport to Istanbul flight ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from CRA to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Craiova Airport to Istanbul, explore our range of accommodation options including:
The Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace are just a couple of the top attractions to add to your Istanbul travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going 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 popular sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another favourite stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Start your sightseeing at Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.