Travelling from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Jump on a direct flight from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport to Istanbul and you'll be in the air for around 13 hours 16 minutes.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is 6 hours ahead of Sao Paulo, where Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport is located.
With 15 weekly flights between the two airports, Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route. Turkish Airlines operates the earliest flight at 00:05. If you'd like to make the most of your day before flying, the latest flight from GRU to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 23:00.
Give yourself enough time to make your flight from GRU to Istanbul. As a general rule, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying over a peak time like July? School holidays and other high seasons can mean longer queues at check-in and security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
You can book a direct flight from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport to Istanbul that arrives at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Book your seat with Turkish Airlines. This popular airline offers direct flights from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport to Istanbul.
We make it a cinch to plan a flight from GRU to Istanbul that includes a stopover. To see your options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply choose a flight offering a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Major stopovers include:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
You don't need a visa for Türkiye (Turkey) if you hold a passport from Brazil and are visiting for tourism purposes. Visa and travel documentation requirements are subject to changes. So before organising your cheap tickets from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport to Istanbul, be sure to check with your airline and your destination country's local consulate or embassy for the latest information.
The journey from central Sao Paulo to GRU takes around 1 hour and 22 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 26 kilometres in 32 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
After a relaxed start to your trip? Stay near GRU. Whether you're catching an early flight from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport to Istanbul or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
How to find the cheapest flights from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) to Istanbul
Rs117,651 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport to Istanbul. A return flight starts at Rs233,698. These fares can change based on availability and demand.
To snag cheap tickets from GRU to Istanbul, book your trip 3 months ahead of the departure date.
The cheapest month for tickets from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport to Istanbul is November. Compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest travel date.
Getting a cheap ticket from GRU to Istanbul couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as the price has fallen.
Tailor your flights with filters. Select your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport to Istanbul.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul takes about 50 minutes by car. It's approximately 48 kilometres away.
Travelling on public transport will take you around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel close to IST if you're taking a late flight from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport to Istanbul. Choose one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Once your flight from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport to Istanbul has touched down, you can make your way to the city centre in about 57 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is approximately 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
You can also opt for public transport, which will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
After your flight from GRU to Istanbul, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to SAW. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
Best time to go to Istanbul
August is the most popular month for flights from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport to Istanbul. To avoid the crowds, plan your trip to Istanbul in February when it's quieter.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with the temperature ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Book your flights from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport to Istanbul in this month if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from GRU to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Istanbul right here. Browse these hotels after locking in your flight from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport to Istanbul:
Topkapi Palace and The Basilica Cistern are just the start of the top-rated attractions to put on your Istanbul itinerary. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Galata Tower.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
Pick one of our car rentals in Istanbul and see the sights in your own time. Easily compare rates in one go to find the perfect set of wheels once you've locked in your hotel and cheap flights from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport to Istanbul.