Flying from Istanbul to Washington DC: what you need to know
Begin planning your holiday by considering where you'll board your flight from Istanbul to Washington DC. Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's main airports.
Disembark at one of Washington DC's major gateways like Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Alternatively, make your way to this city landing at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
Around 11 hours 10 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct Istanbul to Washington DC flight.
Washington DC is seven hours behind Istanbul and observes the UTC-4 timezone.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 14 flights a week to pick from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from Istanbul to Washington DC is with Turkish Airlines at 16:05. Opt for the first IST to IAD departure with Turkish Airlines at 07:35 to make the most of your first day in Washington DC.
For a stress-free start to your trip, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to catch your Istanbul to Washington DC flight.
During popular months such as April, it's best to get to the airport earlier than normal. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights when you travel during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Washington DC
Get cheap Istanbul to Washington DC flights by booking one month ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for landing a bargain.
Organise your trip for April. That's the best month for scoring an incredible deal on plane tickets from Istanbul to Washington DC. If you have flexibility with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across every month.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Istanbul to Washington DC is easy with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when a better deal is available.
Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Istanbul to Washington DC flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Istanbul to Washington DC, you can leave from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Get from IST to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in one continuous trip.
Keep an eye out for deals with Turkish Airlines. This airline offers direct Istanbul to Washington DC plane tickets from IST.
Consider adding a stopover to possibly find a cheaper Istanbul to Washington DC flight. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular options:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Logan International Airport (BOS)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
The journey from central Istanbul to IST takes around 1 hour 45 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a cab, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a hassle-free start to your trip? Stay near Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Istanbul to Washington DC or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are ideal:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Visit family or friends or just take some time to unwind with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Istanbul to Washington DC flight, browse these options when leaving from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
SAW is about 31 kilometres from central Istanbul. It'll take you 55 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your flight from Istanbul to Washington DC? Relax in a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your holiday officially starts. Here's where you can stay:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time performance of 76.93%. This figure gives an insight into how often flights that depart from this airport arrive at their destination on schedule.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC takes about 15 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 6 kilometres away.
Getting there by public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel close to DCA if you have a late flight from Istanbul to Washington DC. Pick one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Travel at your own pace with a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar and find adventure across Washington DC and beyond.
Booking your ride from Ronald Reagan National Airport about four weeks ahead can help you get the lowest rate.
DCA is located at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Once your flight from Istanbul to Washington DC has arrived, you can make your way to the city centre in about 50 minutes by car. Central Washington DC is approximately 40 kilometres from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
If you choose to travel on public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 10 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel close to IAD. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Istanbul to Washington DC:
Forget about public transport timetables or long cab queues. Grab a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car and let the journey unfold your way. Check out the rates and availability from Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Reserving your ride from IAD one week ahead of time often means better deals and a wider choice of vehicles.
The address for Washington Dulles International Airport is 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Head toward the city centre after your flight from Istanbul to Washington DC has landed. Central Washington DC is about 40 kilometres from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and takes roughly 50 minutes to get to by car.
If you use public transport, the journey time is around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Enjoy a quiet, low-key start to your trip by choosing a hotel near BWI after your Istanbul to Washington DC flight. Take a load off after a long travel day or just give yourself time to get your footing in a new city at:
Whether you want a budget-friendly compact just for you or a full-size SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the perfect Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car for you. Check out the types of wheels available from providers such as Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
If you're searching for a specific type of vehicle, lock in your ride from BWI around two weeks ahead of your flight from Istanbul to Washington DC. This gives you a better chance of getting your preferred car, as well as a better price.
Best time to go to Washington DC
It's time to plan your trip dates for your flight from Istanbul to Washington DC. February is the most popular month to travel to Washington DC. If you want a quieter vibe, go in May.
The warmest month in Washington DC is July, with temperatures ranging between 19ºC and 33ºC. Lock in your Istanbul to Washington DC ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
If you want cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Istanbul to Washington DC in January when temperatures average between -6ºC and 10ºC.
More about Washington DC
Start your Washington DC trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Washington DC, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. White House Historical Association, The White House and National Mall are must-visits when exploring Washington DC.
Explore more of United States
New York is just one of the many places in United States waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of Washington DC. Around 322 kilometres to the north-east, top sights here include Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Empire State Building.
Around 193 kilometres north-east of Washington DC, Philadelphia is another essential stop in United States. Experience major highlights starting with Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.