Flying from Istanbul to Toronto: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can fly out of in Istanbul. Explore your options leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when organising your flight from Istanbul to Toronto.
When flying into Toronto, step off the plane at Pearson International Airport (YYZ) or Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) is another gateway to this city.
Around 10 hours 45 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct Istanbul to Toronto flight.
The timezone in Toronto is UTC-4, which is seven hours behind Istanbul.
The most popular route for flights from Istanbul to Toronto is from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Choose from eight services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from IST to YYZ is the 09:45 Biman Bangladesh Airlines service. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the final departure is at 15:30 with Turkish Airlines.
For a relaxed travel experience, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your Istanbul to Toronto flight.
You can expect longer queues in popular months like August. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for a domestic departure will give you plenty of time for security and boarding.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Toronto
To snag cheap Istanbul to Toronto flights, reserve your journey three months ahead of your departure.
The best month for picking up cheap plane tickets from Istanbul to Toronto is June. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates offering the lowest fares.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Istanbul to Toronto by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when fares go down.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Istanbul to Toronto flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
You can book a direct flight from Istanbul to Toronto taking off from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Start your journey at IST and come in for landing at Pearson International Airport (YYZ).
Secure your Istanbul to Toronto plane tickets with Turkish Airlines. This airline is a top choice for direct flights from IST.
We make it simple to find an Istanbul to Toronto flight with a stopover. To see the options departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply select a flight that has a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Popular stopovers include:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Located around 32 kilometres from central Istanbul, IST can be reached in about 50 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
After an easy start to your holiday? Stay near Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Istanbul to Toronto or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Visit friends or family or just take some time to unwind with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Istanbul to Toronto flight, browse these options when taking off from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
You can get to SAW from central Istanbul in about 55 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to travel the 31 kilometres or so.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before catching your flight from Istanbul to Toronto? Unwind in a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your trip officially starts. Consider one of these stays:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 77%. This figure shows how often flights that take off from this airport make it to their destination on schedule.
Arriving in Toronto
Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is approximately 19 kilometres from the centre of Toronto. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 25 minutes.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 50 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel near YYZ if you're coming in on a late flight from Istanbul to Toronto. Check in to one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Grab a Pearson International Airport rental car and explore Toronto and beyond with your own wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Green Motion and Thrifty are top providers you can book with here.
Get the best deal by reserving your vehicle from Pearson International Airport around three weeks before your travel date.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
After your flight from Istanbul to Toronto has touched down, you can reach the city centre in around 35 minutes by car. Central Toronto is roughly 3 kilometres from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ).
The journey will take roughly 40 minutes on public transport.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel close to YTZ. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your flight from Istanbul to Toronto:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or waiting forever for a cab. Pick up a Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Check out the availability and rates from Hertz, National and Avis.
Get exactly what you want. Reserving your ride from YTZ one week ahead of time often means more savings and a greater range of vehicles.
Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)
Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) is around 80 kilometres from central Toronto. It takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to reach the city centre by car after your flight from Istanbul to Toronto.
If you're using public transport, the journey takes around 4 hours 5 minutes.
If you don't want to make the trip into the centre, head for a hotel close to YKF. Make yourself comfortable at one of these stays after your Istanbul to Toronto flight:
Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly compact for a solo adventure or an SUV to fit the family, you'll find the perfect Region of Waterloo International Airport rental car for your needs. Browse the range of wheels available from companies such as Avis, Enterprise and Budget.
Rental providers sometimes offer promotions on early bookings, so reserve your ride from YKF a few weeks ahead of your flight from Istanbul to Toronto. A bit of planning goes a long way for your wallet.
Best time to go to Toronto
August is the most popular month for flights from Istanbul to Toronto. To steer clear of the crowds, head to Toronto in February.
Before locking in your Istanbul to Toronto tickets, think about the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. July is the warmest month in Toronto, with temperatures ranging from 14ºC to 28ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Istanbul to Toronto in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC and 1ºC on average.
More about Toronto
Start your Toronto trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Istanbul to Toronto, check out our range of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be hard to know where to start. CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum and Go Tours Canada - Distillery District are major attractions which should feature on any good Toronto itinerary.
Explore more of Canada
You've seen Toronto, now it's time to explore other corners of Canada. Travel around 499 kilometres north-east to Montreal to check off its popular sights. From Mount Royal Park to Montreal Botanical Garden and Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Ottawa is another essential stop in Canada and is around 354 kilometres north-east of Toronto. No trip is complete without a visit to Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal and National Gallery of Canada.