Flying from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Raleigh-Durham International Airport is located in Durham. Based in the UTC+3 timezone, Istanbul is seven hours ahead of Durham.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to catch your RDU to Istanbul flight.
Heading away during a peak period like a bank holiday? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially score a cheaper flight ticket from RDU to Istanbul. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' during your search. Give yourself a breather (and maybe even a better deal) by stopping at one of these popular options:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
The journey from central Durham to RDU takes about 1 hour 10 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a cab, you'll cover the 16 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Have an early flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Istanbul? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays close to RDU:
Raleigh-Durham International Airport has a strong on-time performance, reducing the likelihood of delays. Departures from RDU land at their destination as scheduled 80.09% of the time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Istanbul
Rs82,519 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Istanbul flight. A return flight ticket right now is Rs176,592. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares can change.
Don't leave everything to the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap flights from RDU to Istanbul if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some great early bird discounts.
If you have flexibility with your travel plans, check out the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the lowest price across every month when looking for a Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Istanbul ticket.
Save time looking for cheap flights from RDU to Istanbul by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Tailor your flights with filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Istanbul.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to the centre of Istanbul takes around 50 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 48 kilometres away.
Travelling by public transport will take you around 1 hour 45 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Istanbul, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these hotels near IST:
Get your adventure underway 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 experience the lesser-explored corners of Istanbul and beyond.
Lock in the lowest price by reserving your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks in advance of your flight from RDU to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Once your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Istanbul has landed, you can make your way to the city centre in around 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
You can expect the trip to take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
After stepping off your RDU to Istanbul flight, settle in at a hotel close to SAW. These are some comfortable options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or cab lines. Grab a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Compare rates and availability from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Reserving your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at SAW can help you lock in a better rate.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Visit Istanbul during high season if you like a busy atmosphere, but remember that prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Istanbul during low season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Book your Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from RDU to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.
More about Istanbul
Once you've booked your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Istanbul, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these options your base for exploring Istanbul:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be hard to work out where to begin. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are top sights which should be on every Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've visited Istanbul, now it's time to explore other corners of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel about 354 kilometres east to Ankara to tick off its leading attractions. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
If you're eager to discover another great destination in Türkiye (Turkey), consider Izmir, roughly 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak are key highlights.
