Flying from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Istanbul is eight hours ahead of Durham, where Raleigh-Durham International Airport is located. Istanbul observes the UTC+3 timezone.
To avoid missing your RDU to Istanbul flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Travelling during a peak month such as June? Major public holidays and other popular periods can mean longer queues at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a break from travelling and maybe even explore a different city. When searching for plane tickets from RDU to Istanbul, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
RDU is around 16 kilometres from central Durham. If you're driving, catching a taxi or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 45 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Istanbul? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these stays close to RDU:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Raleigh-Durham International Airport, 78% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Istanbul
Rs79,435 is currently the best price for a one-way Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Istanbul flight. Return plane tickets start at Rs165,298. These prices may change based on availability.
To pick up cheap flights from RDU to Istanbul, book early. Airlines usually offer lower prices when flights are first released.
If you're flexible with your trip dates, take advantage of the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across each month when looking for your Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Istanbul ticket.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from RDU to Istanbul by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a new low fare is offered.
Tailor your flights with filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Istanbul.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul Airport (IST) is around 40 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're getting a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes about 45 minutes.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Istanbul. Book one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Reserving your ride from Istanbul Airport around two weeks in advance of your flight from RDU to Istanbul can help you lock in the lowest rate.
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Once your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Istanbul has arrived, you can make your way to the city centre in about 1 hour 5 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 1 hour 40 minutes or so.
After stepping off your RDU to Istanbul flight, tuck yourself in at a hotel near SAW. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
Get the lowest price by securing your ride from SAW four weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
February is the quietest month for flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Istanbul, while August is the most popular. Figure out the ideal time to visit Istanbul based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Before booking a Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Istanbul plane ticket, think about what kind of weather works for you. July is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC to 30ºC.
January has average temperatures of between 2ºC and 11ºC. Search for a cheap ticket from RDU to Istanbul around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Istanbul, check out our selection of hotels including:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Historic Areas of Istanbul, Hagia Sophia Museum and Hagia Sophia History Museum are must-visits when exploring Istanbul.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've done Istanbul, now it's time to discover other corners of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel around 354 kilometres east to Ankara to check off its leading attractions. From The Roman Theatre to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, your itinerary will be busy.
Izmir is another essential stop in Türkiye (Turkey) and is around 322 kilometres southwest of Istanbul. No journey is complete without a visit to Aegean Coast, Smyrna Basilika and Ataturk Konak Square.