Travelling from Tehran to Istanbul: what you need to know
Planning your getaway starts with figuring out where you'll fly out of in Tehran. Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) is the city's main airport, so check out your options for booking a flight from Tehran to Istanbul jetting off from here.
When it comes to working out where to land in Istanbul, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are the primary gateways.
The average time for a direct Tehran to Istanbul flight is 3 hours 20 minutes.
Istanbul is 30 minutes behind Tehran and observes the UTC+3 timezone.
Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 91 weekly flights to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from Tehran to Istanbul is with Turkish Airlines at 23:10. Choose the first IKA to IST departure with Turkish Airlines at 01:40 to make the most of your first day in Istanbul.
To ensure you catch your Tehran to Istanbul flight, leave plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is a good rule of thumb.
Travelling during a peak time like July? School holidays and other popular periods can mean longer lines and delays at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tehran to Istanbul
At the moment, Rs21,107 is the best price we've found for a one-way ticket from Tehran to Istanbul. The cheapest price for a return flight is Rs39,546. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book one month before you want to travel. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Tehran to Istanbul flights.
Plan your trip for April. That's the best month for landing the biggest deals on plane tickets from Tehran to Istanbul. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from Tehran to Istanbul by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when fares go down.
Find a cheap Tehran to Istanbul flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Tehran
Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)
You can book a direct flight from Tehran to Istanbul taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA). Start your trip at IKA and then fly into Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
There are numerous airlines that offer direct Tehran to Istanbul plane tickets out of IKA. Your next adventure starts with one of these:
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your trip — and perhaps even explore another city. When searching for Tehran to Istanbul flights departing from Imam Khomeini International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Some popular options include:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Esenboga International Airport (ESB)
Central Tehran to IKA is around 40 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take you about 1 hour to reach there if you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab.
If you have an early flight from Tehran to Istanbul, why not stay close by? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and enjoy some extra shut-eye) at Remis Hotel. Rexan Hotel is another convenient option near Imam Khomeini International Airport.
Of all flights leaving Imam Khomeini International Airport, 69.19% arrive on time at their destination.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul takes around 50 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 32 kilometres away.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Tehran to Istanbul. Book one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Go where the road takes you with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and find adventure across Istanbul and beyond.
Reserving your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks ahead increases your chances of getting a good deal.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Central Istanbul is about 31 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). After your flight from Tehran to Istanbul has hit the runway and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 55 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, you'll reach the centre in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near SAW. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your flight from Tehran to Istanbul:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or waiting forever for a cab. Pick up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and let your trip unfold on your terms. Check out the availability and rates from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Call dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from SAW four weeks in advance often means more savings and a wider choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
February is the quietest month for flights from Tehran to Istanbul, while April is the most popular. Choose the ideal time to go to Istanbul based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
Lock in a Tehran to Istanbul ticket departing in August if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Istanbul to range from 20ºC to 30ºC.
Look for cheap flights from Tehran to Istanbul in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC and 11ºC on average.
More about Istanbul
Once you've booked your flight from Tehran to Istanbul, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Istanbul:
Topkapi Palace and The Basilica Cistern are a couple of big attractions to add to your Istanbul travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Galata Tower.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've seen Istanbul, now it's time to explore other corners of Türkiye (Turkey). Journey around 354 kilometres east to Ankara to tick off its must-visit sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another favourite stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square.
