Flying from Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Istanbul: what you need to know
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is three hours ahead of Belfast, where Belfast International Airport is located.
To avoid missing your BFS to Istanbul flight, allow plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Traveling during a peak period like public or school holidays? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. To be on the safe side, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your journey and possibly even visit a new city. When browsing for flight tickets from BFS to Istanbul, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Stansted Airport (STN)
Manchester Airport (MAN)
BFS is about 19 kilometers from central Belfast. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the center, it'll take you 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 2 hours.
Want an easy start to your travels? Stay near BFS. Whether you've booked an early flight from Belfast International Airport to Istanbul or don't want departure day to feel hectic, these hotels are all about convenience:
67.55% of flights departing from Belfast International Airport reach their destination on schedule.
How to find the cheapest flights from Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Istanbul
$77 is currently the best price for a one-way Belfast International Airport to Istanbul flight. A return flight ticket starts at $182. These prices may change based on availability and demand.
Don't leave everything to the last minute. You're more likely to land cheap flights from BFS to Istanbul if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird discounts.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Belfast International Airport to Istanbul across the entire month. It's a great way to snap up a bargain if your dates are flexible.
Finding a cheap flight from BFS to Istanbul couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll notify you when a lower fare pops up.
Select your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Belfast International Airport to Istanbul by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 48 kilometers from central Istanbul. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes about 50 minutes.
It typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes if you're traveling on public transport.
Think about booking a hotel close to IST if you're coming in on a late flight from Belfast International Airport to Istanbul. Check in to one of these options and make your arrival easier:
Explore without limits with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and venture far and wide through Istanbul and beyond.
For the lowest price, book your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks ahead of your flight from BFS to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
The center of Istanbul is around 48 kilometers from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Once your flight from Belfast International Airport to Istanbul has hit the runway and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of about 55 minutes.
The journey will take about 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your BFS to Istanbul flight:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or long cab queues. Grab a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and let the journey unfold your way. Check out the availability and rates from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Don't pay more than you need to. Securing your ride four weeks before your arrival at SAW can land you a better rate.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Carefully consider your dates before locking in your flight from Belfast International Airport to Istanbul. The city buzzes in high season, but hotel rates are generally higher and attractions can get crowded. Plan your trip to Istanbul in low season if you like a more relaxed vibe.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC (68ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Lock in your Belfast International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
January sees average temperatures of between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Search for a cheap ticket from BFS to Istanbul around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Belfast International Airport to Istanbul, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
Every great journey has to include some sightseeing. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are essential stops on your Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've seen Istanbul, now it's time to discover more of Türkiye (Turkey). Journey about 354 kilometers east to Ankara to tick off its popular sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Izmir is another well-known destination in Türkiye (Turkey) and is around 322 kilometers south-west of Istanbul. No journey is complete without visiting Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.
