Cheap flights from Bucharest to Istanbul

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Flight deals from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport

Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best round-trip flight from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport? If you want to travel next month, round-trip fares start from $161. Find the lowest prices on one-way and round-trip tickets right here.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Bucharest to Istanbul

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like Bucharest to Istanbul flights are currently cheapest in October.

Direct flights from Bucharest to Istanbul

Bucharest to Istanbul: Alternative routes

Compare routes from Bucharest to Istanbul below. You may find an airport to fly into that's cheaper, faster, or easier than Istanbul.

Bucharest to Istanbul: Flight information

The things to know before you go.
Cheapest flight found$74
Cheapest month to flyJune
Average flight time1 hr, 30 mins
Most popular airlineTurkish Airlines
Average flights per week108

Finding cheap flights from Bucharest to Istanbul: Frequently asked questions

The best price we found for a round-trip flight from Bucharest to Istanbul is $132. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.
1 hour and 30 minutes is the average flight time from Bucharest to Istanbul.
Turkish Airlines, TAROM and Animawings fly direct from Bucharest to Istanbul.
There are 108 flights per week flying from Bucharest to Istanbul, as of April 2026.
The cheapest month to fly from Bucharest to Istanbul is usually October.
After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it is currently cheapest to fly from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
Yes – the average flight time is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to Istanbul but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.
We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar, and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Istanbul is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.
The cheapest airline that flies to Istanbul is Animawings.

Flying from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport (IST): What you need to know

  • Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) is Bucharest's main airport. Check out your options for booking a flight from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport (IST) leaving from here.

  • Expect to be traveling for 1 hour 45 minutes. On average, that's the time it takes for a direct Bucharest to Istanbul Airport flight.

  • Istanbul is one hour ahead of Bucharest. Istanbul Airport is located in Istanbul, which is in the UTC+3 timezone.

  • The most popular route is Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) to Istanbul Airport (IST). You can pick from 43 direct services each week.

  • For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This way, you can comfortably catch your flight from Bucharest to IST.

  • Head to the airport even earlier during popular months like July. Aim for two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights. After checking in, you can use any extra time to finalize your plans or simply relax.

Airports in Bucharest

Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP)

  • Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) offers an easy route to your destination. Nonstop flights from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport (IST) can be booked from this terminal.

  • Popular airlines that offer direct flights from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport departing OTP include:

  • Turkish Airlines is the most frequently chosen airline for flights from OTP to IST.

  • OTP is around 16 kilometers from central Bucharest. 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 the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 35 minutes.

  • Catching an early flight from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and enjoy a few extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels close to Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport:

  • Of all flights departing from Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport, 78% land on schedule at their destination.

Baneasa Airport (BBU)

  • BBU is about 8 kilometers from central Bucharest. Plan ahead to work out the best way to get to your terminal.

  • Start your vacation sooner with an extra night away from home. Before your Bucharest to IST flight, kick back in one of these hotels close to Baneasa Airport:

  • Flights from Baneasa Airport have a reputation for punctuality, with 82% of them arriving as planned.

About Istanbul Airport (IST)

  • The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport. Make yourself comfy at one of these accommodation options near IST instead:

  • Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride around two weeks before your Bucharest to Istanbul Airport flight.

Getting from Istanbul Airport (IST) to central Istanbul

  • Istanbul Airport is around 40 kilometers from the center of Istanbul. It takes around 45 minutes or so to drive to the city.

  • Traveling on public transport will take you around 1 hour 10 minutes.

How to find the cheapest flights from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport (IST)

  • The cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport is $74. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $132. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares may change.

  • Get cheap flights from Bucharest to IST by booking five months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for finding a bargain.

  • The best month for scoring cheap Bucharest to Istanbul Airport tickets is October. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then select the dates that offer the biggest savings.

  • Snapping up a cheap plane ticket from Bucharest to IST is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as a lower fare pops up.

  • Filters make it easier to snap up a deal on your flight from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport. Choose the departure times, carriers and stops that match your plans. Then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to zero in on the cheapest fare fast.

The best time to fly from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport (IST)

  • February is the quietest month for flights from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport (IST), while August is the most popular. Find the ideal time to visit Istanbul based on whether you want a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.

  • Book a Bucharest to IST plane ticket departing in July if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Istanbul to range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).

  • January sees temperatures of between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Search for cheap tickets from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.

More about Istanbul

  • When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Istanbul right here. Check out these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport:

  • Hagia Sophia Museum and Historic Areas of Istanbul are a couple of top-rated attractions to add to your Istanbul itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Hagia Sophia History Museum.

Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)

  • Eskisehir is just one of the many cities in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be explored once you've seen Istanbul. Around 225 kilometers away to the southeast, its top attractions include Eskişehir Odunpazarı Evleri, Archeological Museum and TÜRASAŞ Revolution Cars Museum.

  • Next? Journey to Adapazarı. It's roughly 153 kilometers east of Istanbul and is known for highlights including Ağa Cami and Earthquake & Cultural Museum.

Prices shown on this page are estimated lowest prices only. Found in the last 45 days.