Traveling from RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) to Istanbul: what you need to know
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is one hour ahead of Harare, where RG Mugabe International Airport is located.
Allow plenty of time to catch your HRE to Istanbul flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Heading off during a peak period like public or school holidays? Expect longer lines at security and check-in. To give yourself peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your journey and maybe even visit a new city. When browsing for flight tickets from HRE to Istanbul, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
HRE is about 11 kilometers from central Harare. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the center, it'll take 20 minutes or so to arrive, depending on traffic conditions.
Looking for a hotel close to HRE? If you've booked an early flight from RG Mugabe International Airport to Istanbul, these stays will put you moments from check-in:
Of all flights leaving RG Mugabe International Airport, 78.56% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) to Istanbul
$486 is currently the best price for a one-way RG Mugabe International Airport to Istanbul flight. A return flight ticket starts at $760. These fares can change based on demand and availability.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to finding a cheap flight from HRE to Istanbul. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the nearer your departure date, the more you'll likely pay.
If you have flexibility with your trip dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across every month when searching for your RG Mugabe International Airport to Istanbul ticket.
Picking up a cheap flight from HRE to Istanbul couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know as soon as a cheaper option becomes available.
Save on your flight from RG Mugabe International Airport to Istanbul with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The distance from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometers. It'll take you around 50 minutes to get to the center driving.
Traveling to the center by public transport will take you around 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from RG Mugabe International Airport to Istanbul. Check in to one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Travel at your own pace with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and find adventure across Istanbul and beyond.
Booking your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks before your flight from HRE to Istanbul can help you lock in the lowest rate.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is roughly 48 kilometers from central Istanbul. Once you've hopped off your flight from RG Mugabe International Airport to Istanbul, it'll take you around 55 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the center takes 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near SAW. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your HRE to Istanbul flight:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make collecting a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car easy and quick. These providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Score the best price by reserving your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Before booking your flights from RG Mugabe International Airport to Istanbul, consider which time of year is best for you. High season in Istanbul offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of things to do, while the off-season brings cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds.
When booking your RG Mugabe International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket, think about what kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from HRE to Istanbul in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF) on average.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from RG Mugabe International Airport to Istanbul, check out our selection of hotels including:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are highlights which should be on any good Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Istanbul is always a good idea, but there are so many other parts of Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be explored. Around 354 kilometers east of Istanbul, a visit to Ankara will keep your itinerary busy. Start with leading attractions like Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
Izmir is another sought-after destination in Türkiye (Turkey) and is around 322 kilometers south-west of Istanbul. No journey is complete without dropping by Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.