Traveling from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Erbil Airport (EBL): what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from Istanbul Airport to Erbil Airport is 2 hours 30 minutes.
Istanbul and Erbil share the UTC+3 timezone. This means you won't have to change your watch on arrival.
Each week, there are 25 Istanbul Airport to Erbil Airport flights. If you want to take off as early as possible, opt for the 02:10 Turkish Airlines flight. If you'd rather make the most of your day before flying, the last departure is at 22:45 with Hex'Air.
To ensure you get on your IST to EBL flight, allow plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Traveling during a peak month such as August? Major public holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer lines at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
You'll find a variety of airlines operating direct flights from Istanbul Airport to Erbil Airport. When you're ready to kick off your Erbil adventure, let one of these carriers fly you to this must-see part of Iraq:
Turkish Airlines is the airline with the highest passenger demand for this route.
If you'd like to include a stop along the way, just deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for your ticket from Istanbul Airport to Erbil Airport. Here are the most popular stopovers between IST and EBL:
Ankara Esenboga Airport
Amman Queen Alia Airport
Trabzon Airport
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Erbil Airport (EBL)
Currently, $128 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way Istanbul Airport to Erbil Airport flight. The best price for a return ticket is $262. Keep in mind that fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
To secure cheap tickets from IST to EBL, reserve your journey eight months ahead of your planned departure.
January is the cheapest month for flights from Istanbul Airport to Erbil Airport. If you'd like to fly during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest airfares for each month.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from IST to EBL by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a new low fare is offered.
Lock in the ideal flight for you with the help of the filters. To see the 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Istanbul Airport to Erbil Airport, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter by arrival and departure times, airline, and number of stops.
Handy information about Istanbul Airport (IST)
Central Istanbul to Istanbul Airport is around 40 kilometers. Depending on traffic, it'll take you about 45 minutes to get there if you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing.
Planning to catch public transport? Expect a journey time of around 1 hour 10 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Istanbul Airport to Erbil Airport? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays close to IST:
Arriving at Erbil Airport (EBL)
Consider staying in a hotel near EBL if you're on a late Istanbul Airport to Erbil Airport flight. Settle into one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Get your adventure underway by picking up a Erbil Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Europcar, Avis or Hertz and experience the lesser-explored corners of Erbil and beyond.
Reserving your vehicle from Erbil Airport around two weeks ahead increases your chances of getting a good deal.
When to fly to Erbil Airport (EBL)
The quietest month for a flight from Istanbul Airport to Erbil Airport is March, while July is the busiest. Pick the best time to go to Erbil based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Erbil is July, with the temperature ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 44ºC (111ºF). Book your flights from Istanbul Airport to Erbil Airport in this month if this is the type of weather you like.
January sees average temperatures of between 1ºC (34ºF) and 14ºC (57ºF). Look for cheap tickets from IST to EBL sometime then if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
Explore more of Iraq
You've visited Erbil, now it's time to explore more of Iraq. Journey around 322 kilometers south to Baghdad to tick off its leading attractions. From Al-Kadhimiya Mosque to Great Mosque and Mosque of the Prophet, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Mosul is another essential stop in Iraq and is around 80 kilometers west of Erbil. No trip is complete without seeing Rabban Hormizd Monastery, Al-Hadbaa Tower and Mosque of Prophet Yunus A.S. (Jonah).