Traveling from Johannesburg to Istanbul: what you need to know
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is Johannesburg's main airport. Check out your options for booking a flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul departing from here.
Hop off your plane in Istanbul at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
The average length of a direct Johannesburg to Istanbul flight is 10 hours.
Istanbul's timezone is UTC+3, which makes Istanbul one hour ahead of Johannesburg.
With seven weekly flights between the two airports, O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the busiest route. Board the earliest flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines at 17:50. If you'd like to make the most of your day before you fly, the last flight from JNB to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 19:15.
To ensure you get on your Johannesburg to Istanbul flight, leave enough time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
During popular months like July, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than normal. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for an international flight when you travel during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Johannesburg to Istanbul
Currently, $330 is the best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Johannesburg to Istanbul. The cheapest price for a return flight is $563. Keep in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
Score cheap Johannesburg to Istanbul flights by booking one month ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for finding a bargain.
The best month for finding cheap plane tickets from Johannesburg to Istanbul is April. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then choose the dates that offer the biggest savings.
Locking in a cheap flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when the price has dropped.
Find a cheap Johannesburg to Istanbul flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
Depart from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) on a nonstop flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul. From JNB, you can fly directly into Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Lock in your Johannesburg to Istanbul plane tickets with Turkish Airlines. This carrier is a popular option for direct flights from JNB.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to take a travel break — and perhaps even tour another city. When browsing Johannesburg to Istanbul flights leaving from O.R. Tambo International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Top options include:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Cairo International Airport (CAI)
Located around 23 kilometers from central Johannesburg, JNB can be reached in about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport is roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your journey? Stay near O.R. Tambo International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Of all flights departing from O.R. Tambo International Airport, 77.1% land on schedule at their destination.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is approximately 32 kilometers from central Istanbul. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 50 minutes.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these accommodation options near IST:
Grab an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and explore Istanbul and beyond with your own set of wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are popular outlets to choose from here.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks in advance of your trip.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is about 31 kilometers from the center of Istanbul. Once you've disembarked your flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul, it takes approximately 55 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the center will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near SAW. Here are a few options where you can kick back after your flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent and get going in the blink of an eye.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Securing your ride four weeks before your arrival at SAW can get you a lower rate.
Best time to go to Istanbul
April is the most popular month for flights from Johannesburg to Istanbul. To avoid the crowds, head to Istanbul in February.
When booking your Johannesburg to Istanbul tickets, consider what kind of weather works for you. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
January has average temperatures of between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Search for cheap flights from Johannesburg to Istanbul around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Istanbul right here. Explore these options after locking in your flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are major attractions which should feature on every Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've done Istanbul, now it's time to explore more of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel about 354 kilometers east to Ankara to tick off its leading attractions. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Izmir is another favorite destination in Türkiye (Turkey) and is around 322 kilometers south-west of Istanbul. No journey is complete without experiencing Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square.