Flying from Reykjavik to Istanbul: what you need to know
Planning your getaway begins with figuring out where you'll leave from in Reykjavik. Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is the city's main airport, so explore your options for booking a flight from Reykjavik to Istanbul departing from here.
When it comes to planning your arrival in Istanbul, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are the chief entry points.
Book a direct Reykjavik to Istanbul flight and you'll be flying for an average of 5 hours 30 minutes.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3, which is three hours ahead of Reykjavik.
Keflavik International Airport (KEF) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are two weekly departures to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Reykjavik to Istanbul is with Icelandair at 15:25. Opt for the first KEF to IST departure with Icelandair at 15:25 to maximize your time in Istanbul.
Give yourself plenty of time to get on your Reykjavik to Istanbul flight. It's generally best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Be prepared for longer queues during popular months like July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
How to find the cheapest flights from Reykjavik to Istanbul
Lock in cheap Reykjavik to Istanbul flights by booking seven months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time frame for bagging a bargain.
Schedule your trip for October. That's the best month for landing great bargains on plane tickets from Reykjavik to Istanbul. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across each month.
You don't need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you when a better deal is available on cheap flights from Reykjavik to Istanbul.
Select your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Reykjavik to Istanbul flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Reykjavik
Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
Depart from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) on a nonstop flight from Reykjavik to Istanbul. From KEF, you can land directly at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Lock in your Reykjavik to Istanbul plane tickets with Icelandair. This airline is a popular option for direct flights from KEF.
Consider adding a stopover to possibly find a cheaper Reykjavik to Istanbul flight. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Keflavik International Airport. Take a pause at one of these popular airports:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
KEF is about 40 kilometers from central Reykjavik. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the center, it'll take you 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour 15 minutes.
After an easy start to your break? Stay near Keflavik International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Reykjavik to Istanbul or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Of the flights that depart from Keflavik International Airport, 66.96% touch down on time 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 around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Book a hotel close to IST if you're coming in on a late flight from Reykjavik to Istanbul. Check in to one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Get your adventure underway by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and explore beyond Istanbul's usual tourist stops.
To get the best deal, reserve your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks in advance of your Reykjavik to Istanbul flight.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is roughly 31 kilometers from central Istanbul. Once you've disembarked your flight from Reykjavik to Istanbul, it'll take you approximately 55 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you hop on public transport, you'll get to the city center in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Reykjavik to Istanbul:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or long cab queues. Pick up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Compare availability and rates from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Get exactly what you want. Booking your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time often means better deals and a wider choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
April is the busiest month for flights from Reykjavik to Istanbul. To escape the crowds, go to Istanbul in February.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC (68ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Lock in your Reykjavik to Istanbul ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
January has average temperatures of between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Search for cheap flights from Reykjavik to Istanbul around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Istanbul
After booking your flight from Reykjavik to Istanbul, take your pick from prime hotels that put you close to the action. Make one of these options your base for exploring Istanbul:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be tricky to work out where to begin. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are leading attractions which should be on every Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've done Istanbul, now it's time to explore other corners of Türkiye (Turkey). Journey around 354 kilometers east to Ankara to tick off its top sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Izmir is another sought-after destination in Türkiye (Turkey) and is around 322 kilometers south-west of Istanbul. No trip is complete without dropping by Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square.
