Traveling from Richmond International Airport (Byrd Field) (RIC) to Istanbul: what you need to know
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is seven hours ahead of Richmond, where Richmond International Airport (Byrd Field) is located.
For a relaxed start to your RIC to Istanbul flight, leave plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
If you're jetting off during a major holiday or another peak period, allow for even more time. A good general rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at check-in and security will be longer.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially land a cheaper flight ticket from RIC to Istanbul. All you need to do is deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your journey by stopping at one of these popular airports:
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Logan International Airport (BOS)
Located around 11 kilometers from the center of Richmond, RIC can be reached in about 20 minutes by car. The journey on public transport takes roughly 2 hours 50 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Richmond International Airport (Byrd Field) to Istanbul? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels close to RIC:
77.63% of flights that leave from Richmond International Airport (Byrd Field) touch down at their destination on time.
You'll find RIC at 1 Richard E. Byrd Terminal Drive.
How to find the cheapest flights from Richmond International Airport (Byrd Field) (RIC) to Istanbul
$406 is currently the best price for a one-way Richmond International Airport (Byrd Field) to Istanbul flight. Return flight tickets start from $556. These prices may change depending on demand.
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to land cheap flights from RIC to Istanbul if you book ahead. Airlines often have some excellent early bird rates.
If you have flexibility with your travel dates, make the most of the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across each month when looking for your Richmond International Airport (Byrd Field) to Istanbul ticket.
There's no need to check in daily to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you when there's an even bigger deal on cheap flights from RIC to Istanbul.
Select your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Richmond International Airport (Byrd Field) to Istanbul by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 48 kilometers from central Istanbul. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 50 minutes.
Getting there on public transport takes around 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Richmond International Airport (Byrd Field) to Istanbul. Reserve one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Hit the road running 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.
For the lowest price, reserve your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks ahead of your flight from RIC to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
The center of Istanbul is about 48 kilometers from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). After your flight from Richmond International Airport (Byrd Field) to Istanbul has hit the runway and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 55 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
After stepping off your RIC to Istanbul flight, tuck yourself in at a hotel near SAW. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make picking up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car easy and quick. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Avoid paying extra. Reserving your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at SAW can help you lock in a better rate.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Carefully consider your travel dates before locking in your flight from Richmond International Airport (Byrd Field) to Istanbul. The city comes alive during peak season, but rates are typically higher and major attractions can be crowded. Go to Istanbul in the low season for a quieter vibe.
When booking your Richmond International Airport (Byrd Field) 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).
January sees average temperatures of between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Search for a cheap ticket from RIC to Istanbul around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Istanbul right here. Browse these hotels after locking in your flight from Richmond International Airport (Byrd Field) to Istanbul:
The Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace are just a couple of the big attractions to put on your Istanbul itinerary. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Galata Tower.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've visited Istanbul, now it's time to explore other parts of Türkiye (Turkey). Journey about 354 kilometers east to Ankara to tick off its popular sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, your itinerary will be busy.
If you're eager to discover another well-known destination in Türkiye (Turkey), head for Izmir, about 322 kilometers south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak are key highlights.