Travelling from Bucharest to Istanbul: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your trip from in Bucharest. Explore your options departing from Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP) or Bucharest Baneasa Airport (BBU) when booking your flight from Bucharest to Istanbul.
Arrive in Istanbul at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW).
The average length of a direct Bucharest to Istanbul flight is 1 hour 30 minutes.
Istanbul's timezone is UTC+3, which makes Istanbul one hour ahead of Bucharest.
Choose from 44 services each week between Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP) and Istanbul Airport (IST). This is the most popular route when booking flights from Bucharest to Istanbul.
For a relaxed travel experience, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to board your Bucharest to Istanbul flight.
During popular months such as July, it's a good idea to get to the airport well in advance. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights whenever you're travelling during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Bucharest to Istanbul
Get cheap Bucharest to Istanbul flights by booking five months ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for picking up a bargain.
Plan your trip for October. That's the best month for scoring an incredible deal on plane tickets from Bucharest to Istanbul. If you're flexible on when you fly, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across every month.
Getting a cheap flight from Bucharest to Istanbul couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as a better deal is available.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Or sort your Bucharest to Istanbul flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Bucharest
Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP)
Begin your travels at Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP), which offers a range of direct flights from Bucharest to Istanbul. From OTP, you can fly straight into Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW).
Popular carriers that offer direct Bucharest to Istanbul plane tickets departing from OTP include:
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling — and maybe even explore another city. When searching for Bucharest to Istanbul flights departing from Bucharest Otopeni Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Athens International Airport (ATH)
Vienna Airport (VIE)
Antalya Airport (AYT)
The journey from central Bucharest to OTP takes around 35 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 16 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
After a relaxed start to your travels? Stay near Bucharest Otopeni Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Bucharest to Istanbul or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are the answer:
78% of flights taking off from Bucharest Otopeni Airport reach their destination on schedule.
Bucharest Baneasa Airport (BBU)
On public transport, you can travel from central Bucharest to BBU in around 35 minutes. The terminal is roughly 8 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 20 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before your flight from Bucharest to Istanbul? Unwind in a hotel near Bucharest Baneasa Airport before your holiday officially begins. These stays are calling your name:
Most flights that leave Bucharest Baneasa Airport get to their destination as planned. It maintains a strong on-time performance rate of 82%.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul Airport (IST) to central Istanbul takes about 45 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 32 kilometres away.
It typically takes 1 hour 10 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Bucharest to Istanbul. Stay at one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Get your adventure underway by picking up a Istanbul Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car to explore Istanbul and beyond.
To lock in the lowest price, book your ride from Istanbul Airport about two weeks in advance of your Bucharest to Istanbul flight.
Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW)
The centre of Istanbul is approximately 31 kilometres from Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW). After your flight from Bucharest to Istanbul has hit the runway and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of around 1 hour 5 minutes.
The journey will take about 1 hour 40 minutes on public transport.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Bucharest to Istanbul:
Forget about inconvenient public transport timetables or slow-moving taxi lines. Pick up a Istanbul Sabiha Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Compare rates and availability from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Get first dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from SAW four weeks in advance often means more savings and a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
March is the quietest month for flights from Bucharest to Istanbul, while August is the most popular. Work out the ideal time to go to Istanbul based on whether you like a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Lock in a Bucharest to Istanbul ticket departing in July if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Istanbul to range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
If you want cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Bucharest to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Istanbul right here. Browse these options once you've booked your flight from Bucharest to Istanbul:
Hagia Sophia and Historic Areas of Istanbul are just the start of the top attractions to put on your Istanbul travel itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've visited Istanbul, now it's time to discover more of Türkiye (Turkey). Journey about 354 kilometres east to Ankara to check off its leading attractions. From The Roman Theatre to Kocatepe Mosque and Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
If there's time to check out another major stop in Türkiye (Turkey), consider Izmir, about 322 kilometres southwest of Istanbul. Aegean Coast, Smyrna Basilika and Ataturk Konak Square are among the biggest draws.
