Travelling from Istanbul to Zurich Airport (ZRH): What you need to know
There are two main airports you can start your trip from in Istanbul. Explore your options leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when reserving your flight from Istanbul to Zurich Airport (ZRH).
3 hours 5 minutes is the average duration of a direct Istanbul to Zurich Airport flight.
Zurich is two hours behind Istanbul. Zurich Airport is located in Zurich, which is in the UTC+1 timezone.
With 29 direct weekly flights between the two airports, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the most popular route. Turkish Airlines operates the earliest flight at 7:30am. If you prefer to get more out of your day before taking off, the latest departure from IST to ZRH is with Turkish Airlines at 9:15pm.
Give yourself enough time to catch your flight from Istanbul to ZRH. Generally, it's best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Taking off during a peak time like public or school holidays? Expect longer lines at security and check-in. For peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) provides a hassle-free way to reach your destination. Nonstop flights from Istanbul to Zurich Airport (ZRH) leave from this terminal.
When taking off from IST, you can catch a direct flight from Istanbul to Zurich Airport with Turkish Airlines.
The preferred choice for passengers flying between IST and ZRH is Turkish Airlines.
We make it easy to book cheap flights from Istanbul to ZRH with a stopover. To explore your options leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST), deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight with a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Major stopovers between IST and ZRH include:
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP)
Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ)
IST is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your travels? Stay near Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Istanbul to Zurich Airport or aren't a fan of being rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
You can book a direct Istanbul to Zurich Airport (ZRH) plane ticket with departures from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Work out whether departing from SAW makes the most sense for you.
From SAW, direct flights from Istanbul to ZRH are offered by Pegasus.
Pegasus is the most frequently booked airline flying from SAW to ZRH.
The top carrier for punctuality is Pegasus. Its Sabiha Gokcen International Airport to Zurich Airport flights arrive as scheduled 65.85% of the time.
Break up your flight from Istanbul to Zurich Airport with a stop so you can recharge or tick a new place off your list. Some great stopovers between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and ZRH are:
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Belgrad Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
On public transport, you can travel from central Istanbul to SAW in about 1 hour 30 minutes. The terminal is roughly 48 kilometres away, and making the trip by car takes approximately 55 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your Istanbul to ZRH flight? Kick back in a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your adventure officially begins. These stays have your key waiting:
When it comes to keeping flights on track, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 76.93%.
About Zurich Airport (ZRH)
If you're coming in on a late flight from Istanbul to Zurich Airport, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these options near ZRH:
Follow your own route with a Zurich Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Alamo, Europcar or Green Motion and see more of Zurich and beyond.
To get the lowest price, reserve your vehicle around two weeks in advance of your Istanbul to Zurich Airport flight.
Getting from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to central Zurich
Zurich Airport to central Zurich is around 10 kilometres. If you're renting a car or taking a cab, do a little research to make your trip as smooth as possible. Journey times may vary based on traffic conditions and the time of day.
It'll take around 1 hour 35 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Currently, RM174 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Zurich Airport. The cheapest price for a return flight is RM379. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
To snap up cheap flights from Istanbul to ZRH, book your plane ticket nine months ahead of your departure date.
February is when you're most likely to find a bargain on an Istanbul to Zurich Airport ticket. If you'd like to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
Locking in a cheap plane ticket from Istanbul to ZRH is easy with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when prices go down.
Filters make it easier to land a deal on your flight from Istanbul to Zurich Airport. Pick the departure times, airlines and number of stops that make sense for you. Then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to find the most affordable option fast.
The best time to fly from Istanbul to Zurich Airport (ZRH)
It's time to figure out when to book your flight from Istanbul to Zurich Airport (ZRH). July is the busiest month to travel to Zurich. If crowds aren't your thing, go in February.
Before locking in your Istanbul to ZRH plane ticket, consider what kind of weather you prefer. July is the warmest month in Zurich, with temperatures ranging from 10ºC (50ºF) to 27ºC (81ºF).
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from Istanbul to Zurich Airport in January when temperatures are between -6ºC (21ºF) and 7ºC (45ºF).
More about Zurich
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Zurich right here. Browse these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Istanbul to Zurich Airport:
You'll find plenty of terrific things to do in Zurich when you're ready to see the sights. Make your way to Bahnhofstrasse followed by Cirque du Soleil - Grand Chapiteau and Zurich Opera.
Explore more of Switzerland
Zurich has loads to offer, but there are so many other corners of Switzerland waiting to be discovered. About 177 kilometres south-west of Zurich, a visit to Lausanne will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with leading sights like Olympic Park, Riviera, Ouchy, Lausanne and Olympic Museum Lausanne (Musee Olympique).
Lugano is another standout destination in Switzerland and is around 161 kilometres south of Zurich. No trip is complete without a visit to Lungolago di Lugano, Aussichtspunkt San Salvatore and Old Town Lugano.