Flying from Tokyo to Istanbul Airport (IST): What you need to know
There are two main airports where your trip can begin in Tokyo. Check out your options leaving from Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) or Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) when searching for a flight from Tokyo to Istanbul Airport (IST).
Hop on a direct Tokyo to Istanbul Airport flight and you'll be travelling for around 13 hours 20 minutes.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3, which is six hours behind Tokyo. Istanbul Airport is located in Istanbul.
The most popular route is from Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) to Istanbul Airport (IST), with 13 direct weekly services. If you're eager to be on your way, the earliest flight from HND to IST is the 8:15am ANA service. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the last departure is at 10:05pm with Turkish Airlines.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to catch your flight from Tokyo to IST.
You'll want to head there even earlier during popular months like March. Aim for two hours before domestic departures and as much as four hours for an international flight. Once you've checked in, you can use any extra time to relax or grab something to eat.
Airports in Tokyo
Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND)
Get there in one go from Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND). Direct flights from Tokyo to Istanbul Airport (IST) can be booked from here.
Turkish Airlines is a popular airline that operates direct flights from Tokyo to Istanbul Airport taking off from HND.
Most passengers choose to fly with Turkish Airlines between HND and IST.
Consider adding a stopover to find cheap flights from Tokyo to IST. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND). Make a stop (and maybe make your fare cheaper) by passing through one of these popular options:
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Located around 19 kilometres from the centre of Tokyo, HND can be reached in about 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport is roughly 30 minutes.
Searching for a convenient hotel near Tokyo Haneda International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Tokyo to Istanbul Airport, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure gate:
78% of flights leaving from Tokyo Haneda International Airport arrive at their destination on time.
HND is located at 3丁目 Hanedakuko, Ota.
Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)
You can book a direct Tokyo to Istanbul Airport (IST) plane ticket with departures from Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT). Check if flying out of NRT makes more sense for your journey.
From NRT, direct flights from Tokyo to IST can be booked with Turkish Airlines.
On the NRT to IST route, Turkish Airlines is the go-to airline for most travellers on this route.
Cross another spot off your travel list or just take a moment to stretch your legs with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your flight from Tokyo to Istanbul Airport, browse these options when departing from Tokyo Narita International Airport:
Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
NRT is around 56 kilometres from central Tokyo. It'll take 1 hour 5 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your Tokyo to IST flight? Kick back in a hotel near Tokyo Narita International Airport before your trip officially begins. These stays have your key waiting:
When it comes to flight punctuality, Tokyo Narita International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 73%.
The address for NRT is 成田空港第2PTB(バス), Narita.
About Istanbul Airport (IST)
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Tokyo to Istanbul Airport. Get comfy at one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Booking your ride around two weeks ahead of your Tokyo to Istanbul Airport flight can help you secure the lowest rate.
Getting from Istanbul Airport (IST) to central Istanbul
Central Istanbul is around 40 kilometres from Istanbul Airport and takes about 45 minutes to reach by car. Work out your options for getting into the city, whether that's with a taxi, car hire or ride-share.
It takes roughly 1 hour 10 minutes to get there using public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tokyo to Istanbul Airport (IST)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Tokyo to Istanbul Airport is RM1,243. For a return flight on this route, the best price is RM2,130. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares could change.
To find cheap flights from Tokyo to IST, book in advance. Airlines usually offer lower fares when flights are first released.
If you're flexible with your trip dates, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the lowest price in each month when searching for your Tokyo to Istanbul Airport ticket.
There's no 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 plane tickets from Tokyo to IST.
Find a cheap flight from Tokyo to Istanbul Airport by using the search filters. Select your preferred duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from Tokyo to Istanbul Airport (IST)
February is the quietest month for flights from Tokyo to Istanbul Airport (IST), while August is the busiest. Choose the best time to visit Istanbul based on whether you like a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Before locking in your Tokyo to IST plane ticket, consider the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC (70ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
January has temperatures of between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Search for cheap tickets from Tokyo to Istanbul Airport around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Tokyo to Istanbul Airport, explore our selection of hotels including:
There are plenty of terrific things to do in Istanbul when you're ready to get out and sightsee. Make your way to Hagia Sophia Museum followed by Historic Areas of Istanbul and Hagia Sophia History Museum.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Istanbul has plenty going for it, but there are so many other corners of Türkiye (Turkey) just waiting to be discovered. About 225 kilometres southeast of Istanbul, a visit to Eskisehir will keep you on the go. Start with leading sights like Eskişehir Odunpazarı Evleri, Archeological Museum and TÜRASAŞ Revolution Cars Museum.
Any journey through Türkiye (Turkey) should include a visit to Adapazarı. Ağa Cami and Earthquake & Cultural Museum are highlights in this destination, which is around 153 kilometres east of Istanbul.