Flying from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport (IST): What you need to know
Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) is Bucharest's main airport. Check out your options for booking a flight from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport (IST) leaving from here.
Expect to be travelling for 1 hour 45 minutes. On average, that's the time it takes for a direct Bucharest to Istanbul Airport flight.
Istanbul is one hour ahead of Bucharest. Istanbul Airport is located in Istanbul, which is in the UTC+3 timezone.
The most popular route is Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) to Istanbul Airport (IST). You can pick from 43 direct services each week.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This way, you can comfortably catch your flight from Bucharest to IST.
Head to the airport even earlier during popular months like July. Aim for two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights. After checking in, you can use any extra time to finalize your plans or simply relax.
Airports in Bucharest
Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP)
Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) offers an easy route to your destination. Nonstop flights from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport (IST) can be booked from this terminal.
Popular airlines that offer direct flights from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport departing OTP include:
Turkish Airlines is the most frequently chosen airline for flights from OTP to IST.
OTP is around 16 kilometers from central Bucharest. If you're ride-sharing, catching a taxi or driving from the centre, it'll take you 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 35 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and enjoy a few extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels close to Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport:
Of all flights departing from Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport, 78% land on schedule at their destination.
Baneasa Airport (BBU)
BBU is about 8 kilometers from central Bucharest. Plan ahead to work out the best way to get to your terminal.
Start your holiday sooner with an extra night away from home. Before your Bucharest to IST flight, kick back in one of these hotels close to Baneasa Airport:
Flights from Baneasa Airport have a reputation for punctuality, with 82% of them arriving as planned.
About Istanbul Airport (IST)
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport. Make yourself comfy at one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride around two weeks before your Bucharest to Istanbul Airport flight.
Getting from Istanbul Airport (IST) to central Istanbul
Istanbul Airport is around 40 kilometers from the centre of Istanbul. It takes around 45 minutes or so to drive to the city.
Travelling on public transport will take you around 1 hour 10 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport (IST)
The cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport is P4,501. For a return flight on this route, the best price is P9,170. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares may change.
Get cheap flights from Bucharest to IST by booking five months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for finding a bargain.
The best month for scoring cheap Bucharest to Istanbul Airport tickets is October. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then select the dates that offer the biggest savings.
Snapping up a cheap plane ticket from Bucharest to IST is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as a lower fare pops up.
Filters make it easier to snap up a deal on your flight from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport. Choose the departure times, carriers and stops that match your plans. Then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to zero in on the cheapest fare fast.
The best time to fly from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport (IST)
February is the quietest month for flights from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport (IST), while August is the most popular. Find the ideal time to visit Istanbul based on whether you want a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Book a Bucharest to IST plane ticket departing in July if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Istanbul to range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
January sees temperatures of between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Search for cheap tickets from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Istanbul right here. Check out these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Bucharest to Istanbul Airport:
Hagia Sophia Museum and Historic Areas of Istanbul are a couple of top-rated attractions to add to your Istanbul itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Hagia Sophia History Museum.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Eskisehir is just one of the many cities in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be explored once you've seen Istanbul. Around 225 kilometers away to the southeast, its top attractions include Eskişehir Odunpazarı Evleri, Archeological Museum and TÜRASAŞ Revolution Cars Museum.
Next? Journey to Adapazarı. It's roughly 153 kilometers east of Istanbul and is known for highlights including Ağa Cami and Earthquake & Cultural Museum.
