Arriving Early: Navigating Istanbul's Airport Logistics

Istanbul Airport is a busy hub for international travel, and it's important to allow plenty of time to catch your flight. Travellers recommend allowing at least two and a half hours before your flight to get through the airport, and to build in a buffer of three hours or more between connecting flights in case of unpredictable delays.

How long does it take to get to the gate?

The time it takes to get to the gate at Istanbul Airport depends on a number of factors, including the time of day, the volume of passengers, and the efficiency of airport staff.

One traveller reported that they reached the gate in roughly half an hour, having arrived at the airport 2.5 hours before their flight. Another traveller, who was travelling with just carry-on luggage, was concerned about whether they would have enough time to get to their next flight, which was scheduled for 2 hours and 40 minutes after their arrival. They were advised to allow a buffer of 3 hours or more to account for unpredictable delays.

How long does it take to get through security?

It is recommended that you arrive at Istanbul Airport at least 2.5 hours before your flight. This will allow you to get through security and reach your gate with time to spare.

One traveller reported that it took them half an hour to get through security and reach their gate. However, they did experience a last-minute gate change, which caused some confusion.

If you are travelling with just carry-on luggage, you may be able to get through security faster. But it is always better to give yourself a buffer in case of any unpredictable delays. One source recommends allowing at least three hours between flights to ensure you have enough time to go through all the necessary formalities.

How long does it take to check in?

The time it takes to check in at Istanbul airport depends on a number of factors, including the time of day, the number of other passengers, and the efficiency of the airport staff. In general, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. This allows enough time for check-in, baggage drop-off, and security screening.

For example, one passenger travelling internationally reported that they arrived at the airport 2.5 hours before their flight and reached the gate in roughly half an hour. However, they noted that the gate was changed to another hall while they were waiting, which caused some confusion.

Another passenger, travelling with just carry-on luggage, was concerned about whether they would have enough time to make a connecting flight departing two hours and forty minutes after their initial flight landed. They were advised to allow at least three hours between flights to build in a buffer for unpredictable delays.

How long does it take to get to the airport from the city centre?

Istanbul has two airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). The time it takes to get to either airport from the city centre depends on the mode of transport and the time of day.

Istanbul Airport (IST)

Istanbul Airport is located 35 km (22 miles) northwest of the city centre. The fastest way to get to the airport from the city centre is by taxi, which takes around 40 minutes without traffic. However, during rush hour, the journey can take up to 1.5 hours. There is also a metro line that connects the airport to the city centre, which takes around 1 hour.

It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight to allow enough time for check-in and security.

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is located 50 km (31 miles) southeast of the city centre. The fastest way to get to the airport from the city centre is by taxi, which takes around 1 hour without traffic. There is also a bus service that connects the airport to the city centre, which takes around 1.5 hours.

As with Istanbul Airport, it is recommended to arrive at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.

How much time should you allow for delays?

It is recommended that you allow at least 2.5 hours before your flight to account for any delays. This will give you enough time to reach the gate and go through any necessary security checks.

One traveller reported that they had to change gates while waiting for their flight, which caused a slight delay. It is always better to be safe than sorry, so allowing for a generous buffer period is a good idea.

If you are travelling with just carry-on luggage, you may be able to get away with a shorter time frame. However, it is still recommended that you allow for at least 2 hours to be on the safe side.

For those with a connecting flight, it is suggested that you allow for at least 3 hours between flights to ensure you have enough time to go through the necessary formalities and check-in for your next flight.

Frequently asked questions