Flying from Belfast to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW): What you need to know
There are a couple of main airports to jet off from in Belfast. Check out your options departing from Belfast International Airport (BFS) or George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) when booking your flight from Belfast to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
Istanbul is three hours ahead of Belfast. Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is located in Istanbul, which operates on the UTC+3 timezone.
To ensure you get on your flight from Belfast to SAW, leave plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Longer lines at security and check-in are more likely if you're flying during high season, so give yourself a little extra breathing room. The recommendation for peak times? Get there up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Airports in Belfast
Belfast International Airport (BFS)
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your journey and perhaps even visit a new city. When browsing cheap flights from Belfast to SAW leaving from Belfast International Airport (BFS), uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to discover where you can stop along the way. Some popular options include:
Stansted Airport (STN)
Manchester Airport (MAN)
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
Located around 32 kilometres from central Belfast, BFS can be reached in about 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport takes roughly 2 hours.
Booked an early flight from Belfast to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and enjoy a few extra z's) by staying at one of these stays close to Belfast International Airport:
When it comes to Belfast International Airport's on-time performance, 67.55% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)
Check a new destination off your list or just take a moment to stretch your legs with a stopover. If you'd like to split up your flight from Belfast to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, check out these options when taking off from George Best Belfast City Airport:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Manchester Airport (MAN)
BHD is around 8 kilometres from central Belfast. It'll take you 10 minutes or so to get to the airport if you're driving from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 20 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before catching your Belfast to SAW flight? Check in to a hotel near George Best Belfast City Airport before your break officially starts. These stays have your key waiting:
68.3% of flights departing George Best Belfast City Airport make it to their destination as expected.
About Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Have a late flight from Belfast to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport? Don't let it rob you of real rest. Check in to one of these hotels near SAW and fast-forward to bedtime:
Get your adventure underway by picking up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent to explore Istanbul and beyond.
Booking your ride around four weeks ahead of your Belfast to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport flight can help you lock in a great deal.
Getting from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) to central Istanbul
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport to central Istanbul is roughly 31 kilometres. If you're renting a car or getting a cab, plan ahead to make your trip as smooth as possible. Journey times will vary depending on traffic conditions and the time of day.
It'll take around 1 hour 30 minutes to get there using public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Belfast to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
R 1,247 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Belfast to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport. Return flights start from R 2,504. These fares may change depending on availability and demand.
To pick up cheap flights from Belfast to SAW, book early. Airlines typically offer lower prices when flights first go on sale.
If you have some flexibility with your travel plans, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the lowest price across each month when searching for your Belfast to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport ticket.
You don't need to check back in every day to find out if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know the moment a new deal shows up on plane tickets from Belfast to SAW.
Save money on your flight from Belfast to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport by using the search filters. Choose your ideal duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from Belfast to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
April is the quietest month for flights from Belfast to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), while August is the most popular. Find the ideal time to go to Istanbul based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC (68ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Book your Belfast to SAW plane ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
Search for cheap tickets from Belfast to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
Once you've booked your flight from Belfast to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Istanbul:
There are so many things to discover in this city, it can be hard to know where to begin. Hagia Sophia History Museum, Hagia Sophia Museum and Historic Areas of Istanbul are major attractions which should feature on every Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've done Istanbul, now it's time to explore other corners of Türkiye (Turkey). Journey around 161 kilometres south-east to Eskisehir to tick off its leading sights. From Eskişehir to Eskişehir and Eskişehir Odunpazarı Evleri, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Adapazarı is another must-experience destination in Türkiye (Turkey) and is around 97 kilometres east of Istanbul. No journey is complete without seeing Ozanlar Ulu Cami, Güllük Cami and Valide Cami.