Travelling from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Hop on a direct flight from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Istanbul and you'll be travelling for around 1 hour 54 minutes.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is 1 hour ahead of Beirut, where Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport is located.
Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most traveled route, with 126 departures a week to pick from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from BEY to IST is with MEA at 23:00. Go for the first departure with Turkish Airlines at 03:35 if you want to get on your way earlier.
To ensure you catch your flight from BEY to Istanbul, leave enough time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Travelling over a peak time such as August? Public holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer lines and delays at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
You can book a nonstop flight from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Istanbul that lands at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
You'll have your pick of airlines that offer direct flights from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Istanbul. Book your seat with one of these:
We make it simple to plan a flight from BEY to Istanbul with a stopover. To see all your options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight that has a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Popular stopovers include:
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)
Dalaman Airport (DLM)
You won't need a visa for Türkiye (Turkey) if you hold a passport from Lebanon and are visiting for tourism purposes. Visa and travel documentation requirements are subject to change. So before locking in your cheap tickets from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Istanbul, check with your airline and your destination country's local embassy or consulate for the latest information.
BEY is about 8 kilometres from central Beirut. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take 11 minutes or so to arrive, depending on the traffic.
Catching an early flight from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Istanbul? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by picking one of these hotels close to BEY:
How to find the cheapest flights from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) to Istanbul
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Istanbul is R 1,264. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 2,747. Bear in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To secure cheap tickets from BEY to Istanbul, reserve your journey 3 months before the departure date.
November is the cheapest month for tickets from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Istanbul. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for each month.
Finding a cheap ticket from BEY to Istanbul couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when the price has dropped.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Istanbul. Enter your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to the centre of Istanbul is around 50 minutes by car. It's approximately 48 kilometres away.
Getting there by public transport will take you around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Book a hotel near IST if you're taking a late flight from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Istanbul. Pick one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is roughly 48 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. Once you've disembarked your flight from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Istanbul, it'll take you around 57 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
After your flight from BEY to Istanbul, kick back at a hotel near SAW. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Best time to go to Istanbul
August is the busiest month for flights from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Istanbul. To escape the crowds, visit Istanbul in February when things are quieter.
Before you book a flight from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Istanbul, think about the type of weather you enjoy. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC to 30ºC.
If you want cooler conditions, lock in a cheap flight from BEY to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.
More about Istanbul
Once you've booked your flight from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Istanbul, think about where you want to stay in this city. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Istanbul:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be tricky to know where to begin. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are highlights which should be on any good Istanbul itinerary.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
Choose one of our car rentals in Istanbul and see the sights at your leisure. Easily compare rates in one go to find the ideal ride once you've locked in your hotel and cheap flights from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Istanbul.