Travelling from Beijing to Istanbul: what you need to know
Start your travel planning by considering where you'll board your flight from Beijing to Istanbul. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Daxing International Airport (PKX) are Beijing's main airports.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's major entry points.
Around 10 hours 50 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct Beijing to Istanbul flight.
Istanbul is five hours behind Beijing and observes the UTC+3 timezone.
With ten weekly flights between the two airports, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the busiest route. Hop on the first flight from Beijing to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines at 00:10. If you'd like to make the most of your day before jetting off, the latest flight from PEK to IST is with Air China at 01:55.
For a stress-free start to your trip, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to catch your Beijing to Istanbul flight.
During popular months such as July, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than normal. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights whenever you're flying during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Beijing to Istanbul
Book two months before travelling. Research into pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap Beijing to Istanbul flights.
Plan your trip for May. That's the best month for landing a great bargain on plane tickets from Beijing to Istanbul. If your travel dates are not set in stone, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across every month.
You don't need to check every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll update you as soon as a better deal is available on cheap flights from Beijing to Istanbul.
Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Or sort your Beijing to Istanbul flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Beijing
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Set off from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) on a nonstop flight from Beijing to Istanbul. From PEK, you can fly straight to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Look out for promotions with Turkish Airlines. This carrier offers direct Beijing to Istanbul plane tickets out of PEK.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling — and perhaps even visit a new city. When browsing Beijing to Istanbul flights leaving from Beijing Capital International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Belgrad Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
Central Beijing to PEK is around 26 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take about 40 minutes to get there if you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving.
Searching for a convenient hotel near Beijing Capital International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Beijing to Istanbul, these stays will have you sleeping nice and close to your departure gate:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Beijing Capital International Airport, data shows 79.67% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
PEK is located at Capital Airport Rd.
Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Consider booking your direct flight from Beijing to Istanbul out of Daxing International Airport (PKX). Nonstop connections from PKX will get you to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
From PKX, you can lock in a direct Beijing to Istanbul plane ticket with China Southern Airlines.
Make the most of your holiday with a stopover on your Beijing to Istanbul flight. Visit friends or family or tick a new city off your list. Whatever you'd like to do, check out these stops between Daxing International Airport and Istanbul:
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
PKX is about 48 kilometres from central Beijing. It'll take 1 hour 5 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 30 minutes.
You're going on holiday, so why not book an extra night away? Consider staying at one of these hotels near Daxing International Airport the day before your flight from Beijing to Istanbul:
The majority of flights that leave Daxing International Airport touch down at their destination within the expected time frame. It boasts an on-time performance rate of 89%.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is approximately 32 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 50 minutes.
It usually takes 1 hour 45 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Beijing to Istanbul. Check in to one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Begin your adventure by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and explore beyond Istanbul's main sights.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks ahead of your trip.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
The centre of Istanbul is about 31 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Once your flight from Beijing to Istanbul has hit the runway and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 55 minutes.
Travelling by public transport will take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
After your flight from Beijing to Istanbul, unwind at a hotel close to SAW. These are some great options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Forget about public transport timetables or slow-moving cab lines. Grab a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Check out the rates and availability from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Securing your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time often means better deals and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
It's time to work out your trip dates for your flight from Beijing to Istanbul. April is the busiest month for a trip to Istanbul. If you like a more relaxed vibe, go in February.
When booking your Beijing to Istanbul tickets, think about the kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
For cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Beijing to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Istanbul right here. Check out these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Beijing to Istanbul:
Topkapi Palace and The Basilica Cistern are just two of the top attractions to add to your Istanbul travel itinerary. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Galata Tower.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many cities in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be discovered after you've seen Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres to the east, check out popular attractions including Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another favourite stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square.
