Flying from Brussels Airport (BRU) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Jump on a direct flight from Brussels Airport to Istanbul and you'll be in the air for an average of 3 hours 35 minutes.
Istanbul is two hours ahead of Brussels, where Brussels Airport is located. Istanbul observes the UTC+3 timezone.
With 30 flights a week between the two airports, Brussels Airport (BRU) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route. Turkish Airlines operates the earliest flight at 07:15. If you'd like to get more out of your day before taking off, the last departure from BRU to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 18:50.
To avoid rushing for your BRU to Istanbul flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
If you're heading away during a bank holiday or another peak period, allow for even more time. A good rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at security and check-in will be longer.
Begin your journey at BRU and travel straight to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). That will be your arrival point when searching for Brussels Airport to Istanbul tickets.
Get on board with Turkish Airlines. This popular airline offers direct flights from Brussels Airport to Istanbul.
We make it simple to book flight tickets from BRU to Istanbul with a stopover. To see your options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, select a flight with a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. The most sought-after stopovers include:
Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
BRU is about 8 kilometres from central Brussels. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 40 minutes.
Want a hassle-free start to your holiday? Stay near BRU. Whether you've booked an early flight from Brussels Airport to Istanbul or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are worth a look:
When it comes to Brussels Airport's on-time performance, data shows 71.97% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
How to find the cheapest flights from Brussels Airport (BRU) to Istanbul
R 1,044 is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way Brussels Airport to Istanbul flight. A return ticket right now is R 1,954. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares could change.
Book one month before your departure date. Pricing trends show that this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from BRU to Istanbul.
Schedule your trip for May. That's the best month for landing the biggest deals on Brussels Airport to Istanbul tickets. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across each month.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from BRU to Istanbul by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Tailor your trip with filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Brussels Airport to Istanbul.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're getting a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 50 minutes.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Brussels Airport to Istanbul. Stay at one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and explore beyond Istanbul's main sights.
To get the lowest price, reserve your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks ahead of your flight from BRU to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
The centre of Istanbul is located around 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Once your flight from Brussels Airport to Istanbul has touched down and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 55 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your BRU to Istanbul flight:
Forget about public transport schedules or cab lines. Grab a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Compare offers from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Lock in the best price by securing your ride from SAW four weeks in advance. You can also expect to have a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Travel to Istanbul during peak season if you prefer a bustling atmosphere, but remember that prices tend to be higher. Alternatively, book flights from Brussels Airport to Istanbul in the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Before booking a Brussels Airport to Istanbul flight ticket, think about what kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from BRU to Istanbul in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF) on average.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Brussels Airport to Istanbul, check out our range of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to know where to begin. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are top sights which should be on any well-planned Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've seen Istanbul, now it's time to explore other corners of Türkiye (Turkey). Journey around 354 kilometres east to Ankara to check off its leading sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another essential stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Start your sightseeing at Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.