Travelling from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Reykjavik: what you need to know
Expect to be travelling for 5 hours 30 minutes. On average, that's the duration of a direct flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Reykjavik.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located in Istanbul. Based in the UTC+0 timezone, Reykjavik is three hours behind Istanbul.
The most popular route is from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Keflavik International Airport (KEF). There are two weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to take off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from IST to KEF is the 07:05 Icelandair option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the last departure is at 08:05 with Icelandair.
Leave enough time to make your IST to Reykjavik flight. It's generally best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Delays at check-in and security are more likely if you're heading away during high season, so give yourself some extra wiggle room. A good rule of thumb for peak times? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Begin your journey at IST and travel straight to Keflavik International Airport (KEF). That's where you can expect to touch down when searching for Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Reykjavik tickets.
Get on board with Icelandair. This popular airline offers direct flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Reykjavik.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a break from travelling and possibly even tick off a new city. When browsing for flight tickets from IST to Reykjavik, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Popular options include:
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Frederic Chopin Airport (WAW)
IST is about 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Reykjavik? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to IST:
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Reykjavik
R 1,605 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Reykjavik flight. A return flight ticket right now is R 3,551. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares could change.
To pick up cheap flights from IST to Reykjavik, book your journey ten months before your departure date.
The best month for scoring cheap Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Reykjavik tickets is February. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then choose the dates that offer the lowest fares.
There's no need to check in daily to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you the moment there's an extra saving on cheap flights from IST to Reykjavik.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Reykjavik by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Airports in Reykjavik
Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
The distance from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) to central Reykjavik is roughly 48 kilometres. It takes around 50 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It'll take around 1 hour 15 minutes if you're using public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Reykjavik. Book one of these accommodation options near KEF instead:
Travel at your own speed with a Keflavik International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Ice Rental 4x4, FairCar or Flizzr and find adventure across Reykjavik and beyond.
Get the best deal by booking your ride from Keflavik International Airport around four weeks ahead of your flight from IST to Reykjavik.
Reykjavik International Airport (RKV)
The centre of Reykjavik is around 2 kilometres from Reykjavik International Airport (RKV). Once your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Reykjavik has landed and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should be around 5 minutes.
The trip will take roughly 25 minutes on public transport.
Following your IST to Reykjavik flight, tuck yourself in at a hotel near RKV. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Reykjavik International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Europcar, RAS Car Hire or Hertz and set off in the blink of an eye.
Get what you want, not just what's left over. Securing your ride from RKV three weeks ahead of time often means lower prices and a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Reykjavik
Before locking in your flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Reykjavik, consider which time of year works best for you. Peak season in Reykjavik offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of things to do, while the low season means you'll get cheaper hotel deals and fewer crowds.
Book an Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Reykjavik flight ticket with a departure in July if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 8ºC (46ºF) to 15ºC (59ºF).
December has average temperatures of between -6ºC (21ºF) and 4ºC (39ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from IST to Reykjavik around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Reykjavik
After booking your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Reykjavik, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Reykjavik:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. Perlan, Hallgrimskirkja silhouette and National Museum of Iceland are attractions you won't want to skip in Reykjavik.
Explore more of Iceland
You've done Reykjavik, now it's time to explore other parts of Iceland. Journey about 241 kilometres north-east to Akureyri to tick off its leading sights. From Akureyri Art Museum to Hof Cultural and Conference Centre and Nonni's House, your itinerary will be busy.
Vestmannaeyjar is another must-experience destination in Iceland and is around 121 kilometres south-east of Reykjavik. No trip is complete without seeing Heimaklettur, Beautiful Puffin and Shore View and Skansinn.