Travelling from Istanbul to Brussels: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can take off from in Istanbul. Check out your options departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when planning your flight from Istanbul to Brussels.
When it comes to planning your arrival in Brussels, Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL) are the chief entry points.
The average duration of a direct Istanbul to Brussels flight is 3 hours 35 minutes.
The timezone in Brussels is UTC+1, which is two hours behind Istanbul.
The busiest route for flights from Istanbul to Brussels is from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Brussels Airport (BRU). Choose from 30 services every week between these two airports. If you want to be on your way as soon as possible, the earliest flight from IST to BRU is the 07:20 Turkish Airlines option. If you prefer travelling later, the last available departure is at 20:25 with Turkish Airlines.
To ensure you board your Istanbul to Brussels flight, leave plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Flying during a peak time like August? Public holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer lines and delays at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Brussels
At the moment, R 879 is the best price we've found for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Brussels. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 1,908. Keep in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Get cheap Istanbul to Brussels flights by booking two months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time for picking up a bargain.
The best month for finding cheap plane tickets from Istanbul to Brussels is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then choose the dates that offer the lowest fares.
Save time looking for cheap flights from Istanbul to Brussels by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or push notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' Istanbul to Brussels flights.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
If you're after a direct flight from Istanbul to Brussels, you can depart from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Get from IST to Brussels Airport (BRU) in one seamless trip.
Secure your Istanbul to Brussels plane tickets with Turkish Airlines. This airline is a popular choice for direct flights from IST.
We make it a breeze to book an Istanbul to Brussels flight with a stopover. To see all your options departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, select a flight offering a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Major stopovers include:
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
Geneve Airport (GVA)
IST is about 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour 45 minutes.
After a relaxed start to your holiday? Stay near Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Istanbul to Brussels or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Direct flights from Istanbul to Brussels are available at Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), so consider leaving from this popular hub. SAW offers nonstop services to Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL).
AJet offers direct Istanbul to Brussels plane tickets from SAW. Book your preferred aisle (or window) seat and reach your destination in a single hop.
Get the most out of your holiday with a stopover on your Istanbul to Brussels flight. Visit family or friends or cross another city off your list. Whatever your plans, here's where you can stop between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Brussels:
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP)
Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ)
You can get to SAW from the centre of Istanbul in about 55 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to travel the 31 kilometres or so.
Get a head start on your holiday with an extra night away from home. Before your flight from Istanbul to Brussels, stay in one of these hotels near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time performance of 77%. This figure gives an insight into how frequently flights that take off from this airport arrive at their destination on schedule.
Arriving in Brussels
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Brussels Airport (BRU) to central Brussels takes about 20 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 11 kilometres away.
It typically takes 40 minutes to get there on public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Istanbul to Brussels, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these hotels near BRU:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Brussels Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Keddy By Europcar, Alamo or Europcar and explore beyond Brussels's main sights.
To get the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Brussels Airport about three weeks in advance of your Istanbul to Brussels flight.
Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL)
Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL) is around 48 kilometres from the centre of Brussels. Following your flight from Istanbul to Brussels, it takes approximately 55 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
You can expect the trip to take about 1 hour 35 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some comfortable places to lay your head close to CRL. Settle in and get cosy after your Istanbul to Brussels flight at one of these perfectly located options:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or long cab lines. Grab a Brussels S. Charleroi Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Compare availability and rates from Keddy By Europcar, Thrifty and Budget.
Get the pick of the lot. Booking your ride from CRL two weeks ahead of time often means lower prices and a wider choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Brussels
January is the quietest month for flights from Istanbul to Brussels, while July is the busiest. Pick the ideal time to go to Brussels based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Book an Istanbul to Brussels ticket departing in August if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Brussels to range from 12ºC (54ºF) to 27ºC (81ºF).
Search for cheap flights from Istanbul to Brussels in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -2ºC (28ºF) and 8ºC (46ºF) on average.
More about Brussels
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Brussels right here. Browse these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Brussels:
Every great holiday has to include a little sightseeing. Grand Place, Atomium and Manneken Pis are attractions you won't want to skip in Brussels.
Explore more of Belgium
Charleroi is just one of the many cities in Belgium waiting to be discovered after you've experienced Brussels. Around 48 kilometres to the south, check out popular attractions including Parc Gobbe, Maison Dermine (art déco — 1921) and Parc Ligny.
Around 88 kilometres east of Brussels, Liege is another favourite stop in Belgium. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Gare de Liege-Guillemins, Curtius Museum and Montagne de Bueren.