Flying from Istanbul to Bucharest: what you need to know
Istanbul is home to a couple of airports that could be the jumping-off point for your adventure. Check out your options for booking a flight from Istanbul to Bucharest departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
Come in for landing at Bucharest's primary gateway, Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP).
Around 1 hour 20 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct Istanbul to Bucharest flight.
Bucharest is one hour behind Istanbul and follows the UTC+2 timezone.
With 36 flights a week between the two airports, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) is the busiest route. Board the earliest flight from Istanbul to Bucharest with Turkish Airlines at 06:50. If you prefer to make the most of your day before you fly, the last flight from IST to OTP is with TAROM at 23:15.
For a relaxed travel experience, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to board your Istanbul to Bucharest flight.
Flying over a peak time like April? School holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer queues and delays at security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Bucharest
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Bucharest is R 453. For a return flight on this route, the best price is R 1,982. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares can change.
Score cheap Istanbul to Bucharest flights by booking eight months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time frame for finding the biggest deals.
The best month for finding cheap plane tickets from Istanbul to Bucharest is November. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then choose the dates that offer the lowest fares.
Save time searching for cheap flights from Istanbul to Bucharest by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when a new low fare is offered.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Istanbul to Bucharest flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
You can book a direct flight from Istanbul to Bucharest leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Start your trip at IST and land at Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP).
Look out for promotions with Turkish Airlines. This carrier offers direct Istanbul to Bucharest plane tickets out of IST.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your trip — and possibly even visit a new city. When searching for Istanbul to Bucharest flights departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG)
IST is about 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take you 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your journey? Stay near Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Istanbul to Bucharest or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Prefer to fly from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)? This hub offers direct flights from Istanbul to Bucharest, seamlessly connecting you to Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP).
From SAW, you can book a direct Istanbul to Bucharest plane ticket with Pegasus.
Make the most of your holiday with a stopover on your Istanbul to Bucharest flight. Visit friends or family or tick another city off your list. Whatever you'd like to do, check out these options between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Bucharest:
Sofia Airport (SOF)
Tirana International Airport (TIA)
Antalya Airport (AYT)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Istanbul to SAW in around 1 hour 30 minutes. The airport is roughly 31 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 55 minutes.
It's your holiday, so why not spend an extra night away from home? Think about checking in to one of these hotels near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport the day before your flight from Istanbul to Bucharest:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time performance of 76.93%. This figure gives an insight into how often flights that take off from this airport land on schedule.
Arriving in Bucharest
Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP)
Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) to central Bucharest takes around 35 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 16 kilometres away.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 35 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Istanbul to Bucharest. Reserve one of these accommodation options near OTP instead:
Travel at your own pace with a Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Klass Wagen, Pricecarz or Surprice and chase adventure across Bucharest and beyond.
Lock in the best possible rate by booking your ride from Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport about one week before your trip.
Best time to go to Bucharest
July is the busiest month for flights from Istanbul to Bucharest. To avoid the crowds, head to Bucharest in April.
Lock in an Istanbul to Bucharest ticket departing in August if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Bucharest to range from 17ºC (63ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
Search for cheap flights from Istanbul to Bucharest in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -9ºC (16ºF) and 8ºC (46ºF) on average.
More about Bucharest
Start your Bucharest trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Istanbul to Bucharest, check out our range of hotels including:
Museum of the Palace of the Parliament and Old Town are just two of the major attractions to put on your Bucharest itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Herastrau Park.
Explore more of Romania
Iasi is just one of the many cities in Romania waiting to be discovered once you've seen Bucharest. Around 322 kilometres to the north, popular attractions include Palace of Culture, Saint Nicholas Church and Golia Monastery.
If you're ready to explore another major destination in Romania, head for Cluj-Napoca, roughly 322 kilometres north-west of Bucharest. St. Michael's Church, Hoia Baciu Forest and Banffy Palace are key highlights.