Travelling from Istanbul to Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ): What you need to know
Istanbul is home to two main airports where you can start your adventure. Check out your options for booking a flight from Istanbul to Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ) flying out of Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
The average length of a direct Istanbul to Cluj-Napoca International Airport flight is 1 hour 40 minutes.
The timezone in Cluj-Napoca is UTC+2, which is one hour behind Istanbul. Cluj-Napoca International Airport is located in Cluj-Napoca.
You can pick from 8 direct services each week between Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ). This is the busiest route, with Turkish Airlines offering a 7:25am departure from IST to CLJ.
Give yourself enough time to make your flight from Istanbul to CLJ. As a general rule, turn up at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During high season, expect longer wait times and be there earlier. Aim for at least two hours ahead for domestic flights and as much as four hours for international journeys.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
You can hop on a direct flight from Istanbul to Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ) leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Turkish Airlines is a well-known airline that operates direct flights from Istanbul to Cluj-Napoca International Airport taking off from IST.
The majority of travellers choose to fly with Turkish Airlines between IST and CLJ.
IST is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Istanbul to Cluj-Napoca International Airport? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and get some bonus sleep) by picking one of these hotels close to Istanbul Ataturk Airport:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Cross another spot off your travel list or just take a moment to stretch your legs with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your flight from Istanbul to Cluj-Napoca International Airport, browse these options when leaving from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP)
Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY)
You can arrive at SAW from central Istanbul in approximately 55 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The ride by public transport will take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to cover the 48 kilometres or so.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before your Istanbul to CLJ flight? Relax in a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your adventure officially starts. These stays have your key waiting:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 76.93%. This figure shows how frequently flights that depart from this airport arrive on time.
About Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ)
Have a late flight from Istanbul to Cluj-Napoca International Airport? Don't let it leave you bleary-eyed. Stay at one of these hotels near CLJ and be in snooze mode sooner:
Travel at your own pace with a Cluj-Napoca International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Pricecarz, Klass Wagen or Surprice and see more of Cluj-Napoca and beyond.
Booking your vehicle around three weeks ahead of your Istanbul to Cluj-Napoca International Airport flight can help you get a cheaper deal.
Getting from Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ) to central Cluj-Napoca
The centre of Cluj-Napoca is roughly 5 kilometres from Cluj-Napoca International Airport. Journey times by car hire or cab will vary depending on traffic conditions, so do some research before you go.
It typically takes 35 minutes to get there using public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ)
R 1,022 is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Cluj-Napoca International Airport. A return flight starts at R 2,082. These prices may change depending on demand and availability.
To pick up cheap flights from Istanbul to CLJ, book in advance. Airlines generally offer lower fares when tickets are first released.
Cheap Istanbul to Cluj-Napoca International Airport tickets are easier to find when you have flexibility in your schedule. Use the 'Whole month' search function to compare fares across each month and then pick the cheapest day.
Save time looking for cheap plane tickets from Istanbul to CLJ by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Istanbul to Cluj-Napoca International Airport.
The best time to fly from Istanbul to Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ)
Think about the kind of holiday you want when deciding the best time to fly. February is the quietest month to go to Cluj-Napoca. August is when most people book flights from Istanbul to Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ), which may be ideal if you're chasing more excitement.
Lock in an Istanbul to CLJ plane ticket departing in August if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Cluj-Napoca to range from 13ºC (55ºF) to 27ºC (81ºF).
January has temperatures of between -10ºC (14ºF) and 5ºC (41ºF). Search for cheap tickets from Istanbul to Cluj-Napoca International Airport around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Cluj-Napoca
Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Cluj-Napoca International Airport, find a hotel that offers a good mix of location and comfort. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Cluj-Napoca:
Your Cluj-Napoca visit should come with a side of sightseeing. Leading attractions that belong on your itinerary include Târgul de Crăciun, St. Michael's Church and Museum Square.
Explore more of Romania
Timisoara is just one of the many cities in Romania waiting to be discovered once you've taken in the sights of Cluj-Napoca. Around 225 kilometres away to the south-west, check out popular attractions including Timișoara, Timisoara Historical Centre and St. George's Cathedral.
Around 274 kilometres south of Cluj-Napoca, Craiova is another essential stop in Romania. Start your sightseeing at Craiova Botanical Garden, Nicolae Romanescu Park and Craiova's Art Museum.
