Flying from Johannesburg to Istanbul: what you need to know
Planning your trip begins with working out where you'll leave from in Johannesburg. Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport (JNB) is the city's main base, so explore your options for reserving a flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul taking off from here.
When it comes to working out where to arrive in Istanbul, Istanbul Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW) are the chief entry points.
Around 9 hours 50 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct Johannesburg to Istanbul flight.
Istanbul's timezone is UTC+3, which makes Istanbul one hour ahead of Johannesburg.
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport (JNB) to Istanbul Airport (IST) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are seven flights a week to choose from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul is with Turkish Airlines at 19:15. Opt for the first JNB to IST departure with Turkish Airlines at 17:50 to make the most of your arrival in Istanbul.
To ensure you catch your Johannesburg to Istanbul flight, leave enough time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Flying during a peak month like April? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer lines and delays at security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Johannesburg to Istanbul
Currently, R 5,695 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Johannesburg to Istanbul. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 9,889. Keep in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Get cheap Johannesburg to Istanbul flights by booking 11 months ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for bagging a bargain.
Plan your trip for April. That's the best month for scoring great bargains on plane tickets from Johannesburg to Istanbul. If your travel dates are not set in stone, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across every month.
You don't need to search every day to see if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll update you the moment a better deal is available on cheap flights from Johannesburg to Istanbul.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' Johannesburg to Istanbul flights.
Flying from Johannesburg
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport (JNB)
Set out from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport (JNB) on a nonstop flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul. From JNB, you can fly directly to Istanbul Airport (IST).
Turkish Airlines is a well-known carrier that offers direct Johannesburg to Istanbul plane tickets leaving from JNB.
We make it a breeze to book a Johannesburg to Istanbul flight with a stopover. To see the options leaving from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight offering a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Some popular stopovers include:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Cairo Airport (CAI)
JNB is around 23 kilometres from central Johannesburg. If you're ride-sharing, catching a taxi or driving from the centre, it'll take 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the journey time to be around 35 minutes.
Want a hassle-free start to your break? Stay near Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Of the departures from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport, 75% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul Airport (IST) is approximately 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes around 45 minutes.
It typically takes 1 hour 10 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul. Stay at one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Follow your own route with a Istanbul Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and see more of Istanbul and beyond.
To lock in the lowest price, book your ride from Istanbul Airport about two weeks in advance of your Johannesburg to Istanbul flight.
Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW)
Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW) is around 31 kilometres from central Istanbul. Once you've disembarked your flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul, it takes approximately 1 hour 5 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a taxi or ride-share.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 1 hour 40 minutes or so.
After your flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul, rest your head at a hotel near SAW. These are some great options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make picking up a Istanbul Sabiha Airport rental car quick and easy. These providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Get the lowest price by reserving your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
August is the busiest month for flights from Johannesburg to Istanbul. To steer clear of the crowds, head to Istanbul in March.
When booking your Johannesburg to Istanbul tickets, consider the weather you're most comfortable in. July is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC (70ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
If you want cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul, check out our range of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Hagia Sophia, Historic Areas of Istanbul and Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum are popular attractions which should be on any good Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've visited Istanbul, now it's time to explore more of Türkiye (Turkey). Journey around 354 kilometres east to Ankara to tick off its popular sights. From The Roman Theatre to Kocatepe Mosque and Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, your itinerary will be busy.
Around 322 kilometres southwest of Istanbul, Izmir is another essential stop in Türkiye (Turkey). No visit is complete without checking out Aegean Coast, Smyrna Basilika and Ataturk Konak Square.
