Travelling from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) to Istanbul: what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from Keflavik International Airport to Istanbul is 5 hours 55 minutes.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is three hours ahead of Reykjavik, where Keflavik International Airport is located.
The busiest route is from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Take your pick of two services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to get on your way as soon as possible, the earliest flight from KEF to IST is the 15:25 Icelandair service. If you prefer to travel later, the last departure is at 15:25 with Icelandair.
Leave plenty of time to make your KEF to Istanbul flight. It's generally best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're flying during a bank holiday or another peak period, allow extra time. A good rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Check-in and security lines will be longer.
Start your journey at KEF and travel straight to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). That will be your arrival point when searching for Keflavik International Airport to Istanbul tickets.
Icelandair is a leading airline that operates direct flights from Keflavik International Airport to Istanbul.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a break from travelling and possibly even visit a new city. When searching for flight tickets from KEF to Istanbul, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Travelling from central Reykjavik to KEF takes around 1 hour 15 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 40 kilometres in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want a leisurely start to your travels? Stay near KEF. Whether you're catching an early flight from Keflavik International Airport to Istanbul or don't want departure day to feel hectic, these hotels are just the thing:
66.96% of flights taking off from Keflavik International Airport reach their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) to Istanbul
R 1,719 is currently the best price for a one-way Keflavik International Airport to Istanbul flight. Return flight tickets start at R 3,450. These fares may change based on availability and demand.
Book six months before you travel. Pricing trends show that this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from KEF to Istanbul.
Plan your trip for October. That's the best month for landing an incredible deal on Keflavik International Airport to Istanbul tickets. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to access the lowest price across each month.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from KEF to Istanbul by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Save money on your flight from Keflavik International Airport to Istanbul with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The distance from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres. It'll take you about 50 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Getting there by public transport typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes.
Think about booking a hotel close to IST if you're coming in on a late flight from Keflavik International Airport to Istanbul. Settle into one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Pick up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and explore Istanbul and beyond with your own wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are popular outlets you can book with here.
Lock in the best deal by reserving your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks ahead of your flight from KEF to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Central Istanbul is around 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). After your flight from Keflavik International Airport to Istanbul has hit the runway and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 55 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre takes 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your KEF to Istanbul flight:
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent and set off in the blink of an eye.
Don't pay more than you need to. Booking your ride four weeks before your arrival at SAW will help you save.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Visit Istanbul during high season if you want a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are generally higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Keflavik International Airport to Istanbul in the low season when prices are cheaper and it's less crowded.
Book a Keflavik International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket with a departure in August if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
Look for cheap tickets from KEF to Istanbul in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF) on average.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Keflavik International Airport to Istanbul, check out our range of hotels including:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are must-visits when exploring Istanbul.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've seen Istanbul, now it's time to discover other parts of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel around 354 kilometres east to Ankara to check off its popular sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, your itinerary will be busy.
If there's time to check out another corner of Türkiye (Turkey), consider Izmir, about 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak are highlights.