Travelling from Belfast to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST): what you need to know
Start your travel planning by considering where you'll catch your flight from Belfast to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Belfast International Airport (BFS) and George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) are the two main airports in Belfast.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located in Istanbul. The city operates in the UTC+3 timezone and is 3 hours ahead of Belfast.
To ensure you get on your flight from Belfast to IST, leave enough time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
During popular months such as August, you'll want to get to the airport well in advance. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for an international flight when you fly during high season in general.
Airports in Belfast
Belfast International Airport (BFS)
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your trip — and maybe even explore another city. When searching for flights from Belfast to IST departing from Belfast International Airport (BFS), deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Top options include:
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Vaclav Havel Airport Prague Airport (PRG)
Geneve Airport (GVA)
The distance from central Belfast to BFS is roughly 32 kilometres. Check out travel apps like Google Maps for the quickest way to get there, whether that's in your own car or with public transport.
In search of a convenient hotel close to Belfast International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Belfast to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, these accommodation options will have you moments from your departure gate:
George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to refresh yourself with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your flight from Belfast to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, browse these options when departing from George Best Belfast City Airport:
Birmingham International Airport (BHX)
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Geneve Airport (GVA)
BHD is about 8 kilometres from central Belfast. It takes 12 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 22 minutes.
It's your holiday, so why not spend an extra night away from home? Consider checking in to one of these accommodation options near George Best Belfast City Airport the day before your flight from Belfast to IST:
About Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
If you have a late flight from Belfast to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these hotels near IST:
Getting from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport is approximately 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. With your own car rental or if you take a cab, the drive is about 50 minutes.
Getting to the centre on public transport takes roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Belfast to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Lock in a one-way ticket from Belfast to Istanbul Ataturk Airport from P4,640 or travel return from just P10,938. Fares listed are subject to change and may differ when you make your booking.
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to get cheap tickets from Belfast to IST if you book ahead. Airlines often have some excellent early bird rates.
Use the 'Whole month' search tool to compare the prices of tickets from Belfast to Istanbul Ataturk Airport across each month. The lowest fares are marked in green, so you can easily find a flight your budget will love.
Set up a Price Alert for cheap tickets from Belfast to IST. There's no need to search every day to see whether fares have dropped. We'll notify you as soon as the price changes.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Belfast to Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
The best time to fly from Belfast to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
August is the most popular month to board a flight from Belfast to Istanbul Ataturk Airport while February is the quietest. To work out the ideal time to visit Istanbul, consider whether you like a lively atmosphere or a quieter vibe.
Think about the kind of weather that'll work with your plans for Istanbul. August is known as the warmest month. Book your flights from Belfast to IST sometime then and you can expect temperatures of between 20ºC and 30ºC.
Travel in January if you want cooler conditions. Average temperatures range between 2ºC and 11ºC. However, this city promises a good time whenever you book your cheap flights from Belfast to Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Istanbul right here. Check out these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Belfast to Istanbul Ataturk Airport:
One of the best ways to get to know Istanbul is to visit its top sights. Highlights include Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
Grab the keys to one of our car rentals in Istanbul and explore on your own terms. Easily compare prices from trusted providers in one place after booking your hotel and cheap flights from Belfast to Istanbul Ataturk Airport.