Traveling from Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST): what you need to know
A direct flight from Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport takes an average of 3 hours 16 minutes. The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3, so it's 30 minutes behind Tehran.
Each week, there are 125 flights from Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. The first flight from IKA to IST is at 01:15 and the latest is at 23:05.
Flying during a peak time such as July? Major public holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer queues and delays at checkpoints. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
Flying into Istanbul (and then exploring more of Türkiye (Turkey)!) is a breeze with Turkish Airlines. This popular airline runs direct flights from Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
We make it a cinch to get a flight with a stopover. To look at the options for flights from Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight with a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Popular stopovers between IKA and IST are:
Esenboga International Airport
Heydar Aliyev International Airport
Dubai Airport
To see if you need a visa to enter Türkiye (Turkey), check with your carrier and the local consulate or embassy. They'll give you the most up-to-date details, including other paperwork you may need after booking your cheap ticket from IKA to IST.
How to find the cheapest flights from Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport is C$159. For a return flight on this route, the best price is C$451. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares can change.
Score cheap flight tickets from IKA to IST by booking 8 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for picking up a bargain.
April is the cheapest month for flight tickets from Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. If you need to fly at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest airfares for each month.
Set up a Price Alert for cheap flight tickets from IKA to IST. There's no need to search every day to see whether prices have dropped. We'll let you know the moment the price changes.
Use filters to tailor your flights from Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Select your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to find the best deals.
Handy information about Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)
Imam Khomeini International Airport is about 56 kilometres from central Tehran. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the center, it'll take you 1 hour or so to get there, depending on the traffic.
Have an early flight from Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport? Stay at a hotel near IKA, like Remis Hotel. Rexan Hotel will also put you moments from your departure gate.
Arriving at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
If you're on a late flight from Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, nothing tops the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these options 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're catching a cab, the drive is around 50 minutes.
Getting there on public transport typically takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.
When to fly to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The quietest month for a flight from Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport is February, while August is the most popular. Pick the ideal time to go to Istanbul based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
When booking your flight from Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, consider the kind of weather you enjoy. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC to 30ºC.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from IKA to IST in January. Average temperatures are between 2ºC and 11ºC then.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip right by finding the perfect stay. After booking your flight from IKA to IST, have a look at our range of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are top attractions which should be on any well-planned Istanbul itinerary.
If you want more choice and flexibility when planning your journey, consider flying in or out of Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). This international airport is another good option for traveling to and from Istanbul.
Complete your Istanbul trip with hotels and a car rental
Comparing flights is not the only thing we do. Once you've booked your cheap ticket to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, explore our great car rental deals that'll give you the freedom to travel around at your own pace. Next, have a look at our exclusive rates for hotels to find the ideal Istanbul stay.
