Travelling from New York to Istanbul: what you need to know
When looking for a flight from New York to Istanbul, there's a good selection of airports you can jet off from. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) are some of New York's main terminals.
When planning your arrival in Istanbul, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are the primary gateways.
Around 9 hours 45 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct New York to Istanbul flight.
Istanbul's timezone is UTC+3, making Istanbul seven hours ahead of New York.
With 23 weekly flights between the two airports, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route. Hop on the earliest flight from New York to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines at 00:10. If you'd like to get more out of your day before taking off, the last departure from JFK to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 20:45.
Give yourself plenty of time to make your New York to Istanbul flight. As a general rule, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Peak months like July or high seasons such as Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year will mean bigger queues at security and check-in. If you're travelling then, play it safe and head to the airport even earlier. Arriving two hours before a domestic flight and four hours ahead of international departures is a smart idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from New York to Istanbul
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap New York to Istanbul flights if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some amazing early bird rates.
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll give you the lowest price in every month when searching for your plane ticket from New York to Istanbul.
Finding a cheap flight from New York to Istanbul is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when there's a better deal.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' New York to Istanbul flights.
Flying from New York
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on a nonstop flight from New York to Istanbul. From JFK, you can fly directly to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Turkish Airlines is a popular carrier that offers direct New York to Istanbul plane tickets leaving from JFK.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a break from travelling — and possibly even explore a different city. When browsing New York to Istanbul flights leaving from John F. Kennedy International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
The journey from central New York to JFK takes around 1 hour 20 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 19 kilometres in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Planning to catch an early flight from New York to Istanbul? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to John F. Kennedy International Airport:
74.1% of flights taking off from John F. Kennedy International Airport reach their destination on schedule.
You'll find JFK at JFK Airport.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
You can catch a nonstop flight from New York to Istanbul departing from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Kick off your travels at EWR and touch down at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
From EWR, you can lock in a direct New York to Istanbul plane ticket with Turkish Airlines.
Make the most of your vacation with a stopover on your New York to Istanbul flight. Visit friends or family or cross another city off your list. Whatever you want to do, check out these options between Newark Liberty International Airport and Istanbul:
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
With public transport, you can travel from central New York to EWR in around 1 hour 10 minutes. The terminal is roughly 14 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 30 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before boarding your flight from New York to Istanbul? Check in to a hotel near Newark Liberty International Airport before your trip officially starts. These stays are calling your name:
Newark Liberty International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 73.3%. This figure reflects how frequently flights that depart from this airport arrive at their destination on time.
EWR is located at Building 1, Conrad Road.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Book a ticket from New York to Istanbul out of LaGuardia Airport (LGA) with a stop or two. Popular stopovers between LGA and Istanbul include:
Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Logan International Airport (BOS)
From the centre of New York, LGA is around 13 kilometres away. It'll take you roughly 25 minutes to arrive by car and 1 hour or so if you take public transport.
Relax in bed for a little longer and still make your New York to Istanbul flight with time to spare. These accommodation options near LaGuardia Airport make departure day a breeze if you're flying out first thing:
With 80.0% of its departing flights arriving as planned, LGA is a dependable starting point for your trip.
The address of LaGuardia Airport is Hangar 7 Centre.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is approximately 32 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 50 minutes.
Travelling to the centre on public transport takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from New York to Istanbul, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these accommodation options near IST:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car to explore Istanbul and beyond.
Lock in the best possible rate by reserving your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks in advance of your trip.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is about 31 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. Following your flight from New York to Istanbul, it'll take you approximately 55 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near SAW. Here are a few options where you can kick back after your flight from New York to Istanbul:
No time to waste? The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent and get going in the blink of an eye.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Securing your ride from SAW four weeks in advance often means better prices and a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
April is the most popular month for flights from New York to Istanbul. To escape the crowds, visit Istanbul in February.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC (68ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Lock in your New York to Istanbul ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
If you want cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from New York to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Istanbul right here. Explore these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from New York to Istanbul:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are popular attractions which should be on any well-planned Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've seen Istanbul, now it's time to explore other corners of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel about 354 kilometres east to Ankara to check off its top attractions. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another favourite stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Start your sightseeing at Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square.
