Flying from King Khaled International Airport (RUH) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST): what you need to know
On average, direct flights from King Khaled International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport take 4 hours 25 minutes. Istanbul and Riyadh are in the same timezone (UTC+3), meaning you won't have to adjust your watch when you arrive.
Every week, there are 103 flights from King Khaled International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. The first departure from RUH to IST is at 00:40 and the latest is at 22:55.
Be prepared for longer lines during popular months such as July and other peak seasons. Arriving up to fours hours ahead of international flights and two hours for domestic departures will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
Saudia is your gateway to discovering Istanbul (and perhaps some other great parts of Türkiye (Turkey)!). Look through the direct flights from King Khaled International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport offered by this carrier.
To break up your flight from King Khaled International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, think about adding a stopover. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' and find a city that appeals to you. The most popular stopovers on the RUH - IST route are:
Cairo International Airport
Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport
Queen Alia International Airport
Before getting your cheap ticket from RUH to IST, check if you need a visa to enter Türkiye (Turkey). Travel document and visa requirements can vary and are updated frequently. For the most up-to-date information, contact the nearest consulate or embassy of the country you're flying to.
How to find the cheapest flights from King Khaled International Airport (RUH) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from King Khaled International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport is C$78. The cheapest price for a return flight is C$185. Bear in mind that fares may change due to demand when booking.
Score cheap flight tickets from RUH to IST by booking at least 8 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for landing a bargain.
Organize your trip for April. That's the cheapest month for flight tickets from King Khaled International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest airfare across every month.
Snapping up a cheap ticket from RUH to IST is easy with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as the price has dropped.
Tailor your trip using filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from King Khaled International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
Handy information about King Khaled International Airport (RUH)
King Khaled International Airport is approximately 40 kilometres from central Riyadh. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the center, it'll take 33 minutes or so to arrive, depending on the traffic.
Want a relaxed start to your journey? Stay near RUH. Whether you're boarding an early flight from King Khaled International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are perfect:
Arriving at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Reserve a hotel near IST if you're taking a late flight from King Khaled International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Pick one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Getting from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport is approximately 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. With a car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is around 50 minutes.
Traveling on public transport will take you around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
When to fly to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
August is the most popular month for flights from King Khaled International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. To escape the crowds, head to Istanbul in February.
When reserving your flight from King Khaled International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, think about the kind of weather you like. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with the temperature ranging from 20ºC to 30ºC.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from RUH to IST in January. Average temperatures are between 2ºC and 11ºC then.
More about Istanbul
After booking your flights from RUH to IST, you'll need to find somewhere to stay in Istanbul. Make one of these options your base for exploring this exciting destination:
Topkapi Palace and The Basilica Cistern are just two of the top attractions to add to your Istanbul itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Galata Tower.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is another international airport for traveling to and from Istanbul. It might even be a more convenient or cheaper option depending on your travel plans, so it's worth exploring further.
Complete your Istanbul trip with hotels and a car rental
Comparing flights is not the only thing we're good at. After booking your cheap ticket to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, explore our car rental deals that'll give you the flexibility and freedom to see the sights at your own pace. Then, take a look at our exclusive rates for hotels to find your ideal Istanbul stay.