Flying from Reykjavik to Istanbul: what you need to know
Reykjavik's main base, Keflavik International Airport (KEF), is where countless incredible trips begin. Explore the options for leaving from here when booking your flight from Reykjavik to Istanbul.
When it comes to planning your arrival in Istanbul, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are the chief entry points.
To ensure you catch your flight from Reykjavik to Istanbul, leave plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Be prepared for bigger queues in popular months like July and other peak periods. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure is a smart move.
You won't need a visa for Türkiye (Turkey) if you have a passport from Iceland and are visiting for tourism purposes. Travel documentation and visa requirements are subject to changes or updates. So before locking in your cheap flights from Reykjavik to Istanbul, check with your airline and your destination country's local consulate or embassy for the latest information.
Flying from Reykjavik
Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
Consider adding a stopover to possibly find a cheaper flight from Reykjavik to Istanbul. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Keflavik International Airport. Break up the journey at one of these popular options:
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Dublin Airport (DUB)
Located around 48 kilometres from the centre of Reykjavik, KEF can be reached in approximately 49 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The same journey on public transport takes roughly 1 hour and 13 minutes.
Searching for a handy hotel close to Keflavik International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Reykjavik to Istanbul, these stays will have you sleeping moments from check-in:
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is about 50 minutes by car. It's approximately 48 kilometres away.
Getting to the centre on public transport typically takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel near IST if you have a late flight from Reykjavik to Istanbul. Choose one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Once your flight from Reykjavik to Istanbul has hit the tarmac, you can reach the city centre in about 57 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is approximately 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
Public transport will get you there in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
You'll find some cosy stays to park your luggage (and yourself) near SAW. Tuck yourself in after your flight from Reykjavik to Istanbul at one of these well-located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Reykjavik to Istanbul
$146 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Reykjavik to Istanbul. A return flight starts at $305. These prices can change depending on availability.
To get your hands on cheap tickets from Reykjavik to Istanbul, book early. Airlines tend to offer lower prices when flights are first made available.
If you can be flexible with your travel plans, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the lowest price in each month when looking for a ticket from Reykjavik to Istanbul.
Log into your online account or use the app to create a Price Alert. We'll notify you straight away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It doesn't take long, and it'll save you the hassle of checking for cheap tickets from Reykjavik to Istanbul every day.
Tailor your trip using filters. Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Reykjavik to Istanbul.
Best time to go to Istanbul
February is the quietest month for flights from Reykjavik to Istanbul, while August is the most popular. Figure out the ideal time to go to Istanbul based on whether you want a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Lock in your flights from Reykjavik to Istanbul in this month if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from Reykjavik to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Istanbul right here. Browse these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Reykjavik to Istanbul:
Every great journey has to include some sightseeing. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are must-visits when exploring Istanbul.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Reykjavik to Istanbul to track down deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and easily compare your options. Plus we give you all the info you need to drive in Istanbul, from the most popular car type to the average daily price.
