Flying from Bangkok to Istanbul: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your journey from in Bangkok. Check out your options departing from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) when organizing your flight from Bangkok to Istanbul.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's major gateways.
Take a direct Bangkok to Istanbul flight and you'll be in the air for an average of 10 hours 30 minutes.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3, which is four hours behind Bangkok.
The most popular route for flights from Bangkok to Istanbul is from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). You can select from 26 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to be on your way as soon as possible, the earliest flight from BKK to IST is the 06:20 Turkish Airlines option. If you prefer travelling later, the last departure is at 23:45 with Thai Airways International.
Give yourself enough time to catch your Bangkok to Istanbul flight. Generally, it's best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You can expect longer queues in popular months like July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a smart move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Bangkok to Istanbul
To pick up cheap Bangkok to Istanbul flights, book ahead. Airlines usually offer their most competitively priced fares when tickets first go on sale.
Finding cheap plane tickets from Bangkok to Istanbul is easy if you can be flexible with your travel dates. Use the 'Whole month' tool to see the best prices across every month and score a fantastic deal.
Getting a cheap flight from Bangkok to Istanbul couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as the price has dropped.
Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Bangkok to Istanbul flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Bangkok
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Set out from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) on a nonstop flight from Bangkok to Istanbul. From BKK, you can fly straight to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Turkish Airlines is a well-known carrier that offers direct Bangkok to Istanbul plane tickets from BKK.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to take a travel break — and perhaps even visit a new city. When browsing Bangkok to Istanbul flights leaving from Suvarnabhumi Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
The journey from central Bangkok to BKK takes about 1 hour 5 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 27 kilometres in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Planning to catch an early flight from Bangkok to Istanbul? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels close to Suvarnabhumi Airport:
67.87% of flights that depart Suvarnabhumi Airport land at their destination on schedule.
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Make the most of your vacation with a stopover on your Bangkok to Istanbul flight. Visit family or friends or tick another city off your list. Whatever you'd like to do, check out these stops between Don Mueang International Airport and Istanbul:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
DMK is about 21 kilometres from central Bangkok. It'll take 30 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour 5 minutes.
It's your vacation, so why not spend an extra night away? Think about checking in to one of these accommodation options near Don Mueang International Airport the day before your flight from Bangkok to Istanbul:
Don Mueang International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 66.48%. This figure gives an insight into how frequently flights departing from this airport make it to their destination on schedule.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The distance from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is approximately 32 kilometres. It takes around 50 minutes to get to the centre driving.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel close to IST if you have a late flight from Bangkok to Istanbul. Choose one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
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 deal by booking your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks ahead of your trip.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
The centre of Istanbul is around 31 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Once your flight from Bangkok to Istanbul has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should be around 55 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
There are some great places to call home for the night near SAW. Unwind after your Bangkok to Istanbul flight at one of these well-located options:
Forget about inconvenient public transport timetables or long cab lines. Pick up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and take your journey in whatever direction you like. Compare rates and availability from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Securing your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at SAW will help you stay within budget.
Best time to go to Istanbul
It's time to pick your trip dates for your flight from Bangkok to Istanbul. April is the busiest month for a trip to Istanbul. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, go in February.
When booking your Bangkok to Istanbul tickets, consider the weather you're most comfortable in. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
Search for cheap flights from Bangkok to Istanbul in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF) on average.
More about Istanbul
Once you've booked your flight from Bangkok to Istanbul, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these options your base for exploring Istanbul:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be tricky to know where to begin. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are highlights which should be on any good Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've seen Istanbul, now it's time to discover other corners of Türkiye (Turkey). Journey about 354 kilometres east to Ankara to check off its top sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, your itinerary will be busy.
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.