Travelling from Chania International Airport (CHQ) to Istanbul: what you need to know
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is one hour ahead of Chania, where Chania International Airport is located.
To avoid missing your CHQ to Istanbul flight, leave enough time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
If you're heading away during a major holiday or another peak period, give yourself extra time. A good rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Security and check-in lines will be longer.
We make it easy to book flight tickets from CHQ to Istanbul with a stopover. To see your options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, choose a flight with a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Major stopovers include:
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP)
CHQ is around 11 kilometres from central Chania. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take 25 minutes or so to arrive, depending on the traffic.
Have an early flight from Chania International Airport to Istanbul? Avoid rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these hotels near CHQ:
Chania International Airport gets high marks for its on-time performance. 91.98% of flights that take off from CHQ arrive at their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chania International Airport (CHQ) to Istanbul
ر.ق. 245 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Chania International Airport to Istanbul flight. A round-trip ticket right now is ر.ق. 489. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares may change.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to securing a cheap flight from CHQ to Istanbul. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the closer your departure date, the more you'll likely spend.
If you have flexibility with your travel plans, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll find the lowest price across every month when looking for your Chania International Airport to Istanbul ticket.
Picking up a cheap flight from CHQ to Istanbul is easy with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know when a better deal is available.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Chania International Airport to Istanbul.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The distance from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres. It takes about 50 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Getting there by public transport will take you around 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Chania International Airport to Istanbul. Reserve one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Grab an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and discover Istanbul and beyond with your own set of wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are popular providers to choose from here.
For the best deal, book your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks ahead of your flight from CHQ to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. Following your flight from Chania International Airport to Istanbul, it'll take you around 55 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre takes 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near SAW. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your CHQ to Istanbul flight:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or cab lines. Pick up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Compare rates and availability from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Get the lowest price by booking your ride from SAW four weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Before booking your flights from Chania International Airport to Istanbul, consider which time of year is best for you. High season in Istanbul offers a lively atmosphere and plenty to do, while the off-season brings cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Lock in your Chania International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
For cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from CHQ to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Chania International Airport to Istanbul, browse our range of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are leading attractions which should be on any well-planned Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've done Istanbul, now it's time to discover other corners of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel around 354 kilometres east to Ankara to check off its must-visit sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
If you're ready to explore another major stop in Türkiye (Turkey), head for Izmir, roughly 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak are among the biggest draws.
