Travelling from Hamad International Airport (DOH) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct flight from Hamad International Airport to Istanbul.
Istanbul's timezone is UTC+3, which is the same as Doha (the location of Hamad International Airport).
With 30 weekly flights between the two airports, Hamad International Airport (DOH) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the busiest route. Turkish Airlines operates the earliest flight at 01:45. If you'd like to get more out of your day before leaving, the latest departure from DOH to IST is with Qatar Airways at 14:20.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to catch your DOH to Istanbul flight.
Longer lines at check-in and security are likely if you're heading away during high season, so allow a bit more breathing room. A good general rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Direct Hamad International Airport to Istanbul tickets are available for booking. Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) will be your arrival point.
Choose from a variety of carriers operating direct flights from Hamad International Airport to Istanbul. Book your journey with one of these:
Think about adding a stopover to potentially score a cheaper flight ticket from DOH to Istanbul. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these connection hubs:
Antalya Airport (AYT)
Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
Travelling from central Doha to DOH takes around 40 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 8 kilometres in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Booked an early flight from Hamad International Airport to Istanbul? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these hotels near DOH:
83.59% of flights leaving Hamad International Airport land at their destination as planned. Given its strong on-time stats, you're unlikely to face delays when flying out of DOH.
How to find the cheapest flights from Hamad International Airport (DOH) to Istanbul
ر.ق. 338 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way Hamad International Airport to Istanbul flight. A round-trip ticket right now is ر.ق. 702. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares may change.
Don't leave everything to the last minute. You're more likely to land cheap flights from DOH to Istanbul if you book early. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird deals.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Hamad International Airport to Istanbul across the entire month. It's a great way to snap up a bargain if your travel plans aren't set in stone.
You don't need to keep looking every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know when there's an extra saving on cheap flights from DOH to Istanbul.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Hamad International Airport to Istanbul.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 50 minutes.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Hamad International Airport to Istanbul. Stay at one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
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.
Booking your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks in advance of your flight from DOH to Istanbul can help you get the best possible rate.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
After your flight from Hamad International Airport to Istanbul has hit the runway, you can reach the city centre in around 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your DOH to Istanbul flight:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Grab your 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 deals and a wider choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Travel to Istanbul during the high season if you prefer a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are generally higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Hamad International Airport to Istanbul in the off-season when prices are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Book your Hamad International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
January has average temperatures of between 2ºC and 11ºC. Look for a cheap ticket from DOH to Istanbul around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Hamad International Airport to Istanbul, check out our selection of hotels including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be tricky to work out where to start. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are major attractions which should be on any well-planned Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many places in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be discovered after you've experienced Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres away to the east, top sights here include Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another essential stop in Türkiye (Turkey). No visit is complete without checking out Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.
