Flying from Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Take a direct flight from Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul and you'll be travelling for an average of 3 hours 15 minutes.
Imam Khomeini International Airport is located in Tehran. Following the UTC+3 timezone, Istanbul is 30 minutes behind Tehran.
With 91 weekly flights between the two airports, Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route. Turkish Airlines operates the earliest flight at 01:40. If you prefer to get more out of your day before leaving, the last flight from IKA to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 23:10.
Leave enough time to make your IKA to Istanbul flight. As a general rule, turn up at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're flying during a major holiday or another peak period, allow extra time. A good rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Security and check-in lines will be longer.
Direct Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul tickets are available for booking. Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is where you'll step off the plane.
A number of airlines offer direct flights from Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul. Some of the most popular are:
Consider adding a stopover to potentially score a cheaper flight ticket from IKA to Istanbul. All you need to do is deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular options:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Esenboga International Airport (ESB)
Central Tehran to IKA is around 40 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take you about 1 hour to get there if you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing.
Need a convenient place to stay before your flight from Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul? Remis Hotel and Rexan Hotel are close to IKA. They're an especially good choice if you're jetting out early.
When it comes to Imam Khomeini International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 69.19% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) to Istanbul
ر.ق. 280 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul flight. A return ticket right now is ر.ق. 466. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares could change.
To pick up cheap flights from IKA to Istanbul, book as early as you can. Airlines generally offer their most competitively priced fares when tickets first go on sale.
If you have flexibility with your travel plans, check out the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the cheapest price across each month when searching for your Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul ticket.
You don't need to check in daily to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll update you as soon as there's an even bigger deal on cheap flights from IKA to Istanbul.
Find a cheap flight from Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul with the help of our filters. Select your ideal duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to the centre of Istanbul takes about 50 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 48 kilometres away.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of 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 Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul. Check in to one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Follow your own route with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and venture far and wide through Istanbul and beyond.
Booking your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks before your flight from IKA to Istanbul can help you get the best possible rate.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
The centre of Istanbul is located around 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). After your flight from Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul has hit the runway and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should be around 55 minutes.
The trip will take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your IKA to Istanbul flight:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make picking up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car easy and quick. These providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Reserving your ride four weeks before your arrival at SAW can land you a better rate.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Before securing your flights from Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul, consider which time of year is best for you. Peak season in Istanbul offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of things to do, while the off-season means you'll get cheaper hotel rates and smaller crowds.
When booking your Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket, think about the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC to 30ºC.
For cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from IKA to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Imam Khomeini International Airport to Istanbul, explore our selection of hotels including:
All great holidays should include some sightseeing. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are essential stops on your Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Istanbul has its own special appeal, but there are so many other corners of Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be explored. About 354 kilometres east of Istanbul, a trip to Ankara will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with attractions like Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another favourite stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.
