Flying from Istanbul to Zurich Airport (ZRH): What you need to know
There are two main airports you can start your trip from in Istanbul. Check out your options departing from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when booking your flight from Istanbul to Zurich Airport (ZRH).
Expect to be travelling for 3 hours. That's the average duration of a direct Istanbul to Zurich Airport flight.
The timezone in Zurich is UTC+1, which is two hours behind Istanbul. Zurich Airport is located in Zurich.
Istanbul Airport (IST) to Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the most popular route. There are 31 direct weekly flights to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, hop on the last flight with Turkish Airlines at 9:15pm. Opt for the first IST to ZRH departure with Turkish Airlines at 7:30am if you're aiming for an earlier start.
To ensure you get on your flight from Istanbul to ZRH, 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.
Popular months like August or other peak seasons mean bigger queues and potential delays. Stay on schedule by arriving at the airport even earlier. Aim for at least four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul Airport (IST) is a convenient option for travelling directly to your destination. Nonstop flights from Istanbul to Zurich Airport (ZRH) take off from this terminal.
Turkish Airlines is a popular airline that operates direct flights from Istanbul to Zurich Airport taking off from IST.
Turkish Airlines is the airline most travellers choose for flights from IST to ZRH.
Located around 40 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul, IST can be reached in about 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
Want a relaxed start to your trip? Stay near Istanbul Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Istanbul to Zurich Airport or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are just what you're after:
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Consider starting your journey from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). You can book a direct Istanbul to Zurich Airport (ZRH) plane ticket from this popular hub.
Pegasus has direct flights from Istanbul to ZRH leaving from SAW. Book your favourite window seat and get to your destination in a single journey.
On the SAW to ZRH route, Pegasus Airlines is the top airline in terms of bookings.
Among the carriers operating flights between Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Zurich Airport, Pegasus Airlines has the best track record for timeliness.
Tick a new place off your list or just take some time to unwind with a stopover. If you'd like to split up your flight from Istanbul to Zurich Airport, here's where you can stop when setting off from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
SAW is about 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. It'll take 1 hour 5 minutes or so to get to the airport if you're driving from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your Istanbul to ZRH flight? Check in to a hotel near Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your trip officially begins. These stays are calling your name:
When it comes to flight punctuality, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 68%.
About Zurich Airport (ZRH)
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Istanbul to Zurich Airport. Get comfy at one of these accommodation options near ZRH instead:
Booking your ride around two weeks in advance of your Istanbul to Zurich Airport flight can help you find the best deal.
Getting from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to central Zurich
Central Zurich is around 11 kilometres from Zurich Airport and takes about 15 minutes to reach by car. Explore your options for getting into the city, whether that's with a car hire, taxi or ride-share.
It typically takes 10 minutes if you're using public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Zurich Airport (ZRH)
The cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Zurich Airport is ر.ق. 212. For a return flight on this route, the best price is ر.ق. 435. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares may change.
To snap up cheap flights from Istanbul to ZRH, book your plane ticket nine months before your planned departure.
Plan your trip for February. That's the best month for scoring an awesome deal on Istanbul to Zurich Airport tickets. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across every month.
You don't need to check back in every day to find out if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you as soon as there's a better deal on plane tickets from Istanbul to ZRH.
Filters make it easier to find a bargain for your flight from Istanbul to Zurich Airport. Choose the departure times, carriers and stops that line up with your plans. Then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to bring up the lowest fares right away.
The best time to fly from Istanbul to Zurich Airport (ZRH)
July is the busiest month for flights from Istanbul to Zurich Airport (ZRH). Plan your visit to Zurich in January if you prefer a quieter experience.
The warmest month in Zurich is July, with temperatures ranging between 10ºC and 27ºC. Lock in your Istanbul to ZRH plane ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
For cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from Istanbul to Zurich Airport in January when temperatures are between -6ºC and 7ºC.
More about Zurich
Start your Zurich trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Zurich Airport, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
All great holidays should include a little sightseeing. Bahnhofstrasse, Cirque du Soleil - Grand Chapiteau and Zurich Opera are must-do's during your Zurich adventure.
Explore more of Switzerland
You've seen Zurich, now it's time to explore other corners of Switzerland. Journey around 177 kilometres southwest to Lausanne to check off its must-visit sights. From Olympic Park to The Olympic Museum and Cathedrale de Lausanne, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Around 161 kilometres south of Zurich, Lugano is another favourite stop in Switzerland. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Lungolago di Lugano, Aussichtspunkt San Salvatore and LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura.
