Travelling from Tokyo to Istanbul: what you need to know
Start your holiday planning by considering where you'll catch your flight from Tokyo to Istanbul. Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT) are the main airports in Tokyo.
Arrive in Istanbul at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
The average duration of a direct Tokyo to Istanbul flight is 13 hours 25 minutes.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3, which is six hours behind Tokyo.
With 12 weekly flights between the two airports, Haneda Airport (HND) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the busiest route. Board the earliest flight from Tokyo to Istanbul with ANA at 08:15. If you'd like to get more out of your day before you fly, the latest departure from HND to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 22:05.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to board your Tokyo to Istanbul flight.
During popular months like June, it's best to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight when you fly during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tokyo to Istanbul
ر.ق. 918 is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Tokyo to Istanbul. Return flights start at ر.ق. 1,837. These fares may change based on demand and availability.
Book two months before you travel. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Tokyo to Istanbul flights.
Organise your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Tokyo to Istanbul. If you're flexible on when you fly, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across each month.
Finding a cheap flight from Tokyo to Istanbul is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when the price has dropped.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Tokyo to Istanbul flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Tokyo
Haneda Airport (HND)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Tokyo to Istanbul, you can leave from Haneda Airport (HND). Get from HND to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) without making any stops.
Keep an eye out for promotions with Turkish Airlines. This carrier offers direct Tokyo to Istanbul plane tickets out of HND.
We make it a cinch to book a Tokyo to Istanbul flight with a stopover. To see your options leaving from Haneda Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight with a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Some popular stopovers include:
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
To get to HND from central Tokyo, it'll take around 15 minutes if you're planning to drive. It's roughly 14 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
In search of a handy hotel near Haneda Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Tokyo to Istanbul, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from your departure lounge:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Haneda Airport, data shows 73.52% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
You'll find HND at 3丁目 Hanedakuko, Ota.
Narita International Airport (NRT)
You can take a direct flight from Tokyo to Istanbul leaving from Narita International Airport (NRT). Begin your travels at NRT and come in for landing at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
You can book a direct Tokyo to Istanbul plane ticket with Turkish Airlines. This is one of the top carriers operating this route out of NRT.
Visit family or friends or just take a moment to recharge with a stopover. If you'd like to split up your Tokyo to Istanbul flight, here's where you can stop when departing from Narita International Airport:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Driving from central Tokyo to NRT usually takes 1 hour, depending on traffic. It's around 64 kilometres from the city centre to the airport.
It's your holiday, so why not extend it with an extra night away from home? Think about kicking back in one of these accommodation options near Narita International Airport the day before your flight from Tokyo to Istanbul:
70% of flights out of Narita International Airport make it to their destination as expected.
NRT is located at 成田空港第2PTB(バス), Narita.
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.
It usually takes 1 hour 45 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Tokyo to Istanbul. Stay at one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Hit the road running by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and explore beyond Istanbul's main sights.
Reserving your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks ahead gives you the best chance of locking in a great deal.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is around 31 kilometres from central Istanbul. Following your flight from Tokyo to Istanbul, it'll take you approximately 55 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
Public transport will get you there in around 1 hour 30 minutes.
You'll find some comfortable places to lay your head close to SAW. Kick back after your Tokyo to Istanbul flight at one of these well-located options:
Forget about public transport schedules or cab lines. Pick up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and let the journey unfold your way. Check out the availability and rates from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Get exactly what you want. Reserving your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time often means better deals and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
April is the most popular month for flights from Tokyo to Istanbul. To steer clear of the crowds, head to Istanbul in February.
Book a Tokyo to Istanbul ticket departing in August if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Istanbul to range from 20ºC to 30ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Tokyo to Istanbul in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC and 11ºC on average.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Istanbul right here. Check out these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Tokyo to Istanbul:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be tricky to know where to start. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are highlights which should feature on every Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've done Istanbul, now it's time to discover other parts of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel about 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, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
If you're looking to explore another major stop in Türkiye (Turkey), consider Izmir, roughly 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square are key highlights.
