Flying from Beijing to Istanbul: what you need to know
Start your holiday planning by considering where you'll board your flight from Beijing to Istanbul. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Daxing International Airport (PKX) are Beijing's main airports.
When it comes to choosing where to land in Istanbul, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are the chief entry points.
Around 10 hours 50 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct Beijing to Istanbul flight.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3, which is five hours behind Beijing.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are ten flights a week to choose from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Beijing to Istanbul is with Air China at 02:00. Go for the first PEK to IST departure with Turkish Airlines at 00:10 to make the most of your arrival in Istanbul.
For a stress-free start to your trip, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to catch your Beijing to Istanbul flight.
Flying during a peak time like April? School holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer queues at check-in and security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Beijing to Istanbul
Book two months before travelling. Research into pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap Beijing to Istanbul flights.
Plan your trip for May. That's the best month for landing a great bargain on plane tickets from Beijing to Istanbul. If your travel dates are not set in stone, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across every month.
You don't need to check every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll update you as soon as a better deal is available on cheap flights from Beijing to Istanbul.
Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Or sort your Beijing to Istanbul flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Beijing
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
If you're after a direct flight from Beijing to Istanbul, you can depart from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Get from PEK to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) in one seamless journey.
Check out the promotions with Turkish Airlines. This airline offers direct Beijing to Istanbul plane tickets out of PEK.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a travel break — and perhaps even explore a different city. When browsing Beijing to Istanbul flights leaving from Beijing Capital International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:
Almaty Airport (ALA)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Belgrad Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
PEK is around 26 kilometres from central Beijing. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 40 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions.
In search of a handy hotel near Beijing Capital International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Beijing to Istanbul, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure gate:
When it comes to Beijing Capital International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 79.67% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
You'll find PEK at Capital Airport Rd.
Daxing International Airport (PKX)
You can take a direct flight from Beijing to Istanbul out of Daxing International Airport (PKX). Start your journey at PKX and step off the plane at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
From PKX, you can book a direct Beijing to Istanbul plane ticket with China Southern Airlines.
Get the most out of your holiday with a stopover on your Beijing to Istanbul flight. Visit family or friends or tick another city off your list. Whatever you want to do, check out these stops between Daxing International Airport and Istanbul:
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Driving from central Beijing to PKX typically takes 1 hour 5 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. It's roughly 40 kilometres from the city centre to the airport.
Kick off your holiday early with an extra night away from home. Before your flight from Beijing to Istanbul, kick back in one of these hotels close to Daxing International Airport:
Daxing International Airport has a track record for punctuality. 88.83% of flights departing here keep to their planned arrival schedule.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is approximately 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 50 minutes.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Beijing to Istanbul, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these accommodation options near IST:
Hit the road running by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and experience the lesser-explored corners of Istanbul and beyond.
Booking your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks in advance can help you secure the lowest rate.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
After your flight from Beijing to Istanbul has hit the tarmac, you can get to the city centre in about 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is approximately 31 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
The trip will take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
There are some comfortable places to call home for the night near SAW. Tuck yourself in after your Beijing to Istanbul flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Forget about inconvenient public transport timetables or waiting in a long cab line. 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.
Snap up the best price by reserving your ride from SAW four weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
It's time to work out your trip dates for your flight from Beijing to Istanbul. April is the busiest month for a trip to Istanbul. If you like a more relaxed vibe, go in February.
When booking your Beijing to Istanbul tickets, think about the kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
For cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Beijing to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
After booking your flight from Beijing to Istanbul, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Istanbul:
All great holidays should include a little sightseeing. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are must-do's during your Istanbul adventure.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many cities in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be discovered after you've seen Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres to the east, check out popular attractions including 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 Konak Square.
