Travelling from Istanbul to Tokyo: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports to choose from in Istanbul. Explore your options leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when searching for a flight from Istanbul to Tokyo.
Arrive in Tokyo at Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT).
Around 11 hours 15 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct Istanbul to Tokyo flight.
Tokyo's timezone is UTC+9, which makes Tokyo six hours ahead of Istanbul.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to {"defaultCase":"Haneda Airport","accusativeCase":"Haneda Airport","nominativeCase":"Haneda Airport","dativeCase":"Haneda Airport"} (HND) is the busiest route. When searching for your flight from Istanbul to Tokyo, you can select from 12 services a week between IST and HND.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your Istanbul to Tokyo flight.
Flying over a peak time like April? Major public holidays and other high seasons can mean longer queues at security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Tokyo
Score cheap Istanbul to Tokyo flights by booking one month ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time frame for finding the biggest deals.
Plan your trip for April. That's the best month for scoring a great bargain on plane tickets from Istanbul to Tokyo. If you have flexibility with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Istanbul to Tokyo by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when fares go down.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' Istanbul to Tokyo flights.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Begin your trip at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST), which offers a range of direct flights from Istanbul to Tokyo. From IST, you can fly seamlessly to Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT).
Lock in your Istanbul to Tokyo plane tickets with Turkish Airlines. This carrier is a top choice for direct flights from IST.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a travel break — and maybe even tour another city. When browsing Istanbul to Tokyo flights departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Top options include:
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
IST is around 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Want a leisurely start to your trip? Stay near Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Istanbul to Tokyo or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Break up your Istanbul to Tokyo flight with a stop so you can recharge or perhaps go somewhere you've never been before. Top stopovers between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Tokyo are:
Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC)
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Istanbul to SAW in around 1 hour 30 minutes. The airport is roughly 31 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 55 minutes.
It's your holiday, so why not enjoy an additional night away? Consider checking in to one of these accommodation options near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport the day before your flight from Istanbul to Tokyo:
76.93% of flights leaving Sabiha Gokcen International Airport stick to their scheduled arrival time.
Arriving in Tokyo
Haneda Airport (HND)
Haneda Airport (HND) to central Tokyo takes around 15 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 14 kilometres away.
Consider staying in a hotel close to HND if you have a late flight from Istanbul to Tokyo. Settle into one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Explore without limits with a Haneda Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Europcar, Nissan Rent a Car or Times and venture far and wide through Tokyo and beyond.
To secure the lowest price, reserve your ride from Haneda Airport about three weeks ahead of your Istanbul to Tokyo flight.
You'll find HND at 3丁目 Hanedakuko, Ota.
Narita International Airport (NRT)
After your flight from Istanbul to Tokyo has hit the runway, you can make your way to the city centre in about 1 hour by car. Central Tokyo is approximately 56 kilometres from Narita International Airport (NRT).
After your flight from Istanbul to Tokyo, settle in at a hotel near NRT. These are some comfortable options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or waiting forever for a cab. Grab a Narita International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Compare availability and rates from Airport Car Hire, JDM Rent a car and Miki Car Hire.
Get first dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from NRT four weeks in advance often means more savings and a greater range of vehicles.
You'll find Narita International Airport at 成田空港第2PTB(バス), Narita.
Best time to go to Tokyo
April is the most popular month for flights from Istanbul to Tokyo. To escape the crowds, head to Tokyo in February.
Lock in an Istanbul to Tokyo ticket departing in August if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Tokyo to range from 26ºC (79ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
February has average temperatures of between 15ºC (59ºF) and 20ºC (68ºF). Search for cheap flights from Istanbul to Tokyo around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Tokyo
Start your Tokyo trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Tokyo, check out our range of hotels including:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be hard to work out where to begin. Tokyo Tower, Senso-ji Temple Yogodo and Mag's Park Rooftop Shibuya Crossing are popular attractions which should feature on every Tokyo itinerary.
Explore more of Japan
You've visited Tokyo, now it's time to discover more of Japan. Journey about 31 kilometres south-west to Yokohama to tick off its popular sights. From Teishoin to Seya Christian Church and Banfukuji, your itinerary will be busy.
Around 402 kilometres west of Tokyo, Osaka is another essential stop in Japan. Experience major highlights starting with Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and Universal Studios Japan.