Travelling from Philadelphia to Istanbul: what you need to know
Planning your holiday begins with working out where you'll fly out of in Philadelphia. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the city's main airport, so check out your options for booking a flight from Philadelphia to Istanbul departing from here.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's major gateways.
For hassle-free travel, 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 flight from Philadelphia to Istanbul.
Travelling over a peak time such as August? Public holidays and other high seasons can mean longer lines at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
You won't need a visa for Türkiye (Turkey) if you hold a passport from United States and are visiting for tourism purposes. Visa and travel documentation requirements are subject to changes. So before organising your cheap flights from Philadelphia to Istanbul, be sure to check with your airline and your destination country's local embassy or consulate for the latest rules.
Flying from Philadelphia
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to take a break from travelling — and possibly even tour another city. When searching for flights from Philadelphia to Istanbul leaving from Philadelphia International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Some popular options include:
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
PHL is about 19 kilometres from central Philadelphia. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 17 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 44 minutes.
After a relaxed start to your trip? Stay near Philadelphia International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Philadelphia to Istanbul or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is approximately 48 kilometres. It takes about 50 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It typically takes 1 hour and 45 minutes if you're using public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Philadelphia to Istanbul, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these hotels near IST:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
After your flight from Philadelphia to Istanbul has touched down, you can reach the city centre in about 57 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is approximately 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
The trip will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Philadelphia to Istanbul, tuck yourself in at a hotel near SAW. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from Philadelphia to Istanbul
Currently, 286 € is the best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Philadelphia to Istanbul. The cheapest price for a return flight is 560 €. Bear in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
To find cheap tickets from Philadelphia to Istanbul, book as early as possible. Airlines typically offer lower prices when flights are first released.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest tickets from Philadelphia to Istanbul across every month. It's an easy way to find a bargain if your travel plans aren't set in stone.
Log into your online account or use the app to create a Price Alert. We'll let you know straight away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It doesn't take long, and it'll save you from searching for cheap tickets from Philadelphia to Istanbul every day.
Tailor your flights using filters. Pick your arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Philadelphia to Istanbul.
Best time to go to Istanbul
August is the most popular month for flights from Philadelphia to Istanbul. To skip the crowds, head to Istanbul in February.
Lock in your flight from Philadelphia to Istanbul for August if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Istanbul to range from 20ºC to 30ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from Philadelphia to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Istanbul right here. Browse these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Philadelphia to Istanbul:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are highlights which should be on any good Istanbul itinerary.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Philadelphia to Istanbul isn't the only trick up our sleeve. Check out our car rentals in Istanbul and travel at your own pace. We search for deals from trusted car rental companies and put them all in one place. You can instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.
