Flying from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST): what you need to know
The average length of a direct flight from Zurich Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport is 3 hours 1 minute. Istanbul's timezone is UTC+3, making Istanbul 2 hours ahead of Zurich.
Flights from Zurich Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport start at 06:45 — the earliest with Turkish Airlines. The latest flight in the day is the 21:05 option with Turkish Airlines. In total, there are 39 services every week from ZRH to IST.
During popular months such as July, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than usual. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for an international flight when you fly during a peak period in general.
Visiting Istanbul (and discovering more of Türkiye (Turkey)!) is straightforward with Turkish Airlines. This popular airline runs direct flights from Zurich Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
Remember, you might need a visa to enter Türkiye (Turkey). Visa requirements can differ and travel documentation requirements are always changing. Before locking in your cheap ticket from ZRH to IST, be sure to check with your airline and your destination country's local consulate or embassy for the most up-to-date information.
How to find the cheapest flights from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Zurich Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport is 91 €. For a return flight on this route, the best price is 172 €. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares may change.
Book 5 months before your departure date. After crunching the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you'll want to book ahead to secure cheap tickets from ZRH to IST.
The cheapest month for tickets from Zurich Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport is January. Use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest prices if you have flexible dates.
Log into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you straight away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It's simple to do, and it'll save you the hassle of checking for cheap tickets from ZRH to IST every day.
Use filters to find the perfect journey for you. To see the 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Zurich Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter by airline, arrival and departure times, and number of stops.
Handy information about Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Travelling from central Zurich to Zurich Airport takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 13 kilometres in 19 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Searching for a convenient hotel close to ZRH? If you're catching an early flight from Zurich Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure lounge:
Arriving at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
If you're arriving on a late flight from Zurich Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, nothing tops the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these options near IST:
Getting from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport to central Istanbul takes around 50 minutes by car. It's approximately 48 kilometres away. See what options are available, such as car rentals, cabs or ride-sharing services.
It takes roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes to get there by public transport.
When to fly to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
It's time to plan your travel dates for your flight from Zurich Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. August is the most popular month to visit Istanbul. If you like a quieter vibe, go in February.
Before locking in your flight from Zurich Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, consider the kind of weather you like. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC to 30ºC.
Search for cheap tickets from ZRH to IST in January if you like cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC and 11ºC on average.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip right by finding a wonderful place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from ZRH to IST, check out our hotel options including:
Topkapi Palace and The Basilica Cistern are just two of the popular attractions to add to your Istanbul itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Galata Tower.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is an alternative international airport that'll get you to and from Istanbul. It might even be an easier or cheaper option depending on your travel plans, so it's worth exploring further.
Complete your Istanbul trip with hotels and a car rental
You've got your cheap ticket to Istanbul Ataturk Airport — next up is finding somewhere to stay, and perhaps even your own set of wheels. We've compared prices across hundreds of companies to bring you the best hotels and car rental deals in Istanbul.