Cheap Flights from Bucharest to Istanbul

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Flight deals from Bucharest to Istanbul

Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best return flight from Bucharest to Istanbul? Find the lowest prices on one-way and return tickets right here.

Istanbul.$171 per passenger.Departing Tue, 3 Mar, returning Wed, 4 Mar.Return flight with Pegasus Airlines.Outbound indirect flight with Pegasus Airlines, departs from Bucharest Otopeni on Tue, 3 Mar, arriving in Istanbul Sabiha.Inbound indirect flight with Pegasus Airlines, departs from Istanbul Sabiha on Wed, 4 Mar, arriving in Bucharest Otopeni.Price includes taxes and charges.From $171, select.

Istanbul.$179 per passenger.Departing Mon, 11 May, returning Sun, 24 May.Return flight with TAROM and Pegasus Airlines.Outbound direct flight with TAROM departs from Bucharest Otopeni on Mon, 11 May, arriving in Istanbul.Inbound direct flight with Pegasus Airlines departs from Istanbul Sabiha on Sun, 24 May, arriving in Bucharest Otopeni.Price includes taxes and charges.From $179, select.

Istanbul.$183 per passenger.Departing Tue, 13 Jan, returning Sun, 25 Jan.Return flight with Pegasus Airlines.Outbound indirect flight with Pegasus Airlines, departs from Bucharest Otopeni on Tue, 13 Jan, arriving in Istanbul Sabiha.Inbound indirect flight with Pegasus Airlines, departs from Istanbul Sabiha on Sun, 25 Jan, arriving in Bucharest Otopeni.Price includes taxes and charges.From $183, select.

Istanbul.$187 per passenger.Departing Sun, 22 Feb, returning Sun, 1 Mar.Return flight with Pegasus Airlines.Outbound direct flight with Pegasus Airlines departs from Bucharest Otopeni on Sun, 22 Feb, arriving in Istanbul Sabiha.Inbound direct flight with Pegasus Airlines departs from Istanbul Sabiha on Sun, 1 Mar, arriving in Bucharest Otopeni.Price includes taxes and charges.From $187, select.

Istanbul.$187 per passenger.Departing Mon, 2 Feb, returning Thu, 5 Feb.Return flight with Pegasus Airlines.Outbound direct flight with Pegasus Airlines departs from Bucharest Otopeni on Mon, 2 Feb, arriving in Istanbul Sabiha.Inbound direct flight with Pegasus Airlines departs from Istanbul Sabiha on Thu, 5 Feb, arriving in Bucharest Otopeni.Price includes taxes and charges.From $187, select.

Istanbul.$187 per passenger.Departing Sun, 1 Mar, returning Wed, 4 Mar.Return flight with Pegasus Airlines.Outbound direct flight with Pegasus Airlines departs from Bucharest Otopeni on Sun, 1 Mar, arriving in Istanbul Sabiha.Inbound direct flight with Pegasus Airlines departs from Istanbul Sabiha on Wed, 4 Mar, arriving in Bucharest Otopeni.Price includes taxes and charges.From $187, select.

Istanbul.$187 per passenger.Departing Mon, 12 Jan, returning Wed, 21 Jan.Return flight with Pegasus Airlines.Outbound direct flight with Pegasus Airlines departs from Bucharest Otopeni on Mon, 12 Jan, arriving in Istanbul Sabiha.Inbound direct flight with Pegasus Airlines departs from Istanbul Sabiha on Wed, 21 Jan, arriving in Bucharest Otopeni.Price includes taxes and charges.From $187, select.

Istanbul.$187 per passenger.Departing Thu, 22 Jan, returning Sun, 1 Feb.Return flight with Pegasus Airlines.Outbound direct flight with Pegasus Airlines departs from Bucharest Otopeni on Thu, 22 Jan, arriving in Istanbul Sabiha.Inbound direct flight with Pegasus Airlines departs from Istanbul Sabiha on Sun, 1 Feb, arriving in Bucharest Otopeni.Price includes taxes and charges.From $187, select.

Direct flight

Your route at a glance

Cheapest deal$171

Cheapest monthMarch

Average flight duration1 hour and 31 minutes

Find the cheapest month to fly from Bucharest to Istanbul

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like Bucharest to Istanbul flights are currently cheapest in March.

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Direct flights from Bucharest to Istanbul

Alternative Bucharest to Istanbul routes

Looking for the cheapest, fastest or easiest route from Bucharest to Istanbul? You could fly into the following airports instead.

Finding cheap flights from Bucharest to Istanbul: Frequently asked questions

How many airports are there in Istanbul?

There are 2 airports in Istanbul: Istanbul Sabiha and Istanbul.

How much are return flights from Bucharest to Istanbul?

The best price we found for a return flight from Bucharest to Istanbul is $171. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.

How long does it take to fly from Bucharest to Istanbul?

1 hour and 31 minutes is the average flight time from Bucharest to Istanbul.

Which airlines fly direct from Bucharest to Istanbul?

Turkish Airlines, TAROM and Pegasus Airlines fly direct from Bucharest to Istanbul.

How many flights are there a week from Bucharest to Istanbul?

As of December 2025, there are 91 flights per week flying from Bucharest to Istanbul.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Bucharest to Istanbul?

The cheapest month to fly from Bucharest to Istanbul is usually March.

Which is the cheapest airport to fly into in Istanbul?

If you're flying from Bucharest, the cheapest airport near Istanbul is Istanbul Sabiha – which is 30.3 km away from the centre of Istanbul. We've found flights into this airport from $171.

Which upcoming date is cheapest to fly from Bucharest to Istanbul on?

After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it is currently cheapest to fly from Bucharest to Istanbul on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.

Can I get a direct flight from Bucharest to Istanbul?

Yes – the average flight time is 1 hour and 31 minutes.

How can I get the best flight deal from Bucharest to Istanbul?

We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to Istanbul but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.

When is the best time to book flights to Istanbul?

We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Istanbul is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.

What’s the weather like in Istanbul?

In December, the average temperature is usually around 8°C. August is typically the warmest month in Istanbul, when it usually averages around 27°C. You can expect the least rain in August. The coldest month is January, with temperatures averaging 4°C. The rainiest month is December.

Which is the cheapest airline to fly from Bucharest to Istanbul with?

The cheapest airline that flies to Istanbul is Pegasus Airlines. And the cheapest airline that flies to Istanbul Airport is TAROM.

Flying from Bucharest to Istanbul: what you need to know

Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) is Bucharest's main airport. Check out your options for booking a flight from Bucharest to Istanbul leaving from here.
Arrive in Istanbul at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
Jump on a direct Bucharest to Istanbul flight and you'll be flying for an average of 1 hour 30 minutes.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3, which is one hour ahead of Bucharest.
Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are 36 weekly departures to choose from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from Bucharest to Istanbul is with Turkish Airlines at 22:10. Opt for the first OTP to IST departure operated by TAROM at 07:35 to make the most of your first day in Istanbul.
For a relaxed travel experience, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably board your Bucharest to Istanbul flight.
Be prepared for longer lines during popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for domestic departures is a smart move.

How to find the cheapest flights from Bucharest to Istanbul

The cheapest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Bucharest to Istanbul is $83. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $171. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares may change.
To secure cheap Bucharest to Istanbul flights, reserve your trip seven months before your departure date.
October is the best month for scoring an amazing deal on a plane ticket from Bucharest to Istanbul. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for each month.
Locking in a cheap flight from Bucharest to Istanbul is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as there's a better deal.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Bucharest to Istanbul flights.

Flying from Bucharest

Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP)

You can book a direct flight from Bucharest to Istanbul jetting out of Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP). Set out from OTP and then touch down at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
Choose from a variety of airlines that offer direct Bucharest to Istanbul plane tickets out of OTP. Book your journey with one of these:
We make it easy to book a Bucharest to Istanbul flight with a stopover. To see all your options leaving from Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply choose a flight that has a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Top stopovers include:
- Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
- Vienna International Airport (VIE)
- Antalya Airport (AYT)
OTP is around 16 kilometres from central Bucharest. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour 35 minutes.
Searching for a handy hotel close to Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Bucharest to Istanbul, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure gate:
71.27% of flights taking off from Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport touch down at their destination on time.

Arriving in Istanbul

Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)

The distance from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is roughly 32 kilometres. It takes about 50 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes to get there on public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Bucharest to Istanbul, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these hotels near IST:
Get on the fast track to adventure 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 experience the lesser-explored corners of Istanbul and beyond.
Booking your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks ahead can help you get the best possible rate.

Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)

The centre of Istanbul is approximately 31 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Once your flight from Bucharest to Istanbul has hit the runway and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 55 minutes.
You can expect the journey to take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
There are some great places to call home for the night near SAW. Unwind after your Bucharest to Istanbul flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make collecting a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car quick and easy. These companies are located in or around the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Get exactly what you want. Reserving your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time often means lower prices and a wider choice of vehicles.

Best time to go to Istanbul

April is the most popular month for flights from Bucharest to Istanbul. To travel when it's less crowded, head to Istanbul in February.
Before locking in your Bucharest to Istanbul tickets, consider the kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC to 30ºC.
If you want cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Bucharest to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.

More about Istanbul

Once you've booked your flight from Bucharest 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:
Topkapi Palace and The Basilica Cistern are just a couple of the top-rated attractions to put on your Istanbul to-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at Galata Tower.

Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)

Ankara is just one of the many places in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be discovered once you've seen the sights of Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres to the east, popular attractions include Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another essential stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square.