Flying from Chicago to Istanbul: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can fly out of in Chicago. Check out your options leaving from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) when booking your flight from Chicago to Istanbul.
When working out where to arrive in Istanbul, Istanbul Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW) are the primary gateways.
Take a direct Chicago to Istanbul flight and you'll be in transit for an average of 10 hours 30 minutes.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3, which is nine hours ahead of Chicago.
The busiest route for flights from Chicago to Istanbul is from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Istanbul Airport (IST). There are 14 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from ORD to IST is the 11:25 Turkish Airlines option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the latest available service is at 23:45 with Turkish Airlines.
Leave enough time to get on your Chicago to Istanbul flight. Generally, it's best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months such as July, it's best to get to the airport earlier than usual. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of international flights when you fly during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Istanbul
Lock in cheap Chicago to Istanbul flights by booking five months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time for bagging a bargain.
October is the best month for nabbing an awesome deal on a plane ticket from Chicago to Istanbul. If you need to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
There's no need to check back in every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know when there's a better deal on cheap flights from Chicago to Istanbul.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Or sort your Chicago to Istanbul flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Depart from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) on a nonstop flight from Chicago to Istanbul. From ORD, you can fly straight to Istanbul Airport (IST).
Lock in your Chicago to Istanbul plane tickets with Turkish Airlines. This airline is a top choice for direct flights from ORD.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Chicago to Istanbul flight. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Break up the journey at one of these popular options:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA)
Athens International Airport (ATH)
The journey from central Chicago to ORD takes around 45 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a taxi, you'll cover the 26 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Catching an early flight from Chicago to Istanbul? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays near Chicago O'Hare International Airport:
70% of flights that leave from Chicago O'Hare International Airport reach their destination on schedule.
ORD's address is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Get more out of your holiday with a stopover on your Chicago to Istanbul flight. Visit friends or family or tick another city off your list. Whatever you decide to do, check out these options between Chicago Midway Airport and Istanbul:
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL)
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
With public transport, you can travel from central Chicago to MDW in around 30 minutes. The terminal is roughly 14 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 25 minutes.
You're off on holiday, so why not enjoy an additional night away? Think about kicking back in one of these accommodation options near Chicago Midway Airport the day before your flight from Chicago to Istanbul:
When it comes to flights staying on schedule, Chicago Midway Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 76%.
You'll find MDW at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul Airport (IST) to central Istanbul takes about 45 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 32 kilometres away.
It usually takes 1 hour 10 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
If you have a late flight from Chicago to Istanbul, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these hotels near IST:
Follow your own route with a Istanbul Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and find adventure across Istanbul and beyond.
Booking your ride from Istanbul Airport around two weeks in advance increases your chances of getting a good deal.
Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW)
Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW) is roughly 31 kilometres from central Istanbul. After your flight from Chicago to Istanbul, it takes approximately 1 hour 5 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a taxi or ride-share.
If you hop on public transport, the ride to the centre takes 1 hour 40 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel near SAW. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your flight from Chicago to Istanbul:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Istanbul Sabiha Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent and be off and running.
Get first dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from SAW four weeks in advance often means better prices and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
March is the quietest month for flights from Chicago to Istanbul, while August is the busiest. Figure out the best time to visit Istanbul based on whether you like a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Before locking in your Chicago to Istanbul tickets, consider what kind of weather works for you. July is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC to 30ºC.
January sees average temperatures of between 2ºC and 11ºC. Look for cheap flights from Chicago to Istanbul around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Istanbul right here. Browse these options once you've booked your flight from Chicago to Istanbul:
Hagia Sophia and Historic Areas of Istanbul are just two of the popular attractions to add to your Istanbul travel itinerary. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many places in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be discovered after you've seen Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres to the east, popular attractions include The Roman Theatre, Kocatepe Mosque and Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
Around 322 kilometres southwest of Istanbul, Izmir is another favourite stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Experience major highlights starting with Aegean Coast, Smyrna Basilika and Ataturk Konak Square.