Travelling from Istanbul to Bangkok: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can start your trip from in Istanbul. Check out your options departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when searching for a flight from Istanbul to Bangkok.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) are Bangkok's primary gateways.
9 hours 27 minutes is the time it takes on average for a direct flight from Istanbul to Bangkok. Operating on the UTC+7 timezone, Bangkok is 4 hours ahead of Istanbul.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 35 weekly flights to pick from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Istanbul to Bangkok is with Turkish Airlines at 21:00. Go for the first IST to BKK departure operated by Turkish Airlines at 01:35 to maximise your time in Bangkok.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to catch your flight from Istanbul to Bangkok.
During popular months such as August, it's best to get to the airport earlier than normal. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're flying during a peak period in general.
If you have a passport from Türkiye (Turkey), you will need an embassy visa to enter Thailand. This applies when booking a cheap flight from Istanbul to Bangkok for tourism purposes. Requirements may change if you're travelling for business or other reasons. Always consult official visa guidelines before you book and definitely before you fly.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Set out from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) on a nonstop flight from Istanbul to Bangkok. From IST, you can travel directly to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
If you want to leave from IST, you can catch a direct flight from Istanbul to Bangkok with Turkish Airlines.
We make it a piece of cake to plan a flight from Istanbul to Bangkok with a stopover. To see all the options departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, select a flight with a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Top stopovers include:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Phuket International Airport (HKT)
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM)
IST is about 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
After a leisurely start to your trip? Stay near Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Istanbul to Bangkok or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are ideal:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to stretch your legs with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your flight from Istanbul to Bangkok, check out these options when leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Phuket International Airport (HKT)
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM)
You can reach SAW from central Istanbul in about 57 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The ride by public transport takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to travel the 48 kilometres or so.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before your flight from Istanbul to Bangkok? Kick back in a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your adventure officially starts. Stay at one of these accommodation options:
Arriving in Bangkok
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to central Bangkok takes around 35 minutes by car. It's approximately 32 kilometres away.
It typically takes 1 hour and 6 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
If you have a late flight from Istanbul to Bangkok, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these accommodation options near BKK:
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) is around 27 kilometres from central Bangkok. After your flight from Istanbul to Bangkok, allow for a drive time of approximately 30 minutes to reach the heart of the city.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take about 1 hour and 5 minutes.
After your flight from Istanbul to Bangkok, rest your head at a hotel near DMK. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Bangkok
R 3,822 is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Bangkok. A return flight starts from R 5,879. These fares may change depending on demand and availability.
Book 9 months before you want to fly. After crunching the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you'll want to book ahead to secure cheap tickets from Istanbul to Bangkok.
Organise your trip for May. That's the cheapest month for tickets from Istanbul to Bangkok. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across every month.
Finding a cheap ticket from Istanbul to Bangkok is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as the price has fallen.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Istanbul to Bangkok.
Best time to go to Bangkok
It's time to work out your trip dates for your flight from Istanbul to Bangkok. July is the most popular month to visit Bangkok. If you like a quieter vibe, go in April.
Book your flight from Istanbul to Bangkok for April if you'd like to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Bangkok to range from 26ºC to 37ºC.
December has average temperatures of between 19ºC and 33ºC. Search for cheap tickets from Istanbul to Bangkok sometime then if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Bangkok
Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Bangkok, think about where you want to stay in this city. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Bangkok:
Every great adventure has to include a little sightseeing. Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew are attractions you won't want to skip in Bangkok.
Complete your Bangkok trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Istanbul to Bangkok isn't our only cool trick. Check out our car rentals in Bangkok and see the sights your way. We search for deals from trusted car rental companies and put them all in one place. Instantly compare rates and then book with no fees.
