Travelling from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST): what you need to know
12 hours 48 minutes is the average length of a direct flight from Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Istanbul is 8 hours ahead of Panama City and operates on the UTC+3 timezone.
Every week, there are 15 flights from Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. If you want to jet off as soon as possible, go for the 13:45 Turkish Airlines flight. If you're keen to make the most of your time before flying, the last departure from PTY to IST is 21:50 with Turkish Airlines.
You can expect longer queues in popular months such as June and other peak periods. Arriving up to fours hours ahead of international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a smart move.
Turkish Airlines offers direct flights from Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Book with this popular carrier, and get ready to check out the sights in Istanbul — and maybe even more of Türkiye (Turkey) if time allows.
To break up your flight from Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, add a stopover to your trip. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' and find a city that catches your eye. The most popular stopovers on the PTY - IST route include:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport
Washington Dulles International Airport
Before organising your cheap ticket from PTY to IST, check if you need a visa to enter Türkiye (Turkey). Travel document and visa requirements can vary and are updated often. To get the most up-to-date information, get in touch with the nearest embassy or consulate of your destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The best price we've found for a one-way ticket from Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport is R 9,602. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 16,892. Keep in mind that fares can change due to availability when booking.
Book 11 months before travelling. After looking at the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you'll want to book ahead to secure cheap tickets from PTY to IST.
The cheapest month for tickets from Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport is July. Use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest airfares if you have flexible travel dates.
Log into your online account or use the app to create a Price Alert. We'll let you know right away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It doesn't take long, and it'll save you from checking for cheap tickets from PTY to IST every day.
Tailor your trip using filters. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
Handy information about Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
The journey from central Panama City to Tocumen International Airport takes approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 21 kilometres in 21 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Looking for a handy hotel close to PTY? If you're catching an early flight from Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, these stays will put you moments from your check-in counter:
Arriving at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Book a hotel close to IST if you're taking a late flight from Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Choose one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Getting from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul
From Istanbul Ataturk Airport, Istanbul is approximately 48 kilometres away. It takes around 50 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Travelling to the centre by public transport takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
When to fly to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
It's time to pick your dates for your flight from Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. August is the busiest month to visit Istanbul. If you prefer a quieter vibe, go in February.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with the temperature ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Lock in your flights from Tocumen International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport in this month if you like this kind of weather.
January has average temperatures of between 2ºC and 11ºC. Look for cheap tickets from PTY to IST sometime around then if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Istanbul
If you're looking for somewhere to lay your head, you can find the most popular stays in Istanbul right here. Explore these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from PTY to IST:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are must-do's during your Istanbul adventure.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is an alternative international airport that'll get you to and from Istanbul. It may even be a cheaper or more convenient choice depending on your journey, so keep it in mind when organising your trip.
Complete your Istanbul trip with hotels and a car rental
Comparing flights is not our only party trick. Once you've booked your cheap ticket to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, explore our great car rental deals that'll give you the flexibility to travel around at your own pace. Next, have a look at our exclusive rates for hotels to find your perfect Istanbul stay.