Flying from Chengdu to Istanbul: what you need to know
Start your holiday planning by considering the departure point for your flight from Chengdu to Istanbul. Tianfu International Airport (TFU) and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) are the main airports in Chengdu.
When working out where to arrive in Istanbul, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are the major entry points.
The average length of a direct Chengdu to Istanbul flight is 10 hours 5 minutes.
Istanbul is five hours behind Chengdu and observes the UTC+3 timezone.
With four weekly flights between the two airports, Tianfu International Airport (TFU) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the busiest route. Board the earliest flight from Chengdu to Istanbul with Sichuan Airlines at 01:30. If you'd like to get more out of your day before jetting off, the last departure from TFU to IST is with Sichuan Airlines at 01:35.
To ensure you catch your Chengdu to Istanbul flight, leave enough time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Flying during a peak month such as July? School holidays and other popular periods can mean longer lines at security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chengdu to Istanbul
Don't leave things to the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap Chengdu to Istanbul flights if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some great early bird discounts.
Getting cheap plane tickets from Chengdu to Istanbul is easy if you're flexible with your dates. Use the 'Whole month' search tool to see the lowest prices across each month and walk away with a fantastic deal.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from Chengdu to Istanbul by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Chengdu to Istanbul flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Chengdu
Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
Set out from Tianfu International Airport (TFU) on a nonstop flight from Chengdu to Istanbul. From TFU, you can fly directly into Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Sichuan Airlines is a popular carrier that offers direct Chengdu to Istanbul plane tickets from TFU.
Central Chengdu to TFU is around 48 kilometres. Depending on traffic conditions, it'll take you about 1 hour 15 minutes to get there if you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving.
Planning to catch an early flight from Chengdu to Istanbul? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays near Tianfu International Airport:
Tianfu International Airport earns top marks for on-time performance. 86.59% of flights that depart TFU arrive at their destination as scheduled.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
Visit family or friends or just take some time to unwind with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Chengdu to Istanbul flight, here's where you can stop when setting off from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Depending on traffic conditions, you can drive to CTU from Chengdu's centre in around 30 minutes. The airport is roughly 16 kilometres away.
You're going on holiday, so why not extend it with another night away? Consider checking in to one of these accommodation options near Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport the day before your flight from Chengdu to Istanbul:
Flights from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport have a track record for punctuality, with 90% of them arriving within the expected time frame.
The address for CTU is Airport Expressway Entrance.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is approximately 32 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 50 minutes.
It usually takes 1 hour 45 minutes to get there on public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Chengdu to Istanbul, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these hotels near IST:
Pick up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and discover Istanbul and beyond with your own wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are popular outlets to choose from here.
To lock in the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks ahead of your Chengdu to Istanbul flight.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
The centre of Istanbul is around 31 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Once your flight from Chengdu to Istanbul has touched down and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of about 55 minutes.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take about 1 hour 30 minutes.
There are some comfortable places ready to welcome you near SAW. Tuck yourself in after your Chengdu to Istanbul flight at any of these well-located options:
Forget about public transport timetables or long cab lines. Pick up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Check out the rates and availability from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Get exactly what you want. Reserving your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time often means more savings and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
February is the quietest month for flights from Chengdu to Istanbul, while April is the busiest. Figure out the best time to go to Istanbul based on whether you like a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC (68ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Lock in your Chengdu to Istanbul ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
Look for cheap flights from Chengdu to Istanbul in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF) on average.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Istanbul right here. Check out these hotels as soon as you've booked your flight from Chengdu to Istanbul:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are must-do's during your Istanbul adventure.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've visited Istanbul, now it's time to discover more of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel around 354 kilometres east to Ankara to check off its popular sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, your itinerary will be busy.
If there's time to check out another side of Türkiye (Turkey), head for Izmir, roughly 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square are among the biggest draws.