Flying from Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Book a direct flight from Cologne Bonn Airport to Istanbul and you'll be travelling for an average of 3 hours 25 minutes.
Istanbul is two hours ahead of Cologne, where Cologne Bonn Airport is located. Istanbul runs on the UTC+3 timezone.
Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is the most traveled route, with 28 weekly flights to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from CGN to SAW is with Pegasus at 21:20. Choose the first departure with AJet at 00:45 if you want to get on your way earlier.
For a stress-free 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 CGN to Istanbul flight.
Longer lines at check-in and security are more likely if you're heading away during high season, so give yourself some extra breathing space. A good rule for peak periods? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Direct Cologne Bonn Airport to Istanbul tickets are available for booking. Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) will be your arrival point.
There's a good selection of carriers offering direct flights from Cologne Bonn Airport to Istanbul, such as:
Consider adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper plane ticket from CGN to Istanbul. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Give yourself a breather (and maybe even a better deal) by stopping at one of these popular options:
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
The journey from central Cologne to CGN takes around 30 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 13 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
In search of a hotel close to CGN? If you're boarding an early flight from Cologne Bonn Airport to Istanbul, these accommodation options set you up for a seamless send-off:
Of all flights departing from Cologne Bonn Airport, 74.45% touch down on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Istanbul
The best price we've found for a one-way Cologne Bonn Airport to Istanbul flight is 39 €. The cheapest price for a return flight is 72 €. Keep in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To snag cheap flights from CGN to Istanbul, reserve your journey five months ahead of your departure date.
Organise your trip for September. That's the best month for scoring the biggest deals on Cologne Bonn Airport to Istanbul tickets. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to access the cheapest price across every month.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from CGN to Istanbul by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Snag an affordable flight from Cologne Bonn Airport to Istanbul with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The distance from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres. It'll take you around 50 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Getting there by public transport takes around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel near IST if you're coming in on a late flight from Cologne Bonn Airport to Istanbul. Check in to one of these accommodation options and make arrival day easier:
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 leading providers you can book with here.
Booking your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks before your flight from CGN to Istanbul can help you get the lowest rate.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
After your flight from Cologne Bonn Airport to Istanbul has arrived, you can get to the city centre in about 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
You can expect the trip to take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
After stepping off your CGN to Istanbul flight, settle in at a hotel near SAW. These are some comfortable options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make collecting a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car easy and quick. These reliable suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Snap up a deal by booking your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Carefully consider your dates before securing your flight from Cologne Bonn Airport to Istanbul. The city buzzes in high season, but prices are often higher and major attractions can get crowded. Visit Istanbul in low season if you want a quieter vibe.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC (68ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Book your Cologne Bonn Airport to Istanbul plane ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
January has average temperatures of between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Search for a cheap ticket from CGN to Istanbul around that time if you like travelling 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. Explore these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Cologne Bonn Airport to Istanbul:
Every great adventure has to include a little sightseeing. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are attractions you won't want to skip in Istanbul.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Istanbul has loads to offer, but there are so many other corners of Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be discovered. Around 354 kilometres east of Istanbul, a trip to Ankara will keep you on the go. Don't miss top attractions like Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
Izmir is another essential stop in Türkiye (Turkey) and is around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. No trip is complete without seeing Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.