Travelling from Houston to Istanbul: what you need to know
Get your holiday planning started by considering the departure point for your flight from Houston to Istanbul. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) are the main airports in Houston.
Touch down in Istanbul at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
Book a direct Houston to Istanbul flight and you'll be in the air for an average of 12 hours.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3, which is eight hours ahead of Houston.
With ten flights a week between the two airports, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route. Board the earliest flight from Houston to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines at 14:30. If you prefer to make the most of your day before jetting off, the last flight from IAH to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 22:20.
For a relaxed travel experience, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to board your Houston to Istanbul flight.
Popular months like July or high seasons such as spring break and Thanksgiving will mean longer waits at check-in and security. Travelling then? Play it safe and get to the terminal even earlier. Arriving two hours before a domestic flight and four hours ahead of international departures is wise.
How to find the cheapest flights from Houston to Istanbul
To secure cheap Houston to Istanbul flights, book your trip one month ahead of your departure.
April is the best month for scoring an awesome deal on a plane ticket from Houston to Istanbul. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
You don't need to check back in every day to find out if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll update you as soon as a better deal is available on cheap flights from Houston to Istanbul.
Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Houston to Istanbul flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Houston
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
If you're after a direct flight from Houston to Istanbul, you can leave from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Travel from IAH to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) in one seamless journey.
Look out for deals with Turkish Airlines. This carrier offers direct Houston to Istanbul plane tickets from IAH.
We make it simple to book a Houston to Istanbul flight with a stopover. To see all your options departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply pick a flight that has a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Some popular stopovers include:
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
IAH is about 21 kilometres from central Houston. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 50 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Houston to Istanbul? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these stays near George Bush Intercontinental Airport:
When it comes to the on-time performance of George Bush Intercontinental Airport, data shows 78.42% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
IAH is located at 16930 JFK Boulevard.
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
Get the most out of your holiday with a stopover on your Houston to Istanbul flight. Visit family or friends or tick another city off your list. Whatever you decide to do, check out these options between William P. Hobby Airport and Istanbul:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
You can get to HOU from the centre of Houston in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 40 minutes to cover the 16 kilometres or so.
You're off on holiday, so why not spend an extra night away from home? Think about checking in to one of these hotels near William P. Hobby Airport the day before your flight from Houston to Istanbul:
William P. Hobby Airport is known for its commitment to punctuality. 81.06% of flights taking off from here arrive right on target.
You'll find HOU at 7800 Airport Boulevard.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The distance from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is roughly 32 kilometres. It takes around 50 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It usually takes 1 hour 45 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
If you have a late flight from Houston to Istanbul, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these accommodation options near IST:
Travel at your own pace with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and find adventure across Istanbul and beyond.
Secure the lowest price by reserving your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks ahead of your departure.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Central Istanbul is approximately 31 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). As soon as your flight from Houston to Istanbul has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 55 minutes.
Travelling by public transport will take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
You'll find some comfortable places ready to welcome you near SAW. Settle in and get cosy after your Houston to Istanbul flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make picking up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car easy and quick. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Lock in the lowest price by reserving your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
It's time to figure out your travel dates for your flight from Houston to Istanbul. April is the busiest month to travel to Istanbul. If you like a quieter vibe, go in February.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC (68ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Lock in your Houston to Istanbul ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
Look for cheap flights from Houston 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 searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Istanbul right here. Browse these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Houston to Istanbul:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be tricky to know where to begin. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are major attractions which should feature on any good Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Istanbul has plenty going for it, but there are so many other corners of Türkiye (Turkey) you'll want to see. About 354 kilometres east of Istanbul, a visit to Ankara will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with leading attractions like Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
If you're interested in discovering another major destination in Türkiye (Turkey), head for Izmir, about 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square are the start of reasons to visit.
