Flying from Istanbul to Chengdu: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can fly out of in Istanbul. Explore your options leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when booking your flight from Istanbul to Chengdu.
Touch down in Chengdu at Tianfu International Airport (TFU) or Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU).
Jump on a direct Istanbul to Chengdu flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 8 hours 40 minutes.
Chengdu's timezone is UTC+8, which makes Chengdu five hours ahead of Istanbul.
With four weekly flights between the two airports, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Tianfu International Airport (TFU) is the most popular route. Board the first flight from Istanbul to Chengdu with Sichuan Airlines at 15:30. If you prefer to get more out of your day before jetting off, the latest flight from IST to TFU is with Sichuan Airlines at 15:40.
Give yourself enough time to make your Istanbul to Chengdu flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Be prepared for longer lines in popular months such as August. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for domestic departures will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Chengdu
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to get cheap Istanbul to Chengdu flights if you book early. Airlines often offer some great early bird rates.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Istanbul to Chengdu across the month. It's an easy way to snap up a bargain if your travel dates are flexible.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Istanbul to Chengdu is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as there's a better deal.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' Istanbul to Chengdu flights.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Istanbul to Chengdu, you can depart from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Get from IST to Tianfu International Airport (TFU) without any stops.
Keep an eye out for promotions with Sichuan Airlines. This carrier offers direct Istanbul to Chengdu plane tickets from IST.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your journey — and maybe even visit a new city. When browsing Istanbul to Chengdu flights leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Located around 32 kilometres from central Istanbul, IST can be reached in about 50 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport will take roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
Searching for a handy hotel near Istanbul Ataturk Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Istanbul to Chengdu, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure lounge:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Get more out of your holiday with a stopover on your Istanbul to Chengdu flight. Visit family or friends or tick a new city off your list. Whatever your plans, check out these options between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Chengdu:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
You can reach SAW from the centre of Istanbul in about 55 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The journey on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to cover the 31 kilometres or so.
Kick off your holiday early with an additional night away from home. Before your flight from Istanbul to Chengdu, take it easy in one of these hotels near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
77% of flights leaving Sabiha Gokcen International Airport stick to their scheduled arrival time.
Arriving in Chengdu
Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
Tianfu International Airport (TFU) to central Chengdu takes around 1 hour 15 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 56 kilometres away.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Istanbul to Chengdu. Stay at one of these accommodation options near TFU instead:
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
Once your flight from Istanbul to Chengdu has arrived, you can make your way to the city centre in around 30 minutes by car. Central Chengdu is roughly 11 kilometres from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU).
There are some comfortable places ready to welcome you near CTU. Kick back after your Istanbul to Chengdu flight at one of these perfectly located options:
The address for Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is Airport Expressway Entrance.
Best time to go to Chengdu
January is the quietest month for flights from Istanbul to Chengdu, while April is the most popular. Find the best time to go to Chengdu based on whether you like a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Lock in an Istanbul to Chengdu ticket departing in August if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Chengdu to range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
Search for cheap flights from Istanbul to Chengdu in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 0ºC (32ºF) and 13ºC (55ºF) on average.
More about Chengdu
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Chengdu right here. Browse these hotels after you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Chengdu:
All great holidays should include a little sightseeing. Jinli Ancient Street, Wuhou Shrine and Sichuan Opera Troupe are must-do's during your Chengdu adventure.
Explore more of China
Nanchong is just one of the many cities in China waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of Chengdu. Around 193 kilometres to the east, its top attractions include 小西街, 六合丝博园 and Yinxiang Jialingjiang Wetland Park.
If you're looking to explore another major stop in China, consider Tianshui, about 467 kilometres north of Chengdu. 伏羲祭祀广场, 成纪儿童公园 and 天水古城 are key reasons to visit.