Travelling from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport (NJF): What you need to know
There are a couple of main airports to jet off from in Istanbul. Check out your options departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when planning your flight from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport (NJF).
3 hours is the average duration of a direct Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport flight.
Najaf's timezone is UTC+3, which is the same as Istanbul. Al-Ashraf International Airport is located in Najaf.
You can choose from 2 direct flights a week between Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Al-Ashraf International Airport (NJF). This is the most popular route, with Turkish Airlines offering a 1:20am departure from IST to NJF.
To ensure you get on your flight from Istanbul to NJF, leave enough time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Heading off during a peak time like a bank holiday? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. To give yourself peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
You can jump on a direct flight from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport (NJF) out of Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Iraqi Airways is a well-known carrier that operates direct flights from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport taking off from IST.
Most travellers choose to book seats with Iraqi Airways between IST and NJF.
Consider adding a stopover to find cheap flights from Istanbul to NJF. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Slip in a stop (and skip the high fares) by flying through one of these popular airports:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)
Located around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul, IST can be reached in about 50 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport is roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
In search of a convenient hotel close to Istanbul Ataturk Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure gate:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Cross another spot off your travel list or just take a moment to reset with a stopover. If you'd like to split up your flight from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport, check out these options when leaving from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)
On public transport, you can travel from central Istanbul to SAW in around 1 hour 30 minutes. The airport is roughly 48 kilometres away, and getting there by car will take approximately 55 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your Istanbul to NJF flight? Kick back in a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your adventure officially begins. These stays have your key waiting:
76.93% of flights leaving Sabiha Gokcen International Airport arrive within the expected time frame.
About Al-Ashraf International Airport (NJF)
Stay moments from the tarmac after your flight from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport. Royal Eagle Hotel is a comfortable option close to NJF. Or check in and relax at Granada Hotel before travelling to your final destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport (NJF)
197 € is the best price for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport. A return flight starts at 434 €. These prices can change based on availability.
Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to walk away with cheap flights from Istanbul to NJF if you book ahead. Airlines often have some great early bird deals.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport tickets throughout the entire month. It's an easy way to snap up a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
Snapping up a cheap plane ticket from Istanbul to NJF couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when there's a better deal.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport.
The best time to fly from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport (NJF)
April is the quietest month for flights from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport (NJF), while August is the busiest. Pick the best time to go to Najaf based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
Before locking in your Istanbul to NJF plane ticket, consider the weather you're most comfortable in. July is the warmest month in Najaf, with temperatures ranging from 29ºC (84ºF) to 47ºC (117ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 4ºC (39ºF) and 20ºC (68ºF).
More about Najaf
Start your Najaf trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
Great Mosque of Kufa and نجف are a couple of top attractions to add to your Najaf must-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at مرقد الامام علي بن ابي طالب(علية السلام).
Explore more of Iraq
Baghdad is just one of the many cities in Iraq waiting to be discovered once you've seen the sights of Najaf. Around 145 kilometres away to the north, well-known attractions include Al-Kadhimiya Mosque, Great Mosque and Mosque of the Prophet.
Nasiriyah is another standout destination in Iraq and is around 209 kilometres south-east of Najaf. No trip is complete without a visit to Mrs. Landa Mosque, Mosque of Imam Hassan (peace be upon him) and Nasiriyah Museum.