Flying from Istanbul to Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI): What you need to know
Get your trip planning started by considering where you'll take off for your flight from Istanbul to Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI). Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's main airports.
The timezone in Praia is UTC-1, which is four hours behind Istanbul. Nelson Mandela International Airport is located in Praia.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This way, you'll have plenty of time to catch your flight from Istanbul to RAI.
Delays at security and check-in are more likely if you're flying during high season, so give yourself some extra breathing room. The recommendation for peak times? Get there up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Stopovers are a great opportunity to explore a new city or just have a break during your trip. When looking for a cheap flight from Istanbul to RAI, uncheck 'Direct flights only' to compare all potential stops. Mohamed V International Airport (CMN) is an option when departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
The journey from central Istanbul to IST takes about 1 hour 45 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 48 kilometres in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a leisurely start to your holiday? Stay near Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Istanbul to Nelson Mandela International Airport or prefer not to rush, these hotels are just what you're after:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Schedule a stopover during your journey at Mohamed V International Airport (CMN). It's a popular transfer point for flights from Istanbul to Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) departing Sabiha Gokcen International Airport.
You can arrive at SAW from central Istanbul in approximately 55 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The ride on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to cover the 48 kilometres or so.
Start your holiday early with an extra night away from home. Before your Istanbul to RAI flight, stay in one of these hotels close to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
76.93% of flights taking off from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport make it to their destination as expected.
About Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI)
Have a late flight from Istanbul to Nelson Mandela International Airport? Don't let it end in exhaustion. Stay at one of these hotels near RAI and hit the pillow fast:
Travel at your own pace with a Nelson Mandela International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Fernando Rent a Car, Route 238 or Alucar and chase adventure across Praia and beyond.
For the best deal, reserve your ride around two weeks ahead of your Istanbul to Nelson Mandela International Airport flight.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI)
233 € is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Nelson Mandela International Airport. Return flights start from 597 €. These prices may change based on availability.
To find cheap flights from Istanbul to RAI, book early. Airlines typically offer lower prices when tickets first go on sale.
If you can be flexible with your travel plans, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the cheapest price in every month when searching for your Istanbul to Nelson Mandela International Airport ticket.
Locking in a cheap plane ticket from Istanbul to RAI is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when prices go down.
Hunt down a great price on a flight from Istanbul to Nelson Mandela International Airport with the help of the filters. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
The best time to fly from Istanbul to Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI)
It's time to figure out your travel dates for your flight from Istanbul to Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI). June is the peak month for travel to Praia. If you like things a bit more low-key, head there in April.
Before locking in your Istanbul to RAI plane ticket, consider the weather you're most comfortable in. October is the warmest month in Praia, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC (75ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from Istanbul to Nelson Mandela International Airport in March when temperatures are between 19ºC (66ºF) and 26ºC (79ºF).
More about Praia
After booking your flight from Istanbul to Nelson Mandela International Airport, find a hotel that puts you in a great location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Praia:
Prainha Beach and Praia de Gamboa Beach are just two of the top attractions to put on your Praia travel itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Farol de D. Maria Pia.
Explore more of Cape Verde
You've visited Praia, now it's time to explore other corners of Cape Verde. Travel about 274 kilometres north-west to Mindelo to check off its leading attractions. From Torre de Belem to Piscinas Naturais da Fajã Grande and Praia da Laginha, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Santa Maria is another must-experience destination in Cape Verde and is around 193 kilometres north of Praia. No trip is complete without a visit to Scuba Team Cabo Verde - Diving Club, Ponta Preta Beach and Kite Beach Coastline.