Flying from Riga International Airport (RIX) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Approximately 3 hours 10 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct flight from Riga International Airport to Istanbul.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is one hour ahead of Riga, where Riga International Airport is located.
Riga International Airport (RIX) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route, with 15 flights a week to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from RIX to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 19:50. Opt for the first departure with Air Baltic at 10:55 if you want to get on your way earlier.
To avoid rushing for your RIX to Istanbul flight, leave plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Planning to travel during a peak time like school or public holidays? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Start your trip at RIX and fly nonstop to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). That will be your arrival point when searching for Riga International Airport to Istanbul tickets.
Keep an eye out for offers from Turkish Airlines. This carrier operates direct flights from Riga International Airport to Istanbul.
We make it easy to book plane tickets from RIX to Istanbul with a stopover. To see all your options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight with a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Popular stopovers include:
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Frederic Chopin Airport (WAW)
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)
The journey from central Riga to RIX takes around 50 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 10 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a relaxed start to your trip? Stay near RIX. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Riga International Airport to Istanbul or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are all about convenience:
71.03% of flights that depart Riga International Airport reach their destination on schedule.
How to find the cheapest flights from Riga International Airport (RIX) to Istanbul
61 € is currently the lowest price for a one-way Riga International Airport to Istanbul flight. A return plane ticket starts at 154 €. These fares may change based on demand.
To score cheap flights from RIX to Istanbul, book your trip six months ahead of your departure.
Plan your trip for October. That's the best month for landing an awesome deal on Riga International Airport to Istanbul tickets. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across every month.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from RIX to Istanbul by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when fares go down.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Riga International Airport to Istanbul.
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.
It typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes to get there using public transport.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Riga International Airport to Istanbul. Reserve one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and experience the lesser-explored corners of Istanbul and beyond.
To get the best deal, book your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks in advance of your flight from RIX to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Central Istanbul is located around 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). After your flight from Riga International Airport to Istanbul has touched down and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 55 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near SAW. Here are a few options where you can check in after your RIX to Istanbul flight:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent and hit the road in a heartbeat.
Score the best price by reserving your ride from SAW four weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Carefully consider your trip dates before locking in your flight from Riga International Airport to Istanbul. The city buzzes during peak season, but rates are typically higher and top attractions can be busy. Visit Istanbul in low season if you want a quieter vibe.
Before booking a Riga International Airport to Istanbul plane ticket, think about what kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from RIX to Istanbul around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Istanbul right here. Check out these options after locking in your flight from Riga International Airport to Istanbul:
The Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace are just a couple of the top-rated attractions to put on your Istanbul must-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Galata Tower.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've done Istanbul, now it's time to explore more of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel around 354 kilometres east to Ankara to tick off its popular sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
If you want to check out another well-known destination in Türkiye (Turkey), consider Izmir, about 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak are key reasons to visit.