Flying from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Istanbul is seven hours ahead of Fort Myers, where Southwest Florida International Airport is located. Istanbul runs on the UTC+3 timezone.
For a relaxed start to your RSW to Istanbul flight, allow plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Travelling during a peak time like a bank holiday? Expect longer queues at check-in and security. To give yourself peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially unlock a cheaper plane ticket from RSW to Istanbul. All you need to do is uncheck 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these airports:
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
To reach RSW from central Fort Myers, it takes around 25 minutes if you're going by car. It's roughly 16 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Want a stress-free start to your travels? Stay near RSW. Whether you're taking an early flight from Southwest Florida International Airport to Istanbul or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Of the departures from Southwest Florida International Airport, 77.32% arrive on time at their destination.
RSW is located at 11000 Terminal Access Road.
How to find the cheapest flights from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to Istanbul
302 € is the lowest price we've found for a one-way Southwest Florida International Airport to Istanbul flight. A return ticket right now is 718 €. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares may change.
Don't leave everything to the last minute. You're more likely to pick up cheap flights from RSW to Istanbul if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some great early bird deals.
Landing cheap tickets from Southwest Florida International Airport to Istanbul is more likely if you're flexible with your dates. Use the 'Whole month' search function to access the best prices across each month and pick up an incredible deal.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from RSW to Istanbul by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a new low fare is offered.
Find a cheap flight from Southwest Florida International Airport to Istanbul with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to the centre of Istanbul takes around 50 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 48 kilometres away.
Travelling by public transport takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Southwest Florida International Airport to Istanbul, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these accommodation options near IST:
Grab an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and discover Istanbul and beyond with your own wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are well-known companies you can book with here.
Booking your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks ahead of your flight from RSW to Istanbul can help you get the lowest rate.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
After your flight from Southwest Florida International Airport to Istanbul has touched down, you can reach the city centre in around 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre takes 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
You'll find some great places ready to welcome you near SAW. Unwind and get cosy after your RSW to Istanbul flight at one of these well-located options:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent and hit the road in a heartbeat.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Reserving your ride from SAW four weeks in advance often means better deals and a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Carefully consider your dates before locking in your flight from Southwest Florida International Airport to Istanbul. The city buzzes in peak season, but hotel rates are generally higher and attractions can get crowded. Plan your trip to Istanbul in low season if you prefer a quieter vibe.
Before booking a Southwest Florida International Airport to Istanbul plane ticket, think about the weather you're most comfortable in. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
Look for cheap tickets from RSW to Istanbul in January if you like travelling 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 looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Istanbul right here. Browse these hotels as soon as you've booked your flight from Southwest Florida International Airport to Istanbul:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are popular attractions which should feature on every Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Istanbul is always a good idea, but there are so many other parts of Türkiye (Turkey) just waiting to be discovered. About 354 kilometres east of Istanbul, a trip to Ankara will keep you on the move. Don't miss top attractions like Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
Izmir is another well-known destination in Türkiye (Turkey) and is around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. No journey is complete without seeing Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.