Flying from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Around 2 hours 20 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct flight from Cairo International Airport to Istanbul.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is one hour ahead of Cairo, where Cairo International Airport is located.
Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route, with 49 weekly departures to pick from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from CAI to IST is with EgyptAir at 23:30. Choose the first departure operated by EgyptAir at 00:25 if you want to fly out earlier.
For a relaxed start to your CAI to Istanbul flight, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Planning to travel during a peak time like school or public holidays? Expect longer lines at security and check-in. To be on the safe side, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
You can book a direct Cairo International Airport to Istanbul ticket. Begin your trip at CAI and arrive at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Direct flights from Cairo International Airport to Istanbul are operated by a variety of airlines. Book your seat with any of these:
We make it a breeze to book flight tickets from CAI to Istanbul with a stopover. To see all the options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight that has a stop long enough to explore the city of your choice. The most sought-after stopovers include:
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
Antalya Airport (AYT)
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
Traveling from central Cairo to CAI takes about 1 hour 25 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 18 kilometers in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want a hassle-free start to your travels? Stay near CAI. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Cairo International Airport to Istanbul or don't want departure day to feel hectic, these hotels are all about convenience:
63.38% of flights taking off from Cairo International Airport arrive at their destination on schedule.
How to find the cheapest flights from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Istanbul
$78 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Cairo International Airport to Istanbul flight. A return flight ticket starts at $159. These fares can change depending on availability.
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to land cheap flights from CAI to Istanbul if you book early. Airlines often offer some fantastic early bird deals.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Cairo International Airport to Istanbul across every month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your dates are flexible.
Locking in a cheap flight from CAI to Istanbul is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll notify you when a new discount appears.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Cairo International Airport to Istanbul by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to the center of Istanbul takes around 50 minutes by car. The center is roughly 48 kilometers away.
When traveling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 45 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Cairo International Airport to Istanbul, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these accommodation options near IST:
Begin your adventure by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car to explore Istanbul and beyond.
Reserving your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks before your flight from CAI to Istanbul can help you get the best possible rate.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is around 48 kilometers from central Istanbul. After your flight from Cairo International Airport to Istanbul, it'll take you around 55 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Public transport will get you there in around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near SAW. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your CAI to Istanbul flight:
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent and be on your way in a flash.
Don't pay more than you need to. Booking your ride four weeks before your arrival at SAW can get you a lower rate.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Carefully consider your travel dates before locking in your flight from Cairo International Airport to Istanbul. The city buzzes in peak season, but prices are generally higher and top attractions can get crowded. Visit Istanbul in low season for a quieter vibe.
Before booking a Cairo International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket, think about the type of weather you enjoy. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
If you like traveling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from CAI to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Cairo International Airport to Istanbul, check out our selection of hotels including:
The Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace are just the start of the big attractions to add to your Istanbul itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Galata Tower.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've visited Istanbul, now it's time to explore more of Türkiye (Turkey). Journey around 354 kilometers east to Ankara to tick off its top attractions. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, your itinerary will be busy.
Izmir is another essential stop in Türkiye (Turkey) and is around 322 kilometers south-west of Istanbul. No trip is complete without visiting Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.