Travelling from Brussels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST): what you need to know
There are two main airports you can take off from in Brussels. Check out your options departing from Brussels Airport (BRU) or Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL) when planning your flight from Brussels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
The average duration of a direct flight from Brussels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport is 3 hours 29 minutes.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3, which is 2 hours ahead of Brussels. Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located in Istanbul.
Brussels Airport (BRU) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route. There are 78 direct flights a week to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, hop on the last flight with Turkish Airlines at 19:00. Opt for the first BRU to IST departure operated by Turkish Airlines at 07:15 if you want to get going earlier.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are travel rules to live by. Be at the airport with enough time to board your flight from Brussels to IST.
Travelling during a popular month like July? Major public holidays and other popular periods can mean longer queues and delays at security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
Airports in Brussels
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Brussels Airport (BRU) makes it easy to travel directly to your destination. Nonstop flights from Brussels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) leave from this terminal.
Turkish Airlines is a popular airline that operates direct flights from Brussels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport jetting out of BRU.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your trip — and maybe even visit a new city. When browsing flights from Brussels to IST leaving from Brussels Airport (BRU), uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Popular options include:
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
Belgrad Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC)
The distance from central Brussels to BRU is around 9 miles. Use Google Maps for the quickest way to get there, whether you want to drive or use public transport.
After a leisurely start to your trip? Stay near Brussels Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Brussels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL)
Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL) operates direct flights from Brussels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Maximise your holiday with a stopover on your flight from Brussels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Visit family or friends or tick a new city off your list. Whatever you choose to do, here's where you can stop between Brussels S. Charleroi Airport and IST:
Vaclav Havel Airport Prague Airport (PRG)
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
Podgorica Airport (TGD)
CRL is about 35 miles from central Brussels. It'll take you 56 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour and 37 minutes.
It's your holiday, so why not enjoy an extra night away? Consider staying at one of these accommodation options near Brussels S. Charleroi Airport the day before your flight from Brussels to IST:
About Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
If you have a late flight from Brussels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these options near IST:
Getting from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport is approximately 30 miles from the centre of Istanbul. With your own car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is about 50 minutes.
It typically takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to get there by public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Brussels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Brussels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport is £55. The cheapest price for a return flight is £88. Keep in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
8 months before your departure is the best time to lock in cheap tickets from Brussels to IST.
May is the cheapest month for tickets from Brussels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. If you're looking to travel at a different time of year, use the 'Whole month' search feature to see the lowest prices for every month.
Set up a Price Alert for cheap tickets from Brussels to IST. You don't need to search every day to see if fares have dropped. We'll let you know as soon as there's a change in price.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Brussels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
The best time to fly from Brussels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
August is the most popular month to board a flight from Brussels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport while February is the quietest. To work out the best time to go to Istanbul, consider whether you like a lively atmosphere or a quieter vibe.
Lock in your flight from Brussels to IST for August if you're eager to head to the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Istanbul to range from 20ºC to 30ºC.
Travel in January if you want to explore when it's cooler. Average temperatures range between 2ºC and 11ºC. However, this destination delivers on a good time whenever you book your cheap flights from Brussels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Istanbul right here. Check out these options once you've booked your flight from Brussels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport:
Topkapi Palace and The Basilica Cistern are just the start of the major attractions to add to your Istanbul travel itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Galata Tower.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Brussels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport isn't our only cool trick. Browse our car rentals in Istanbul and explore on your own terms. We search for deals from trusted car rental companies and put them all in one place. You can instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.