Flying from Cote D'Azur Airport (NCE) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Expect to be travelling for 3 hours 10 minutes. That's the average time for a direct flight from Cote D'Azur Airport to Istanbul.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is two hours ahead of Nice, where Cote D'Azur Airport is located.
With 12 flights a week between the two airports, Cote D'Azur Airport (NCE) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route. Turkish Airlines operates the earliest flight at 10:35. If you're eager to make the most of your day before taking off, the last flight from NCE to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 19:30.
For a relaxed start to your NCE to Istanbul flight, leave enough time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Delays at security and check-in are more likely if you're jetting off during high season, so give yourself a bit more breathing room. A good general rule for peak periods? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Start your trip at NCE and fly nonstop to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). That's where you can expect to land when searching for Cote D'Azur Airport to Istanbul tickets.
Turkish Airlines is a well-known carrier that operates direct flights from Cote D'Azur Airport to Istanbul.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your journey and possibly even explore a different city. When searching for plane tickets from NCE to Istanbul, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Geneve Airport (GVA)
Located around 4 miles from central Nice, NCE can be reached in about 15 minutes by car (depending on traffic). Travelling on public transport takes roughly 40 minutes.
Want a hassle-free start to your journey? Stay near NCE. Whether you're catching an early flight from Cote D'Azur Airport to Istanbul or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are a convenient choice:
Of all flights leaving Cote D'Azur Airport, 74.5% land on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Cote D'Azur Airport (NCE) to Istanbul
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way Cote D'Azur Airport to Istanbul flight is £53. The cheapest price for a return flight is £102. Keep in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To snag cheap flights from NCE to Istanbul, book your journey two months before your planned departure.
The best month for finding cheap Cote D'Azur Airport to Istanbul tickets is June. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then select the dates offering the lowest fares.
Picking up a cheap flight from NCE to Istanbul couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic notifications and we'll notify you when there's a better deal.
Snag an affordable flight from Cote D'Azur Airport to Istanbul with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The distance from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is roughly 30 miles. It'll take you around 50 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to get there by public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Cote D'Azur Airport to Istanbul, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these hotels near IST:
Get your adventure underway by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and experience the lesser-explored corners of Istanbul and beyond.
Booking your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks ahead of your flight from NCE to Istanbul can help you get the best possible rate.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
The centre of Istanbul is around 30 miles from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Once your flight from Cote D'Azur Airport to Istanbul has landed and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should be around 55 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Following your NCE to Istanbul flight, kick back at a hotel near SAW. These are some comfortable options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent and be on your way in a flash.
Lock in the lowest price by securing your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a bigger selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Plan your trip to Istanbul in high season if you prefer a bustling atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Cote D'Azur Airport to Istanbul in the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Book a Cote D'Azur Airport to Istanbul plane ticket with a departure in August to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from NCE to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
After booking your flight from Cote D'Azur Airport to Istanbul, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Istanbul:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are top attractions which should feature on any good Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Istanbul will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other parts of Türkiye (Turkey) just waiting to be explored. About 220 miles east of Istanbul, a trip to Ankara will keep you busy. Check out popular attractions like Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
If you're looking to explore another major stop in Türkiye (Turkey), consider Izmir, about 200 miles south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak are highlights.
