Travelling from Istanbul to Reykjavik: what you need to know
Istanbul is home to a couple of airports where you can start your adventure. Check out your options for booking a flight from Istanbul to Reykjavik departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is the primary gateway where you can touch down in Reykjavik.
Give yourself enough time to get on your flight from Istanbul to Reykjavik. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months such as August, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than usual. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights whenever you're travelling during high season in general.
If you hold a passport from Türkiye (Turkey), you will need an embassy visa to enter Iceland. This applies if you're booking a cheap flight from Istanbul to Reykjavik for tourism purposes. Requirements may be different if you're travelling for business or other reasons. Always check the visa rules ahead of booking and certainly before flying.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
We make it a breeze to find a flight from Istanbul to Reykjavik that includes a stopover. To see the options departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight with a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Major stopovers include:
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT)
IST is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Want an easy start to your break? Stay near Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Istanbul to Reykjavik or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to recharge with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your flight from Istanbul to Reykjavik, check out these options when setting off from Istanbul Ataturk Airport:
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT)
You can get to SAW from central Istanbul in approximately 57 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to travel the 48 kilometres or so.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before boarding your flight from Istanbul to Reykjavik? Kick back in a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your break officially starts. Consider one of these stays:
Arriving in Reykjavik
Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is around 48 kilometres from central Reykjavik. With a car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is about 49 minutes.
Getting there on public transport takes about 1 hour and 13 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Istanbul to Reykjavik, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these hotels near KEF:
Reykjavik International Airport (RKV)
Reykjavik International Airport (RKV) is around 2 kilometres from central Reykjavik. After your flight from Istanbul to Reykjavik, allow for a drive time of approximately 6 minutes to get to the heart of the city.
The trip will take roughly 23 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Istanbul to Reykjavik, settle in at a hotel near RKV. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Reykjavik
At the moment, ر.ق. 359 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Reykjavik. The cheapest price for a return flight is ر.ق. 821. Keep in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
To score cheap tickets from Istanbul to Reykjavik, book ahead. Airlines typically offer their best fares when flights are first released.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel dates, try using the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the cheapest price in each month when searching for a ticket from Istanbul to Reykjavik.
Set up a Price Alert for cheap tickets from Istanbul to Reykjavik. There's no need to search every day to see if prices have dropped. We'll let you know the moment there's a change in price.
Use filters to tailor your flights from Istanbul to Reykjavik. Simply select your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to find the best deals.
Best time to go to Reykjavik
February is the quietest month for flights from Istanbul to Reykjavik, while July is the most popular. Figure out the ideal time to visit Reykjavik based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Reykjavik is July, with the temperature ranging between 8ºC and 15ºC. Book your flights from Istanbul to Reykjavik in this month if this is the kind of weather you like.
December has average temperatures of between -6ºC and 4ºC. Look for cheap tickets from Istanbul to Reykjavik around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Reykjavik
Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Reykjavik, think about where you'll stay in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring Reykjavik:
Hallgrimskirkja silhouette and Perlan are just the start of the top attractions to put on your Reykjavik must-do list. Keep the momentum going by heading to National Museum of Iceland.
Complete your Reykjavik trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Istanbul to Reykjavik isn't our only party trick. Check out our car rentals in Reykjavik and see the sights your way. We find deals from trusted car rental companies and put them all in one place. Instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.
