Flying from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST): what you need to know
Hop on a direct flight from Cairo International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport and you'll be travelling for an average of 2 hours 25 minutes.
Istanbul's timezone is UTC+3, which makes Istanbul one hour ahead of Cairo.
Each week, there are 68 Cairo International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport flights. If you prefer to be on board early, take the 00:25 EgyptAir flight. If you'd rather make the most of your time before flying, the last departure is at 23:30 with EgyptAir.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to board your CAI to IST flight.
You can expect longer lines in popular months like August. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a good idea.
EgyptAir offers direct flights from Cairo International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Book with this popular carrier, then get ready to tick off the sights in Istanbul — and maybe even more of Türkiye (Turkey) if time allows.
Most passengers choose to fly with EgyptAir on this route.
If you want to add a stop to your trip, simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for your ticket from Cairo International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. These are the top stopovers between CAI and IST:
Antalya Airport
Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
How to find the cheapest flights from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
$154 is the best price for a one-way Cairo International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport flight. Return flights start from $318. These fares may change based on demand and availability.
To get cheap tickets from CAI to IST, book your trip five months ahead of your planned departure.
April is the cheapest month for flights from Cairo International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. If you want to fly during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from CAI to IST by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when fares go down.
Lock in the right flight for you by using the filters. To see the 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Cairo International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter results by airline, arrival and departure times, and number of stops.
Handy information about Cairo International Airport (CAI)
When it comes to Cairo International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 63.38% of flights arrive within the expected timeframe.
To reach Cairo International Airport from central Cairo, it'll take about 30 minutes if you're planning to drive. Of course, this depends on traffic. It's approximately 21 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Planning to catch public transport? Expect a journey time of around 1 hour 25 minutes.
Have an early flight from Cairo International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and get some extra shut-eye) by picking one of these stays close to CAI:
Arriving at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
If you're coming in on a late Cairo International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport flight, few things top the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing shortly after at one of these accommodation options near IST:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and explore beyond Istanbul's main sights.
Secure the lowest price by reserving your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks in advance of your trip.
Getting from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport to central Istanbul has a drive time of about 50 minutes. It's approximately 48 kilometres away.
Travelling on public transport typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes.
When to fly to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
It's time to plan your trip dates for your flight from Cairo International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. April is the most popular month to head to Istanbul. If you're after a more laid-back vibe, go in February.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with the temperature ranging between 20ºC (68ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Lock in your flights from Cairo International Airport to Istanbul Ataturk Airport in this month if this is the type of weather you like.
If you want cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from CAI to IST in January. Temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF) then.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've done Istanbul, now it's time to discover other parts of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel about 354 kilometres east to Ankara to tick off its must-visit sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another favourite stop in Türkiye (Turkey). No visit is complete without checking out Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square.