Travelling from Istanbul to Brussels: what you need to know
Istanbul is home to a couple of airports that could be the jumping-off point for your adventure. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Istanbul to Brussels leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
Step off your plane in Brussels at Brussels Airport (BRU) or Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL).
The average duration of a direct Istanbul to Brussels flight is 3 hours 35 minutes.
The timezone in Brussels is UTC+1, which is two hours behind Istanbul.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Brussels Airport (BRU) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are 30 weekly flights to pick from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Istanbul to Brussels is with Turkish Airlines at 20:20. Opt for the first IST to BRU departure operated by Turkish Airlines at 07:40 to make the most of your arrival in Brussels.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably catch your Istanbul to Brussels flight.
Travelling during a popular month like April? Major public holidays and other popular periods can mean longer lines at security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Brussels
At the moment, $80 is the best price we've found for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Brussels. The cheapest price for a return flight is $190. Keep in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Get cheap Istanbul to Brussels flights by booking two months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time for picking up a bargain.
The best month for finding cheap plane tickets from Istanbul to Brussels is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then choose the dates that offer the lowest fares.
Save time looking for cheap flights from Istanbul to Brussels by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or push notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' Istanbul to Brussels flights.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Istanbul to Brussels, you can depart from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Travel from IST to Brussels Airport (BRU) in one continuous trip.
Turkish Airlines is a well-known carrier that offers direct Istanbul to Brussels plane tickets leaving from IST.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Istanbul to Brussels flight. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
Geneve Airport (GVA)
Located around 32 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul, IST can be reached in about 50 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport is roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Istanbul to Brussels? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels close to Istanbul Ataturk Airport:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Searching for a direct flight from Istanbul to Brussels setting off from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)? Find your seat and fly nonstop from SAW to Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL).
From SAW, you can lock in a direct Istanbul to Brussels plane ticket with AJet.
Get more out of your holiday with a stopover on your Istanbul to Brussels flight. Visit friends or family or tick another city off your list. Whatever you'd like to do, here's where you can stop between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Brussels:
Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG)
You can get to SAW from the centre of Istanbul in about 55 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The journey on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to travel the 31 kilometres or so.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before catching your flight from Istanbul to Brussels? Unwind in a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your trip officially starts. Consider one of these stays:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time performance of 76.93%. This figure gives an insight into how frequently flights that depart from this airport land at their destination on time.
Arriving in Brussels
Brussels Airport (BRU)
The distance from Brussels Airport (BRU) to central Brussels is roughly 8 kilometres. It'll take you around 20 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It usually takes 40 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
Book a hotel near BRU if you have a late flight from Istanbul to Brussels. Settle into one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Hit the road running by picking up a Brussels Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Keddy By Europcar, Alamo or Europcar and experience the lesser-explored corners of Brussels and beyond.
To secure the lowest price, reserve your ride from Brussels Airport about three weeks in advance of your Istanbul to Brussels flight.
Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL)
The centre of Brussels is approximately 48 kilometres from Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL). Once your flight from Istanbul to Brussels has touched down and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of about 55 minutes.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take around 1 hour 35 minutes.
After your flight from Istanbul to Brussels, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to CRL. These are some comfortable options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Keddy By Europcar, Thrifty and Budget make picking up a Brussels S. Charleroi Airport rental car easy and quick. These companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Don't pay more than you need to. Reserving your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CRL can get you a lower rate.
Best time to go to Brussels
January is the quietest month for flights from Istanbul to Brussels, while July is the busiest. Pick the ideal time to go to Brussels based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Book an Istanbul to Brussels ticket departing in August if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Brussels to range from 12ºC (54ºF) to 27ºC (81ºF).
Search for cheap flights from Istanbul to Brussels in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -2ºC (28ºF) and 8ºC (46ºF) on average.
More about Brussels
Start your Brussels trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Brussels, check out our range of hotels including:
Every great holiday has to include some sightseeing. Grand Place, Atomium and Manneken Pis are essential stops on your Brussels itinerary.
Explore more of Belgium
Charleroi is just one of the many cities in Belgium waiting to be discovered after you've experienced Brussels. Around 48 kilometres to the south, check out popular attractions including Parc Gobbe, Maison Dermine (art déco — 1921) and Parc Ligny.
Around 88 kilometres east of Brussels, Liege is another favourite stop in Belgium. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Gare de Liege-Guillemins, Curtius Museum and Montagne de Bueren.