$72 Cheap Flights from Istanbul (IST) to Bucharest (OTP)

Istanbul (IST) to Bucharest (OTP) at a glance

Travel from Istanbul (IST) to Bucharest (OTP) with a selection of airlines offering this international short-haul route. Explore various options from full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule as you prepare to experience Bucharest's renowned sights and vibrant neighborhoods. Here are the essential details for flights from Istanbul Airport to Henri Coanda International Airport.

• Fastest flight duration: around 1h 15m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 250 miles (400 km)
• Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $80–$305, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines preferred for non-stop flights from Istanbul to Bucharest. These options allow you the flexibility to compare prices, total travel times, and cabin classes, helping you find the ideal itinerary for your journey.

• Turkish Airlines: This full-service airline provides non-stop flights, dominating the route with around 60% of departures. One-way ticket prices generally fall between $115 and $405, and the total flight duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Tarom-Romanian Air Transport: Another full-service option, Tarom operates non-stop flights covering approximately 37% of departures. One-way fares usually range from $80 to $470, with a total travel time of 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from Istanbul to Bucharest with an upgrade. Both Tarom-Romanian Air Transport and Turkish Airlines provide business class service for this route.

Best time to fly from Istanbul (IST) to Bucharest (OTP)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Istanbul to Bucharest are March, April, and July, when peak temperatures in Bucharest reach up to 76.5°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider December, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 36.5°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $131). Flight availability peaks in January, March, May, June, July, August, and October, with approximately 9 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February and November have the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: December usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $131, roughly 29% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: July typically offers an average one-way fare of around $149.
• Most flight options: January, March, May, June, July, August, and October have the highest number of flights from Istanbul to Bucharest, with approximately 9 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative route from Istanbul (IST) to Bucharest (OTP)

• Istanbul to Bucharest (IST-BBU): Aurel Vlaicu Airport (BBU) is located approximately 5 miles from Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP).

How to find the best prices for flights from Istanbul (IST) to Bucharest (OTP)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Istanbul to Bucharest is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking at least two months in advance, yet most travelers tend to book within two weeks. Morning departures, from 5 a.m. to noon, are not only the most popular flight times but also often come with lower prices. Additionally, flying on Tuesday typically offers cheaper rates, while Monday remains the most popular travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Henri Coanda International Airport from Istanbul Airport

Bucharest welcomes travelers from Istanbul with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Istanbul Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 16 miles) from central Istanbul. Bucharest city center is approximately a 20-minute drive (covering about 12 miles) from Henri Coanda International Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Bucharest efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Bucharest, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Henri Coanda International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Henri Coanda International Airport on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
• Public transportation: From Henri Coanda International Airport, several transport options are conveniently located nearby. Baneasa Seaport, a seaport, is about 6.2 miles away by car, while Străulești Station, a metro station, is around 7.1 miles from the airport. Additionally, Bucharest Baneasa Station, a train station, is situated approximately 7.3 miles away by car.

Istanbul to Bucharest Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Istanbul to Bucharest

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Istanbul to Bucharest are during the month of April. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Bucharest with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Istanbul to Bucharest

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Istanbul to Bucharest: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Istanbul to Bucharest

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Istanbul to Bucharest in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $72 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Istanbul to Bucharest flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Istanbul to Bucharest airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.