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

Travel to Istanbul (IST) from Bucharest (OTP) with a range of airlines on this international short-haul route. Evaluate options from full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel plans as you dive into the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Istanbul. Here, you'll find essential details for flights departing from Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) to Istanbul Airport (IST).

• Fastest flight duration: around 1h 30m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 250 miles (400 km)
• Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $65–$280, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

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

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for non-stop flights from Bucharest to Istanbul. These options allow you to balance price, travel time, and cabin class to create the perfect itinerary that suits your preferences.

• Turkish Airlines: This full-service airline provides direct flights, handling about 56% of the departures on this route. One-way ticket prices generally range from $95 to $430, with a total travel time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Tarom-Romanian Air Transport: Another full-service option, Tarom offers non-stop flights and represents around 42% of the departures for this route. One-way fares usually fall between $65 and $230, with the entire journey taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Travelers can enhance their journey from Bucharest to Istanbul with an upgrade to Business Class service offered by Turkish Airlines on this route.

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

The most popular months for travelers flying from Bucharest to Istanbul are April, May, and July, when peak temperatures in Istanbul reach up to 77.4°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider January, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 45°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $124). Flight availability peaks in July and November, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

• Cheapest time to fly: January usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $124, roughly 25% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: June typically offers an average one-way fare of around $134.
• Most flight options: July and November have the highest number of flights from Bucharest to Istanbul, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

Month	Temperature	Demand	Weekly Flights	Average one-way Fare
January	45.0°F (7.2°C)	Low	7	$124
February	45.9°F (7.7°C)	Average	7	$168
March	48.4°F (9.1°C)	Average	7	$170
April	54.3°F (12.4°C)	High	9	$164
May	63.7°F (17.6°C)	High	10	$179
June	72.5°F (22.5°C)	Average	7	$134
July	77.4°F (25.2°C)	High	11	$173
August	77.9°F (25.5°C)	Low	8	$160
September	72.3°F (22.4°C)	Average	8	$182
October	63.9°F (17.7°C)	Average	8	$172
November	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Average	11	$226
December	49.6°F (9.8°C)	Low	8	$146

*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.

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

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Bucharest to Istanbul 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, although most travelers tend to book within two weeks. Evening departures (6 PM to 12 AM) often offer lower prices, while morning flights (5 AM to 12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, traveling on Thursday generally yields cheaper prices, despite Friday being the busiest 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 Istanbul Airport from Henri Coanda International Airport

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

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Istanbul, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Istanbul Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Istanbul 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.