$120 Cheap Flights from Riga (RIX) to Istanbul (IST)

View $120 flight on Tue, Sep 29, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Riga International Airport (RIX) to Istanbul Airport (IST)

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Cheap Flights from Riga to Istanbul (RIX-IST)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $120 for one-way flights and $223 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Air Baltic
Sun, Nov 15 - Wed, Nov 18
RIX
Riga
IST
Istanbul
$223 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$223
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select Air Baltic flight, departing Sun, Nov 15 from Riga to Istanbul, returning Wed, Nov 18, priced at $223 found 11 hours ago
LOT-Polish Airlines
Wed, Oct 7 - Tue, Nov 17
RIX
Riga
IST
Istanbul
$234 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$234
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select LOT-Polish Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 7 from Riga to Istanbul, returning Tue, Nov 17, priced at $234 found 4 days ago
Air Baltic
Wed, Sep 23 - Thu, Oct 1
RIX
Riga
IST
Istanbul
$236 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$236
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select Air Baltic flight, departing Wed, Sep 23 from Riga to Istanbul, returning Thu, Oct 1, priced at $236 found 10 hours ago
Air Baltic
Sun, Nov 15 - Wed, Nov 18
RIX
Riga
IST
Istanbul
$238 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$238
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select Air Baltic flight, departing Sun, Nov 15 from Riga to Istanbul, returning Wed, Nov 18, priced at $238 found 11 hours ago
Scandinavian Airlines
Fri, Sep 25 - Wed, Sep 30
RIX
Riga
IST
Istanbul
$240 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$240
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select Scandinavian Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 25 from Riga to Istanbul, returning Wed, Sep 30, priced at $240 found 4 days ago
Lufthansa
Fri, Sep 25 - Tue, Oct 6
RIX
Riga
IST
Istanbul
$246 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$246
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Lufthansa flight, departing Fri, Sep 25 from Riga to Istanbul, returning Tue, Oct 6, priced at $246 found 1 day ago
Lufthansa
Fri, Sep 25 - Wed, Sep 30
RIX
Riga
IST
Istanbul
$247 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$247
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select Lufthansa flight, departing Fri, Sep 25 from Riga to Istanbul, returning Wed, Sep 30, priced at $247 found 4 days ago
LOT-Polish Airlines
Wed, Oct 7 - Mon, Nov 16
RIX
Riga
IST
Istanbul
$250 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$250
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select LOT-Polish Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 7 from Riga to Istanbul, returning Mon, Nov 16, priced at $250 found 5 days ago
Air Baltic
Sun, Dec 13 - Fri, Dec 18
RIX
Riga
IST
Istanbul
$252 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$252
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Air Baltic flight, departing Sun, Dec 13 from Riga to Istanbul, returning Fri, Dec 18, priced at $252 found 6 days ago
Turkish Airlines
Fri, Oct 2 - Thu, Oct 8
RIX
Riga
IST
Istanbul
$339 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$339
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Turkish Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 2 from Riga to Istanbul, returning Thu, Oct 8, priced at $339 found 2 days ago

What you need to know for your flight from Riga Intl. to Istanbul

Riga (RIX) to Istanbul (IST) at a glance

Discover a range of airlines offering flights from Riga International Airport (RIX) to Istanbul Airport (IST) on this international short-haul route. Compare the various options from full-service carriers to find the itinerary that best suits your budget and travel schedule. As you plan your adventure, get ready to explore the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Istanbul with ease. Here are the key details for your journey from Riga to Istanbul.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3h 15m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,100 miles (1,770 km)
  • Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $115–$410, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Riga International Airport (RIX) to Istanbul Airport (IST)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Riga to Istanbul, focusing on both non-stop and one-stop options. Many travelers opt for routes with a layover at Frederic Chopin Airport (WAW), which typically lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This flexibility allows you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to discover the ideal itinerary.

  • Air Baltic: This full-service airline provides non-stop flights, with one-way tickets generally priced between $130 and $405. It represents about 45% of the departures on this route, boasting a total travel duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes.
  • LOT-Polish Airlines: Offering one-stop service, this full-service carrier has one-way fares ranging from $125 to $260. It makes up roughly 32% of the flights on this route, with an in-flight time of 4 hours and a total journey time of approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
  • Turkish Airlines: As another full-service airline, Turkish Airlines provides non-stop service, with one-way fares typically between $155 and $380. It accounts for around 23% of departures on this route and has a total travel time of 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Alternative route from Riga (RIX) to Istanbul (IST)

  • Riga to Istanbul (RIX-SAW): Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) lies approximately 38 miles from Istanbul Airport (IST).

How to find the best prices for flights from Riga (RIX) to Istanbul (IST)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Riga 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 generally available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book within 2 weeks. Morning departures between 5 am and 12 pm usually offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Sunday can provide both cheaper rates and is the most favored 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 Riga International Airport

Istanbul welcomes travelers from Riga with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Riga International Airport is roughly a 10-minute drive (covering about 6 miles) from central Riga. 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.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $120 and cheap return flights from $223 Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $185 and $1220, and return flights often range between $367 and $1650. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST)?
The cheapest month to fly from RIX to IST is November when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST)?
There are 2 airlines offering direct flights from RIX to IST:

  • Turkish Airlines operates around 13 direct flights from RIX to IST every week
  • Air Baltic operates around 7 direct flights from RIX to IST every week

How do I find cheap flights from Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST)?
To find a cheap flight from Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best time to fly from Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST)?
There are approximately 3 nonstop flights per day from Riga Intl. (RIX) to Istanbul Airport (IST). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST)?
Sort flights by "Departure (earliest)" on Expedia to find the earliest flight from RIX to IST. To compare more early flights, use the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Riga (RIX) to Istanbul (IST) are in the late morning, from 9am to noon. About 33% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Air Baltic, Turkish Airlines, and others, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to start your day in Riga and arrive in Istanbul with plenty of time to explore.
How long does it take to fly from Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST)?
A nonstop flight from RIX to IST typically takes around 3 hours 20 minutes, covering approximately 1,103 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 20 hours to your travel time. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST)?
You can fly business class between RIX and IST. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Lufthansa
  • LOT Polish Airlines
  • Air Baltic
  • British Airways
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Aegean

How do I earn miles on a Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Istanbul from Riga Intl. (RIX)?
If you're planning to travel to Istanbul from Riga Intl. (RIX), you can fly into Istanbul Airport (IST) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Franz Josef Strauss Intl. (MUC), Frankfurt Intl. (FRA), Vilnius Intl. (VNO) before reaching Istanbul. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST) Istanbul Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST)?
If you booked your Riga (RIX-Riga Intl.) to Istanbul (IST) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Riga Intl.
Destination airport
Istanbul
Airlines serving
Aegean, Air Baltic, Air France, British Airways, KLM, LOT-Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Tarom-Romanian Air Transport, Turkish Airlines
Roundtrip price
$222
Distance
1102 mi
Average flight time
3 hours 16 mins

Book with confidence

Riga to Istanbul Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Riga to Istanbul

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 Riga to Istanbul are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Riga to Istanbul with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Riga to Istanbul

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Riga to Istanbul: 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 Riga to Istanbul

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 Riga to Istanbul in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $120 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 Riga to Istanbul 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 Riga to Istanbul 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.

 

Riga to Istanbul Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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