Flying from Istanbul to Brussels: what you need to know
Get your holiday planning started by considering where you'll board your flight from Istanbul to Brussels. Istanbul Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW) are the main airports in Istanbul.
Touch down in Brussels at Brussels International Airport (BRU) or Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL).
The average time for a direct Istanbul to Brussels flight is 3 hours 35 minutes.
Brussels is two hours behind Istanbul and observes the UTC+1 timezone.
The most popular route for flights from Istanbul to Brussels is from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Brussels International Airport (BRU). You can select from 29 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to set off at the first opportunity, the earliest flight from IST to BRU is the 07:20 Turkish Airlines option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the last scheduled departure is at 20:25 with Turkish Airlines.
Leave enough time to make your Istanbul to Brussels flight. Generally, it's best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying during a peak time like August? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer queues and delays at security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Brussels
Booking early is often the key to locking in a cheap Istanbul to Brussels flight. Prices tend to rise as demand increases, so the nearer your departure date, the more expensive your ticket may be.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Istanbul to Brussels across the entire month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your trip dates aren't set in stone.
You don't need to check back in every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you when a better deal is available on cheap flights from Istanbul to Brussels.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' Istanbul to Brussels flights.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Istanbul to Brussels, you can leave from Istanbul Airport (IST). Fly from IST to Brussels International Airport (BRU) without making any stops.
Check out the deals with Turkish Airlines. This carrier offers direct Istanbul to Brussels plane tickets from IST.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a travel break — and possibly even explore a different city. When searching for Istanbul to Brussels flights departing from Istanbul Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA)
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
Geneva Airport (GVA)
The journey from central Istanbul to IST takes about 1 hour 10 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a taxi, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 45 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Have an early flight from Istanbul to Brussels? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these stays near Istanbul Airport:
Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW)
Direct flights from Istanbul to Brussels operate out of Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW), so consider departing from this popular hub. SAW has nonstop services to Brussels International Airport (BRU) and Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL).
AJet offers direct Istanbul to Brussels plane tickets from SAW. Book your preferred window (or aisle) seat and get to your destination in a single journey.
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to stretch your legs with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Istanbul to Brussels flight, here's where you can stop when departing from Istanbul Sabiha Airport:
Vienna Airport (VIE)
Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP)
Bologna International Airport (BLQ)
You can get to SAW from central Istanbul in about 1 hour 5 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The ride by public transport takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes to travel the 31 kilometres or so.
It's your holiday, so why not enjoy an extra night away? Consider kicking back in one of these hotels near Istanbul Sabiha Airport the day before your flight from Istanbul to Brussels:
As far as flight punctuality goes, Istanbul Sabiha Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 68%.
Arriving in Brussels
Brussels International Airport (BRU)
Brussels International Airport (BRU) is approximately 11 kilometres from the centre of Brussels. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 25 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 20 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Istanbul to Brussels, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these hotels near BRU:
Grab a Brussels International Airport rental car and discover Brussels and beyond with your own set of wheels. Keddy By Europcar, Alamo and Europcar are leading providers to choose from here.
For the best deal, book your vehicle from Brussels International Airport around three weeks ahead of your Istanbul to Brussels flight.
Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL)
Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL) is about 40 kilometres from the centre of Brussels. After your flight from Istanbul to Brussels, it'll take you approximately 55 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or taxi.
If you hop on public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 1 hour 15 minutes or so.
You'll find some great places to call home for the night near CRL. Unwind after your Istanbul to Brussels flight at one of these perfectly located options:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Brussels S. Charleroi Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Keddy By Europcar, Thrifty or Budget and set off in the blink of an eye.
Get what you want, not just what's left over. Securing your ride from CRL two weeks ahead of time often means more savings and a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Brussels
It's time to work out your trip dates for your flight from Istanbul to Brussels. September is the most popular month to visit Brussels. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, go in March.
The warmest month in Brussels is August, with temperatures ranging between 12ºC and 27ºC. Lock in your Istanbul to Brussels ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
January sees average temperatures of between -2ºC and 8ºC. Search for cheap flights from Istanbul to Brussels around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Brussels
Start your Brussels trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Istanbul to Brussels, check out our selection of hotels including:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. Grand-Place of Brussels, Atomium and Royal Palace of Brussels are must-visits when exploring Brussels.
Explore more of Belgium
Brussels will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other parts of Belgium waiting to be discovered. Around 48 kilometres south of Brussels, a trip to Charleroi will keep you on the move. Check out popular attractions like Musée de la Photographie, BPS22, Musee d'art de la Province de Hainaut and Le Bois du Cazier.
Liege is another favourite destination in Belgium and is around 88 kilometres east of Brussels. No journey is complete without experiencing Saint Paul's Cathedral of Liège, Parc De La Citadelle and Parc de la Chartreuse.
