Flying from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Ben Gurion Intl Airport (TLV): what you need to know
Tel Aviv is one hour behind Istanbul and is in the UTC+2 timezone.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are travel rules worth sticking to. Be at the airport with enough time to catch your IST to TLV flight.
You can expect longer queues in popular months such as August. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for domestic departures is a smart move.
We make it a piece of cake to book a flight with a stopover. To see your options for tickets from Istanbul Airport to Ben Gurion Intl Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight with a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Worthwhile stopovers between IST and TLV include:
Athens International Airport
Cairo Airport
Amman Queen Alia Airport
Handy information about Istanbul Airport (IST)
To get to Istanbul Airport from central Istanbul, it'll take about 45 minutes if you're planning to drive. Of course, this depends on traffic. It's approximately 40 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
The trip on public transport usually takes 1 hour 10 minutes.
Searching for a convenient hotel close to IST? If you've booked an early flight from Istanbul Airport to Ben Gurion Intl Airport, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure gate:
Arriving at Ben Gurion Intl Airport (TLV)
If you're landing on a late Istanbul Airport to Ben Gurion Intl Airport flight, nothing beats the convenience of being near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing shortly after at one of these hotels near TLV:
Get your adventure underway by picking up a Ben Gurion Intl Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Europcar, Budget or Alamo and experience the lesser-explored corners of Tel Aviv and beyond.
Reserving your vehicle from Ben Gurion Intl Airport about three weeks in advance increases your chances of getting a good deal.
When to fly to Ben Gurion Intl Airport (TLV)
The quietest month for a flight from Istanbul Airport to Ben Gurion Intl Airport is March, while August is the most popular. Choose the best time to visit Tel Aviv based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
When booking your flight from Istanbul Airport to Ben Gurion Intl Airport, think about the kind of weather you like. August is the warmest month in Tel Aviv, with the temperature ranging from 24ºC (75ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from IST to TLV in January. Average temperatures are between 10ºC (50ºF) and 19ºC (66ºF) then.
Explore more of Israel
Tel Aviv is always a good idea, but there are so many other parts of Israel you'll want to see. Around 56 kilometres south-east of Tel Aviv, a visit to Jerusalem will keep you on the go. Start with leading sights like Old City of Jerusalem, Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Eastern Wall.
Around 80 kilometres north of Tel Aviv, Haifa is another favourite stop in Israel. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Bahai Gardens, Bahá'í World Centre and Bahá’í Gardens Haifa (Bahá’í Holy Place).