Flying from Istanbul to Mexico City: what you need to know
Start your holiday planning by considering where you'll catch your flight from Istanbul to Mexico City. Istanbul Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW) are the main airports in Istanbul.
When it comes to planning your arrival in Mexico City, Mexico City Juarez International Airport (MEX) and Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU) are the major entry points.
Book a direct Istanbul to Mexico City flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 14 hours 30 minutes.
Mexico City is nine hours behind Istanbul and follows the UTC-6 timezone.
The busiest route for flights from Istanbul to Mexico City is from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Mexico City Juarez International Airport (MEX). There are nine weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to maximise your time on arrival, the earliest flight from IST to MEX is the 01:45 Turkish Airlines service. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the last departure is at 22:00 with Turkish Airlines.
Give yourself plenty of time to make your Istanbul to Mexico City flight. Generally, it's best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Travelling during a peak month like August? Major public holidays and other popular periods can mean longer queues and delays at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Mexico City
Booking early is often the key to finding a cheap Istanbul to Mexico City flight. Fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so the closer you get to departure, the more expensive your ticket may be.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Istanbul to Mexico City across every month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your dates are flexible.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from Istanbul to Mexico City by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when fares go down.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Istanbul to Mexico City flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Jet off from Istanbul Airport (IST) on a nonstop flight from Istanbul to Mexico City. From IST, you can travel directly to Mexico City Juarez International Airport (MEX).
Reserve your Istanbul to Mexico City plane tickets with Turkish Airlines. This carrier is a top choice for direct flights from IST.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling — and maybe even explore another city. When browsing Istanbul to Mexico City flights leaving from Istanbul Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Popular options include:
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH)
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Located around 32 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul, IST can be reached in about 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport is roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
Want a leisurely start to your travels? Stay near Istanbul Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Istanbul to Mexico City or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are ideal:
Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW)
Break up your Istanbul to Mexico City flight with a stop so you can stretch your legs or tick a new place off your list. Top stopovers between Istanbul Sabiha Airport and Mexico City are:
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA)
Munich Airport (MUC)
SAW is about 31 kilometres from central Istanbul. It'll take you 1 hour 5 minutes or so to get to the airport if you're driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes.
Start your holiday sooner with an extra night away from home. Before catching your flight from Istanbul to Mexico City, take it easy in one of these hotels near Istanbul Sabiha Airport:
68% of flights departing Istanbul Sabiha Airport make it to their destination as expected.
Arriving in Mexico City
Mexico City Juarez International Airport (MEX)
Mexico City Juarez International Airport (MEX) is approximately 6 kilometres from central Mexico City. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive will take around 30 minutes.
Getting to the centre on public transport takes roughly 40 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Istanbul to Mexico City, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these accommodation options near MEX:
Pick up a Mexico City Juarez International Airport rental car and explore Mexico City and beyond with your own wheels. INFINITY RENT, MEX and America are popular providers you can book with here.
Reserving your ride from Mexico City Juarez International Airport about four weeks ahead boosts your odds of scoring a great price.
Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU)
Central Mexico City is approximately 40 kilometres from Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU). As soon as your flight from Istanbul to Mexico City has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 55 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, you'll reach the centre in 2 hours or so.
There are some great places to call home for the night near NLU. Unwind after your Istanbul to Mexico City flight at one of these well-located options:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Felipe Angeles International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Europcar, MEX or Keddy By Europcar and make a speedy getaway.
Call dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from NLU one week in advance often means better deals and a greater range of vehicles.
Mexico City Atizapan Airport (AZP)
Central Mexico City is around 3 kilometres from Mexico City Atizapan Airport (AZP). Get settled at your hotel (or make a head start on exploring the city's best sights) after your flight from Istanbul to Mexico City.
Home providers sometimes offer discounts on early bookings, so book your vehicle from AZP ahead of your flight from Istanbul to Mexico City. A little prep today saves cash tomorrow.
Best time to go to Mexico City
March is the quietest month for flights from Istanbul to Mexico City, while June is the busiest. Choose the best time to go to Mexico City based on whether you want a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Mexico City is May, with temperatures ranging between 12ºC (54ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Book your Istanbul to Mexico City ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Istanbul to Mexico City in January when temperatures average between 6ºC (43ºF) and 23ºC (73ºF).
More about Mexico City
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Mexico City right here. Check out these options once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Mexico City:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be tricky to work out where to begin. Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, National Museum of Anthropology and Frida Kahlo Museum are top sights which should feature on any good Mexico City itinerary.
Explore more of Mexico
Ecatepec de Morelos is just one of the many places in Mexico waiting to be discovered after you've experienced Mexico City. Around 21 kilometres to the northeast, its top attractions include Zoologico Zacango, Centro Ecoturistico y Educación Ambiental Sierra de Guadalupe and Botanical Garden.
Guadalajara is another sought-after destination in Mexico and is around 467 kilometres west of Mexico City. No journey is complete without visiting Guadalajara's Cathedral, Temple of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Mural Gigante FRIDA KAHLO.