Flying from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Approximately 11 hours 30 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct flight from O'Hare International Airport to Istanbul.
Istanbul is eight hours ahead of Chicago, where O'Hare International Airport is located. Istanbul observes the UTC+3 timezone.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route, with 15 weekly departures to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from ORD to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 23:45. Opt for the first departure operated by Turkish Airlines at 11:25 if you want to get on your way earlier.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to board your ORD to Istanbul flight.
Longer lines at security and check-in are more likely if you're flying during high season, so allow a bit more breathing room. A good general rule for peak times? Get there up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Direct O'Hare International Airport to Istanbul tickets are available for booking. Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is where you'll disembark.
Look out for promotions from Turkish Airlines. This carrier operates direct flights from O'Hare International Airport to Istanbul.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your trip and possibly even explore another city. When browsing for flight tickets from ORD to Istanbul, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Some popular options include:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
Located around 26 kilometres from central Chicago, ORD can be reached in about 35 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport will take roughly 55 minutes.
In search of a hotel close to ORD? If you're catching an early flight from O'Hare International Airport to Istanbul, these stays will get you from your pillow to the plane in no time:
74.85% of flights departing from O'Hare International Airport arrive at their destination on time.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
How to find the cheapest flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Istanbul
$358 is currently the lowest price for a one-way O'Hare International Airport to Istanbul flight. Return flight tickets start from $1,039. These fares may change based on availability and demand.
Book six months before travelling. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from ORD to Istanbul.
October is the best month for scoring an amazing deal on O'Hare International Airport to Istanbul tickets. If you'd like to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices across every month.
You don't need to keep looking every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you when there's an even bigger deal on cheap flights from ORD to Istanbul.
Save money on your flight from O'Hare International Airport to Istanbul with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're opting for a ride-share or a cab, the drive takes roughly 50 minutes.
Travelling on public transport takes around 1 hour 45 minutes.
If you have a late flight from O'Hare International Airport to Istanbul, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these accommodation options near IST:
Pick up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and explore Istanbul and beyond with your own wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are top outlets to choose from here.
To get the best deal, reserve your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks ahead of your flight from ORD to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is roughly 48 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. After your flight from O'Hare International Airport to Istanbul, it'll take you around 55 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
There are some comfortable places to call home for the night near SAW. Settle in and get cosy after your ORD to Istanbul flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make picking up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car quick and easy. These trusted companies are located in or around the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Snap up a deal by reserving your ride from SAW four weeks in advance. You can also expect to have a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Carefully consider your trip dates before locking in your flight from O'Hare International Airport to Istanbul. The city buzzes during high season, but hotel prices are generally higher and top attractions can get busy. Plan your trip to Istanbul in the off-season if you want a quieter vibe.
Lock in an O'Hare International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket with a departure in August to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from ORD to Istanbul around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Istanbul
After booking your flight from O'Hare International Airport to Istanbul, choose a hotel that puts you right where the action is. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Istanbul:
All great holidays should include a little sightseeing. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are must-do's during your Istanbul adventure.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Istanbul has plenty to offer, but there are so many other corners of Türkiye (Turkey) you should also see. About 354 kilometres east of Istanbul, a visit to Ankara will keep you busy. Start with popular sights like Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
If there's time to check out another corner of Türkiye (Turkey), head for Izmir, about 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak are among its highlights.