Travelling from Beijing to Istanbul: what you need to know
Get your holiday planning started by considering where you'll take off for your flight from Beijing to Istanbul. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Daxing International Airport (PKX) are the main airports in Beijing.
Hop off your plane in Istanbul at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
10 hours 44 minutes is the average time for a direct flight from Beijing to Istanbul. Based in the UTC+3 timezone, Istanbul is 5 hours behind Beijing.
With 14 weekly flights between the two airports, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the busiest route. Board the earliest flight from Beijing to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines at 00:10. If you prefer to get more out of your day before taking off, the latest flight from PEK to IST is with Air China at 02:00.
Give yourself enough time to get on your flight from Beijing to Istanbul. It's generally best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months such as July, it's best to get to the airport earlier. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights when you fly during high season in general.
To enter Türkiye (Turkey) for tourism purposes, you will require an e-visa if you have a passport from China. However, visa rules can change and you may need further documentation depending on the duration and purpose of your visit. Always check the most recent guidelines before reserving your cheap flight from Beijing to Istanbul.
Flying from Beijing
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Beijing to Istanbul, they're available from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Fly from PEK to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) without making any stops.
Book your direct flight from Beijing to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines. This leading airline operates services from PEK.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a travel break — and perhaps even explore a different city. When searching for flights from Beijing to Istanbul departing from Beijing Capital International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Top options include:
Belgrad Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Almaty Airport (ALA)
To reach PEK from central Beijing, it'll take about 40 minutes if you're planning to drive. Of course, this depends on traffic conditions. It's approximately 31 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Want a handy hotel close to Beijing Capital International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Beijing to Istanbul, these stays will put you moments from your check-in counter:
Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Rather start your trip at Daxing International Airport (PKX)? This terminal also offers direct flights from Beijing to Istanbul — enjoy a seamless connection to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
China Southern Airlines has direct flights from Beijing to Istanbul leaving from PKX. Book your favourite window (or aisle) seat and get to your destination in a single stretch.
Split up your flight from Beijing to Istanbul with a stop so you can recharge or cross another place off your list. Some popular stopovers between Beijing Capital International Airport and Istanbul are:
Belgrad Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Almaty Airport (ALA)
PKX is around 56 kilometres from central Beijing. It takes 1 hour and 3 minutes or so to reach the airport driving from the city centre.
Get a head start on your holiday with an extra night away from home. Before catching your flight from Beijing to Istanbul, chill out in one of these hotels close to Daxing International Airport:
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul takes around 50 minutes by car. It's approximately 48 kilometres away.
It takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes to get there using public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Beijing to Istanbul, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these hotels near IST:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
As soon as your flight from Beijing to Istanbul has hit the runway, you can get to the city centre in around 57 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
The journey will take roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near SAW. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your flight from Beijing to Istanbul:
How to find the cheapest flights from Beijing to Istanbul
Right now, RM955 is the best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Beijing to Istanbul. The cheapest price for a return flight is RM1,381. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Score cheap tickets from Beijing to Istanbul by booking 9 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for bagging a bargain.
The cheapest month for tickets from Beijing to Istanbul is May. Compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest day to fly.
Snapping up a cheap ticket from Beijing to Istanbul couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when the price has fallen.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Beijing to Istanbul.
Best time to go to Istanbul
February is the quietest month for flights from Beijing to Istanbul, while August is the most popular. Work out the best time to go to Istanbul based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
Book your flight from Beijing to Istanbul for August if you'd like to head to the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Istanbul to range from 20ºC to 30ºC.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, lock in a cheap ticket from Beijing to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.
More about Istanbul
After booking your flight from Beijing to Istanbul, think about where you'd like to stay in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring Istanbul:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are must-visits when exploring Istanbul.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Beijing to Istanbul isn't our only cool trick. Check out our car rentals in Istanbul and travel at your own pace. We search for deals from trusted car rental companies and put them all in one place. Instantly compare rates and then book with no fees.