Travelling from Ottawa to Istanbul: what you need to know
Ottawa's main base, Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), is where countless awesome holidays begin. Explore your departure choices from here for your flight from Ottawa to Istanbul.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's primary gateways.
To ensure you get on your Ottawa to Istanbul flight, leave enough time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Heading away during a peak period like school or public holidays? Expect longer queues at check-in and security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa to Istanbul
To find cheap Ottawa to Istanbul flights, book ahead. Airlines generally offer lower prices when flights first go on sale.
Finding cheap plane tickets from Ottawa to Istanbul is more likely if you can be flexible with your travel plans. Use the 'Whole month' search function to see the best prices throughout the month and pick up an incredible deal.
There's no need to check every day to see if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know as soon as a better deal comes up on cheap flights from Ottawa to Istanbul.
Save money on your Ottawa to Istanbul flight with the help of our filters. Select your ideal departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Ottawa
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
Located around 11 kilometres from central Ottawa, YOW can be reached in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport is roughly 45 minutes.
Want a handy hotel close to Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Ottawa to Istanbul, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure gate:
58.21% of flights that leave from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport touch down at their destination on time.
YOW is located at 50 Airport Road.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is approximately 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 50 minutes.
Travelling to the centre on public transport takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Ottawa to Istanbul. Book one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Pick up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and discover Istanbul and beyond with your own set of wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are leading providers to choose from here.
For the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks ahead of your Ottawa to Istanbul flight.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is roughly 31 kilometres from central Istanbul. Once you've hopped off your flight from Ottawa to Istanbul, it takes approximately 55 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your flight from Ottawa to Istanbul:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make picking up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car easy and quick. These providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Avoid potential price surges. Securing your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at SAW will save you money.
Best time to go to Istanbul
April is the busiest month for flights from Ottawa to Istanbul. To skip the crowds, visit Istanbul in February.
When booking your Ottawa to Istanbul tickets, think about the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC to 30ºC.
For cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Ottawa to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Istanbul right here. Explore these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Ottawa to Istanbul:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are attractions you won't want to skip in Istanbul.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many cities in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be explored once you've seen Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres to the east, top sights here include Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
If you're looking to explore another great destination in Türkiye (Turkey), head for Izmir, about 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square are the start of reasons to visit.