Flying from Istanbul to Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN): What you need to know
Set your travel plans in motion by considering where you'll board your flight from Istanbul to Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are the main airports in Istanbul.
The average duration of a direct Istanbul to Barcelona-El Prat Airport flight is 3 hours 45 minutes.
Barcelona is two hours behind Istanbul. Barcelona-El Prat Airport is located in Barcelona, which follows the UTC+1 timezone.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is the most popular route. There are 30 direct weekly departures to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, hop on the last flight with Vueling at 10:15pm. Opt for the first IST to BCN departure with Turkish Airlines at 7:55am if you're aiming for an earlier start.
Get to the airport on time so you don't miss your flight from Istanbul to BCN. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to avoid sprinting to your gate.
Peak travel periods mean busier airports, so plan to arrive even earlier. Give yourself at least two hours before a domestic flight and four hours for an international journey to keep to your schedule.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Get to your destination in one go from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Nonstop flights from Istanbul to Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) are available from here.
Turkish Airlines is a well-known carrier that operates direct flights from Istanbul to Barcelona-El Prat Airport departing from IST.
The airline most travellers choose when flying between IST and BCN is Turkish Airlines.
Think about adding a stopover to find cheap flights from Istanbul to BCN. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Pause your trip (and maybe pocket some savings) with a stop at one of these popular airports:
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Belgrad Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
The journey from central Istanbul to IST takes around 1 hour 45 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 48 kilometres in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a hassle-free start to your trip? Stay near Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Istanbul to Barcelona-El Prat Airport or aren't a fan of being rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Consider beginning your travels from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). You can book a direct Istanbul to Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) plane ticket from this popular hub.
Pegasus operates direct flights from Istanbul to BCN leaving from SAW. Book your favourite window (or aisle) seat and reach your destination in one go.
Pegasus is the top choice for bookings on the SAW to BCN route.
Go with Pegasus if you prioritize punctuality. Its flights between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Barcelona-El Prat Airport touch down as scheduled 83.91% of the time.
Add another location to your travels or just take a moment to stretch your legs with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your flight from Istanbul to Barcelona-El Prat Airport, browse these options when departing from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
Geneve Airport (GVA)
Lyon Saint-Exupery International Airport (LYS)
Stuttgart Airport (STR)
SAW is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. It'll take you 55 minutes or so to get to the airport if you're driving from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your Istanbul to BCN flight? Relax in a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your trip officially starts. These stays are calling your name:
When it comes to flights staying on schedule, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 76.93%.
About Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Istanbul to Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Get comfy at one of these accommodation options near BCN instead:
Get your adventure underway by picking up a Barcelona-El Prat Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Record Go, Goldcar or Nizacars Rent A Car and explore beyond Barcelona's main sights.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride around four weeks ahead of your Istanbul to Barcelona-El Prat Airport flight.
Getting from Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) to central Barcelona
The centre of Barcelona is about 13 kilometres from Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Travel times by car hire or cab will vary depending on time of day, so do some research ahead of your trip.
Travelling by public transport typically takes 35 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
$101 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Barcelona-El Prat Airport. A return flight starts at $223. These fares may change based on availability.
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to walk away with cheap flights from Istanbul to BCN if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some fantastic early bird discounts.
Cheap Istanbul to Barcelona-El Prat Airport tickets are easier to find when your travel dates are flexible. Try using the 'Whole month' tool to compare fares across each month and then choose the cheapest day.
There's no need to check every day to find out 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 plane tickets from Istanbul to BCN.
Find a cheap flight from Istanbul to Barcelona-El Prat Airport by using filters. Select your preferred departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from Istanbul to Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
It's time to figure out your travel dates for your flight from Istanbul to Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). July is when most people travel to Barcelona. If crowds aren't your thing, think about going in February.
Before locking in your Istanbul to BCN plane ticket, consider the kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in Barcelona, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC (68ºF) to 31ºC (88ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from Istanbul to Barcelona-El Prat Airport in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 5ºC (41ºF) and 14ºC (57ºF).
More about Barcelona
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Barcelona right here. Explore these options once you've locked in your flight from Istanbul to Barcelona-El Prat Airport:
There are so many things to discover in this city, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Sagrada Familia, Vinalium Sagrada Familia and Placa de la Sagrada Familia are top attractions which should be on every Barcelona itinerary.
Explore more of Spain
You've done Barcelona, now it's time to discover more of Spain. Travel about 241 kilometres west to Zaragoza to tick off its leading attractions. From Plaza España to Plaza del Pilar and La Seo del Salvador, your itinerary will be busy.
If you're eager to discover another major destination in Spain, consider Ibiza, roughly 274 kilometres south of Barcelona. Platja d'en Bossa, Blue Ocean Ibiza and Playa de Ses Salines are among the biggest draws.