Cheap Flights from Chicago to Istanbul — $256

Chicago is served primarily by two major airports with distinct roles. O’Hare International (ORD) is the city’s primary international and connecting hub, typically hosting legacy carriers like United and American alongside many global airlines; it is often seen as a full-service, sometimes pricier option and lies about 17–18 miles northwest of downtown. Travel options include the CTA Blue Line train (roughly 35–50 minutes), airport express buses and taxis/ride-shares (30–60 minutes depending on traffic), with fares ranging from transit fares to moderate taxi/ride-share rates. Pros: extensive international connections and amenities; cons: busy terminals and occasional long transfer times. Midway (MDW) functions more as a domestic budget-leaning airport, commonly served by low-cost and regional carriers such as Southwest, and is located about 10 miles southwest of downtown. It’s typically perceived as more budget-friendly for domestic flights. Transit choices include the CTA Orange Line (about 25–40 minutes), buses, and taxis/ride-shares (20–45 minutes), with lower transit fares and generally shorter taxi runs. Pros: quicker security lines and closer proximity to the city center; cons: fewer international routes and smaller terminal facilities.

Istanbul has two main airports serving different traveler needs. Istanbul Airport (IST) is the large international hub handling most long-haul and full-service carriers and can be pricier to reach from the city center; it sits roughly 30–45 km northwest of central districts and is usually 35–60 minutes by taxi depending on traffic, with airport shuttle buses and metro connections taking about 40–60 minutes for modest fares. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is positioned on the Asian side and often caters to low-cost and regional airlines; it’s about 35–45 km from central European-side neighborhoods and typically 45–75 minutes by road, with budget shuttle buses available. Pros: broad route networks at IST, cheaper fares at SAW; cons: both can be some distance from the center and subject to heavy traffic at peak times.

Fly nonstop from Chicago to Istanbul for the quickest, most convenient way to bridge the heart of the Midwest with Turkey’s vibrant culture — fewer hassles, no lengthy layovers, and more time to enjoy your destination. While connecting options can sometimes be cheaper, choosing a direct flight saves valuable travel time and offers a more relaxed journey overall, making it easy to arrive ready to explore.

The minimum one-way ticket price from Chicago to Istanbul is $293 (February 2026), while the maximum is $556 (June 2026). On average, a ticket costs $393–$397.

The Chicago — Istanbul route is served by a wide range of airlines: 12 in total, including Turkish Airlines, Icelandair, Frontier Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Air Serbia, Aer Lingus, KLM, LOT Polish Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, and United Airlines. Competition among carriers gives passengers the opportunity to find tickets at attractive fares — with prices starting from $256. Our service helps compare all available offers within seconds and choose the most convenient option. You can filter flights by price, departure time, or baggage rules to make your trip as comfortable as possible. With so many airlines, there’s always a chance to catch special promotions and save.