Cheap Flights from Istanbul to Bucharest — $55

More than 6 airlines operate flights from Istanbul to Bucharest, including Pegasus Airlines, Tarom, Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air, Animawings, and FlyOne. This is a popular route, so passengers can choose tickets based on budget and preferences. Ticket prices start from $55, and our service lets you instantly compare all options. The variety of offers simplifies planning: you can choose budget fares or more comfortable options with baggage included or extra services. We help you find the best deals so your trip is cost-efficient.

Almost every airline on the Istanbul — Bucharest route flies daily, with just one exception: Turkish Airlines and Tarom fly every day. Pegasus Airlines flies every day except Tuesday and Thursday.

Istanbul Airport (IST) is Turkey’s main international hub and typically handles most long-haul and full-service carriers, making it the city’s premium gateway. Located about 40–45 km north of the historic center, travel time to Sultanahmet or Taksim can be around 35–60 minutes by taxi depending on traffic, with fares commonly higher than inner-city trips; the Havaist and municipal Havabus shuttles take roughly 60–90 minutes and cost a moderate fixed fee. Metro M11 connections are expanding the rail link for faster rides. Pros: modern terminals, plenty of lounges and international connections; cons: longer transfer distances and sometimes heavy road traffic en route. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is Istanbul’s secondary international airport and is often positioned as the city’s budget- and low-cost-carrier friendly option, frequently serving domestic routes and Europe-focused low-cost airlines. It sits about 35–45 km southeast of central Istanbul; taxis typically take 45–75 minutes depending on congestion and can be more cost-effective for groups. Public shuttle buses and Havabus services offer 60–90 minute journeys at economical fares, while a more recent metro link and planned rail improvements aim to shorten trip times. Pros: generally lower fares and quicker check-ins for budget carriers; cons: longer transit from some central neighborhoods and fewer premium amenities than the main hub.

Bucharest is served mainly by Henri Coandă International (OTP), the city’s primary international gateway and full-service hub for several carriers, and by Aurel Vlaicu/Băneasa (BBU), which typically handles low-cost, charter, and business flights. OTP sits about 16–18 km north of the city center; travelers can reach downtown in roughly 30–50 minutes by train or express bus, with taxi or rideshare trips commonly taking 25–45 minutes — fares vary by provider and time of day. BBU is closer (around 8 km), often offering quicker road transfers. OTP usually offers a wider range of services and connections but can be pricier for transfers or parking, while BBU is generally slimmer on amenities yet can be more convenient for short-haul low-cost flights. Public transit, shuttle buses, taxis, and app-based rides are the standard options; travel times and costs can fluctuate with traffic and demand.

The cost of a one-way flight from Istanbul to Bucharest ranges from $48 (November 2026) to $81 (February 2027). On average, the ticket price is about $56–$57.