Cheap Flights from Istanbul to Chicago Starting at $281

More than 12 airlines operate flights from Istanbul to Chicago, including Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air, Air Serbia, Pegasus Airlines, Valuair, British Airways, Vueling, EgyptAir, Air Europa, Royal Jordanian, Icelandair, and Sky Express. This is a popular route, so passengers can choose tickets based on budget and preferences. Ticket prices start from $281, 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.

Istanbul is served primarily by two airports with distinct roles: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side is the city’s large international hub, handling long-haul and full-service carriers, while Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side is often used by budget and regional airlines. IST sits roughly 35–50 km from the historic center, with metro, express buses and taxis typically taking 35–60 minutes depending on traffic; fares can range from modest metro fees to higher taxi fares. SAW is about 40–55 km from central Istanbul and is reachable by shuttle buses, commuter lines and taxis in 45–75 minutes. Pros: IST offers extensive facilities and frequent connections; SAW can be cheaper and less crowded for low-cost carriers. Cons: both can be affected by heavy road congestion, and transfers between the two may add significant time and cost.

Chicago is served by two major airports with distinct roles. O’Hare International (ORD) is the primary international hub and a major connecting point for legacy carriers and many global airlines; it can be pricier on average but offers the widest choice of nonstop routes. Midway (MDW) is a smaller, more budget-leaning airport that typically hosts low-cost and domestic carriers, often yielding lower fares and quicker check-in times. O’Hare lies about 17–20 miles northwest of downtown (roughly 30–60 minutes by road depending on traffic) and is reachable by the CTA Blue Line rail (about 45–60 minutes, fares around the city transit rate) or taxis/ride-shares (fares vary). Midway sits about 10 miles southwest of the Loop (20–35 minutes by car) and connects to downtown via the CTA Orange Line (roughly 25–35 minutes, standard transit fare) plus buses and taxis. Pros: O’Hare’s international connectivity and amenities; Midway’s compact layout and often faster processing. Cons: O’Hare can be busy with longer transfer times and occasional delays; Midway has fewer international options and less carrier variety.

The cost of a one-way flight from Istanbul to Chicago ranges from $290 (December 2025) to $660 (August 2026). On average, the ticket price is about $404–$799.