2026 layover guide
Istanbul (IST) connection time
At Istanbul Airport, plan on at least 1 h 15 min for a same-terminal connection. Here's why, step by step.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Comfortable: 1 h 45 min
No terminal changes
Quick answer
Plan on at least 1 h 15 min for a same-terminal connection at IST. You stay inside security for domestic connections.
- Same terminal
- 1 h 15 min (comfortable: 1 h 45 min)
- Hub airlines
- Turkish Airlines
How long a layover do I need?
- Get off the plane and walk to your next gate25 min
- Transfer security screening20 min
- Be at the gate before boarding closes15 min
- Buffer for a small delay15 min
Our estimate, rounded up, not the airline's official minimum connection time. If both flights are on one ticket, the airline will rebook you if a delay makes you miss the second one. How we calculate this
Recommended layovers at IST
Our estimates for common connections, rounded up. Comfortable times leave room for a late arrival.
| Connection | MinimumRecommended minimum |
|---|---|
Same terminal, no passport control Transfer security where required | 1 h 15 min Comfortable: 1 h 45 min |
Separate tickets with checked bags No protection if you miss it | 2 h 15 min Comfortable: 3 h |
Airlines' official minimum connection times can be shorter: if you booked both flights on one ticket, the airline has already checked that the connection is legal and will rebook you if a delay makes you miss it.
Getting around IST
Terminals
One terminal.
Changing terminals
One very large terminal. International transfers go through a transfer security check, and walks between gates can be long.
Passport control and transfers
International-to-international transfers don't pass Turkish passport control.
Tips for connecting at IST
- •Turkish Airlines' Touristanbul offers free city tours to eligible transit passengers on long layovers.
Plan your trip through IST
The airport guide, and the bag rules for the airlines you're likely to connect on here.
IST connection FAQ
Airlines set their own official minimums at IST and only sell connections that meet them, so a one-ticket itinerary is always "legal". In practice we recommend at least 1 h 15 min for a same-terminal connection.
Other airports
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Terminals and connection rules change, so check your airline's connection instructions before a tight layover.
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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