Istanbul to Cotonou (IST–COO) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
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No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
IST–COO is served by 1 airline with nonstop service. Turkish Airlines leads the route. The flight covers 2,907 miles in approximately 7h 5m. Beyond nonstop, 3 hubs offer 1-stop connections.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TK Turkish Airlines | 6 | 7M8 | 7h05 | – | Star Alliance | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
Travel Essentials
IST: +03 · COO: WAT
When it's 6:00 PM in Istanbul, it's 4:00 PM in Cotonou.
Turkish passport holders need a visa to enter Benin. Apply for an eVisa through evisa.gouv.bj. The tourist eVisa costs EUR 50 for a 30-day single entry or EUR 100 for a 90-day multiple entry. Processing takes 24 to 72 hours. Required documents include a passport scan, a recent photo, proof of accommodation, a return ticket, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers entering Benin. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). At Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO), immigration checks your eVisa printout and vaccination certificate and stamps your passport. The eVisa system is efficient and the recommended route rather than applying at an embassy. Print the eVisa approval and carry it throughout your trip.
No direct flights connect Istanbul to Benin. Route through Casablanca (about 5 hours to Cotonou on Royal Air Maroc), Addis Ababa (about 5 hours 30 minutes on Ethiopian Airlines), or Paris (about 6 hours on Air France). Total travel time from Istanbul runs 10 to 15 hours. Benin uses the West African CFA franc (XOF), pegged to the euro at 655.96 XOF per EUR 1, trading at roughly 17 XOF per TRY 1. Cash dominates daily transactions. ATMs in Cotonou dispense CFA francs. Card acceptance is limited to hotels and a few restaurants. Zemidjan motorcycle taxis are the main urban transport at XOF 200 to XOF 500 per ride (TRY 12 to TRY 30).
Istanbul Metro M11 Gayrettepe–İstanbul Havalimanı line connects the airport to the broader metro network; from Gayrettepe (Mecidiyeköy/Levent area) the journey is about 35 minutes (₺60–70 with Istanbulkart). The line runs roughly 5am to midnight.Havaist express buses serve Taksim, Kadıköy, and other major hubs (₺50–80, 45–90 minutes depending on traffic). Taxis use a meter; expect ₺400–600 from Taksim or Sultanahmet. The airport is 35km northwest of the city; traffic on the O-7 motorway can be severe during peak hours.
IST–COO Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from IST to COO
İstanbul Airport (IST) and Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport (COO) are connected by nonstop service from Turkish Airlines. With 6 weekly departures, this is a regularly served route.
IST to COO Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from IST to COO ranges from 7 hours 5 minutes. The route covers a distance of 2,907 miles (4,677 km). There are approximately 6 weekly flights outbound and 2 return, totaling 8 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
3 one-stop connections are available, with the fastest taking approximately 20 hours via ADD. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs.