Narita to Istanbul (NRT–IST) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
No flights match your filters.
No scheduled airline flights on this route — it's flown by charter / private operators (). No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
Most recently operated nonstop flights — the month shown is when each was last scheduled. Most destinations remain reachable with a connection.
No discontinued nonstop flights on record for this route.
NRT–IST is served by 1 airline with nonstop service. Turkish Airlines leads the route. The flight covers 5,580 miles in approximately 13h 15m. Beyond nonstop, 1-stop connecting options are also available.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TK Turkish Airlines Also: MS, NH | 12 | 77W, 789 | 13h15-13h25 | – | Star Alliance | MS, NH |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
Other ways to reach Istanbul from Narita
| Metric | NRT→IST | HND→IST |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from NRT | – | 37 mi |
| Nonstop airlines | 1 | 2 |
| Weekly flights | 26 | 20 |
| Flight time | 13h 15m | 13h 10m |
Travel Essentials
NRT: JST · IST: +03
When it's 6:00 PM in Narita, it's 12:00 PM in Istanbul.
Japanese passport holders enter Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. No fee, no eVisa needed. Passport must be valid for at least 5 months beyond the date of entry (Turkey uses 5 months, not the usual 6). One blank page required. At immigration in Istanbul (IST or SAW), processing is fast for Japanese nationals, typically under 10 minutes.
No advance registration or documentation is needed beyond your passport and a return or onward ticket. The 90-day limit applies to Turkey specifically, not shared with any other country. For stays beyond 90 days, apply for a residence permit within the first 90 days at the local Directorate of Migration Management. Tourist extensions are not available at the airport.
Direct flights from Tokyo Narita to Istanbul (IST) run about 12 hours 30 minutes on Turkish Airlines. No other carrier operates nonstop on this route. Connections through Dubai, Doha, or Singapore are alternatives. Turkey uses the Turkish lira (TRY), trading at roughly 0.24 TRY per JPY. Istanbulkart (transit card) costs TRY 70 at metro stations and kiosks, with each ride costing TRY 15 to TRY 20 on metro, bus, tram, and ferries. No vaccination requirements.
The Narita Express (N'EX) runs from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport in 60 minutes, with stops at Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Yokohama (¥3,070 one-way from Tokyo; discounted round-trip tickets available). Keisei Skyliner from Ueno takes 41 minutes to Terminal 1 (¥2,570); the faster option from east-side Tokyo. Keisei Limited Express is slower (80 min) but cheaper at ¥1,290.Limousine buses depart from major Tokyo hotels and stations for ¥3,200 and take 75–105 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are extremely expensive (¥20,000–30,000+); avoid unless cost is no concern. The airport is 60 km from central Tokyo.
M11 Metro to Gayrettepe takes about 35 minutes (₺60–70 with Istanbulkart) with connections to M2 (Taksim) and M7. Runs from 5am to midnight. The metro bypasses O-7 motorway traffic, which is frequently heavy into the city.Havaist buses serve major destinations including Taksim, Kadıköy (European and Asian sides), and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (₺50–80). Taxis from arrivals are metered; insist on the meter. Journey to Sultanahmet or Taksim costs ₺400–700 depending on traffic. Rental cars available. Hotel shuttles common for business hotels near the city.
The new airport sits 35km from central Istanbul on the European side, slightly inland and exposed to Black Sea weather systems. Winters (December–March) are cold (0–8°C) with fog, rain, and occasional snow. Snow on the exposed plateau is more likely than in the city. Ice on taxiways causes delays.
Summers are warm (25–32°C) with dry, reliable weather. Spring and fall bring heavy rain and strong northerly winds (Poyraz) that can affect smaller aircraft. Fog is the primary low-season disruption risk. The airport's elevated position makes it slightly windier than the Atatürk site it replaced.
NRT–IST Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from NRT to IST
Narita International Airport (NRT) and İstanbul Airport (IST) are connected by nonstop service from Turkish Airlines. With 26 weekly departures, this is a well served route.
NRT to IST Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from NRT to IST is about 13 hours 15 minutes gate to gate. The route covers a distance of 5,580 miles (8,980 km). There are approximately 26 weekly flights outbound and 26 return, totaling 52 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
1-stop connecting options are also available, commonly via Incheon, Tashkent and Beijing Capital. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs. Nearby alternative airports include Tokyo (HND).