Rabat to Istanbul (RBA–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.
RBA–IST is served by 1 airline with nonstop service. Air Arabia Maroc leads the route. The flight covers 1,989 miles in approximately 4h 35m. Beyond nonstop, 1-stop connecting options are also available.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3O Air Arabia Maroc | 2 | 320 | 4h35 | – | – | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
Other ways to reach Istanbul from Rabat
| Metric | RBA→IST | CMN→IST | RAK→IST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance from RBA | – | 68 mi | 185 mi |
| Nonstop airlines | 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Weekly flights | 2 | 42 | 23 |
| Flight time | 4h 35m | 4h 25m | 4h 55m |
Travel Essentials
RBA: +01 · IST: +03
When it's 6:00 PM in Rabat, it's 8:00 PM in Istanbul.
Moroccan passport holders enter Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. No eVisa or advance application is needed. Passport must be valid for at least 150 days beyond your planned departure date.
For stays beyond 90 days, apply for a short-term residence permit (ikamet) at a local immigration office in Turkey before your visa-free period expires.
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.
RBA–IST Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from RBA to IST
Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA) and İstanbul Airport (IST) are connected by nonstop service from Air Arabia Maroc. With 2 weekly departures, this is a regularly served route.
RBA to IST Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from RBA to IST is about 4 hours 35 minutes gate to gate. The route covers a distance of 1,989 miles (3,201 km).
Connecting Options and Alternatives
1-stop connecting options are also available, commonly via Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, Valencia and Charles de Gaulle. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs. Nearby alternative airports include Casablanca (CMN) and Marrakesh (RAK).