Istanbul to New York Flights

The 11-hour airplane trip isn't the only thing to look forward to on your trip from Istanbul to New York. In fact, the traveler offerings at the Istabul Ataturk Airport and the attractions that await you in New York City will make the hours fly by. The only thing you have to do is pay attention to a few details before and after the flight. Booking your tickets on Orbitz.com also helps.

Beginning the Trip in Istanbul

Istanbul Ataturk Airport is busier than most people realize. The terminals saw more than 20 million passengers in 2010 alone. Located nine miles from downtown Istanbul, the airport has 81 airlines operating from its terminals. Over 6,000 flights go through the gates each week, making it a bustling, major European hub.

To accommodate the traffic, the Turkish government created a state-of-the-art airport full of customer comforts. The International Departure Floor of the airport has cafes for quick meals, buffets, lounges and eateries offering several international cuisines. You can shop for items that you may have forgotten at home at the terminal as well.

There are several ways to get to the airport. About $21 will get you a taxi ride from downtown Istanbul to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. You can also take public transit in the form of the metro train for under $1.00. If you take your own car to the airport, Ataturk Airport has a few options to choose from. You can stash the car in the covered garage for $16 a day or valet park as well for an additional tip. The open-air economy lot is also available for a little more than $12 a day or $85 a month. All lots are secured to give you piece of mind while you travel.

Getting to New York

Although New York has two airports at which travelers can land, your flight will most likely end up at JFK International Airport. LaGuardia Airport in the Queens borough of New York serves mostly domestic flights and flights to and from Canada and the Caribbean. Orbitz.com lets you tailor your hotel search with this in mind.

A New York Getaway

JFK International Airport is located 15 miles southeast of downtown New York on Jamaica Bay. The nearly 5,000-acre airport served about 5.3 million passengers in 2010 alone, making it larger than Istanbul Ataturk.

Once you leave the airport, there are a few options for getting to your destination. A taxi will run you about $45 to the downtown or Manhattan area of New York. Shuttles cost more, often over $100. This is the JFK-Manhattan flat fee, so the only extra charges might be for a tip or for an additional stop along the way. Take a JFK AirTrain bus into town for $15.75 with an additional $5 to enter the subway system if your destination warrants further transport. The hotel shuttle is also an option. Many hotels offer a free shuttle ride from the airport if you reserve the ride in advance. If you choose to rent a car, be aware of the notorious traffic that congests the city each day and the expensive parking situation.

New York's most popular attractions support the CityPass, a card that lets you into several places for one fee. Visit the American Museum of Natural History, Ellis Island and more for one fee paid in advance of your trip. New York is also a place for luxury spas for relaxation, plays on Broadway and throughout the city. Don't forget to sample the amazing cuisine as well. The city experiences all four seasons, and the best time to go is any time you want. There is always something going on in New York. Just remember to bring a coat in the winter when temperatures can dip to the low 20s. In the summer, it can get as hot as 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Planning the Trip

There are a lot of decisions to make when planning your trip from Istanbul to New York. In order to get the trip of your dreams, be they of Broadway plays and gourmet cuisine, or of museums and Central Park, you should book your trip from Istanbul to New York on Orbitz.com