Moscow to Istanbul
2h 36m The flight from Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) to İstanbul Airport (IST) covers 1,752 km (1,088 miles) and takes approximately 2h 36m gate to gate for a typical jet.
The route heads south-west on an initial great-circle bearing of 205°, passing near 48.7° N, 32.4° E at its midpoint.
The route
The great-circle path — the shortest line between the two airports across the curve of the earth. On a flat map it looks bent; on a globe it is straight.
Flight time at different cruise speeds
Aircraft type, winds and routing all move the real number. This is the same distance flown at different speeds, plus the 25-minute ground and climb allowance.
| Typical of | Cruise speed | Airborne | Gate to gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop / regional | 550 km/h | 3h 11m | 3h 36m |
| Narrowbody jet (A320, 737) | 780 km/h | 2h 15m | 2h 40m |
| Widebody jet (777, 787, A350) | 900 km/h | 1h 57m | 2h 22m |
| Private jet (Gulfstream) | 850 km/h | 2h 04m | 2h 29m |
Headwinds on an eastbound long-haul routinely add 30–60 minutes; the same route westbound can be quicker. Airlines publish schedules with padding built in.
Both airports
| SVO | IST | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Sheremetyevo International Airport | İstanbul Airport |
| City | Moscow | Istanbul |
| Country | Russia | Turkey |
| ICAO | UUEE | LTFM |
| Coordinates | 55.9769, 37.4112 | 41.2749, 28.7321 |
| Elevation | 622 ft | 325 ft |
Questions
How long is the flight from Moscow to Istanbul?
A non-stop flight from Moscow (SVO) to Istanbul (IST) takes about 2h 36m. The great-circle distance is 1,752 km (1,088 miles, 946 nautical miles), flying south-west on an initial bearing of 205°.
How far is Moscow from Istanbul?
1,752 kilometres in a straight line over the earth's surface — 1,088 miles or 946 nautical miles. Actual flown distance is usually 2–5% longer because aircraft follow airways, avoid weather and route around restricted airspace.
Is there a non-stop flight between SVO and IST?
This page calculates the direct-line time and distance; it does not track airline schedules. At 1,752 km the route is comfortably within range of a non-stop service if an airline chooses to fly it. Check an airline or booking site for what is actually scheduled.
Airport coordinates from OurAirports (public domain). Distance is a great-circle calculation; flight time uses the model described on the method page. Flight times are great-circle estimates for planning only — always check the airline's published schedule.