Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your October journey
Heading from Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) to Istanbul (All Airports) (ISTA) in October offers a strong balance of direct services and good weather for travel. October is a shoulder month — expect warm Dakar mornings, slightly lower humidity than peak wet season, and regular Turkish Airlines direct flights which reduce total flight time to about 6½–7 hours. For passengers from nearby cities such as Thiès, Saint-Louis, Ziguinchor and even Banjul (Gambia), booking a morning connection to DSS is common to allow for secure check-in windows. Search for 'Dakar to Istanbul flights' early in September and early October to capture competitive fares; use primary keywords like 'DSS to ISTA cheap flights' when comparing results. CTA: Compare Dakar to Istanbul flights now and secure the best October fares.
At Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) you should arrive 2–3 hours before an international flight to Istanbul (All Airports) (ISTA) in October. October is a busy shoulder month so plan for normal immigration and security lines; bring your passport, visa (if required), and printed or mobile boarding pass. Many carriers allow online check-in 24 hours prior; use that to save time and confirm baggage allowances with your airline before arrival.
Yes — Turkish Airlines typically operates direct Dakar to Istanbul services year-round and usually offers daily or near-daily flights in October, which is a high-demand shoulder season. Direct flights cut total travel time to about 6 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours, making them the fastest choice; check the carrier’s schedule and book early for the best fares.
Baggage allowance depends on the airline and fare class: Turkish Airlines economy typically includes one checked bag up to 23 kg and a carry-on bag, while connecting carriers may have different rules. Always confirm your ticket’s checked baggage limit and size restrictions before travel and consider purchasing extra allowance in advance if you plan to bring sports equipment or oversized luggage.
October in Dakar is generally warm and tropical with temperatures typically between 24°C and 31°C (75°F–88°F) and decreasing rainfall compared with the wet season. Expect humid mornings and pleasant evenings; pack light layers and plan for possible short showers early in the month. Monitor flight status on travel days because tropical weather can occasionally affect regional connections.
October is a shoulder season between summer peak travel and winter holidays, so schedules are typically stable but may increase on weekends and around public holidays in Senegal. Airlines sometimes add extra seats or temporary frequencies to Istanbul for autumn demand — check airline notices and book earlier in October for the best availability and prices.
You can reach Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) by taxi, airport shuttle, or pre-arranged transfer from central Dakar and nearby cities like Thiès or Rufisque. Public buses and shared cars serve some routes but are less predictable; for reliability on international departures to Istanbul, book a licensed taxi or airport transfer in advance, especially for early-morning flights in October.
Arriving at Istanbul (All Airports) (ISTA) in October gives travelers pleasant autumn weather, robust transport options, and cultural programming across the city and nearby destinations such as Ankara, Izmir, Bursa and Cappadocia (Nevşehir). Istanbul Airport (IST) is the main international gateway for most DSS passengers and provides frequent shuttles and metro links; Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) serves eastern arrivals and low-cost connections. October is ideal for exploring museums, seasonal coffee and food festivals, and urban neighborhoods with milder temperatures. CTA: Book your Istanbul transfer and find the best Dakar to Istanbul flights for October now.
Istanbul (All Airports) (ISTA) covers Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) on the Asian side, plus nearby regional airports when listed for multi-airport search. For most DSS passengers, Istanbul Airport (IST) is preferable for international connections and central access; Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) can be convenient for eastern Istanbul and closer routes to Bursa or southern Turkey. Choose based on your final destination, transfer time, and whether you value shorter connection times or lower fares.
Direct flights from Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) to Istanbul (All Airports) (ISTA) typically take about 6 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours. Turkey observes UTC+3 year-round, while Dakar is UTC+0, so expect a +3 hour time difference on arrival in October. Account for local transfer times into Istanbul neighborhoods, and check airline schedules which can shift slightly during shoulder-season timetable adjustments.
From Istanbul Airport (IST) you can use Havaist airport shuttles, taxis, app-based rides, or private transfers to reach central neighborhoods; travel time ranges from 30 to 60+ minutes depending on traffic. From Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) there are Havatas/Havaist shuttles, metro and buses plus taxis — expect 45–90 minutes to central areas. October traffic is moderate—peak hours (morning and evening) will add time, so budget extra on arrival days.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality; many passengers can obtain an e-Visa prior to travel, while a few nationalities may get a sticker visa on arrival. Check the official Republic of Turkey e-Visa portal and your local embassy guidance before departure from Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS). Applying for an e-Visa in advance is recommended to speed passport control upon arrival in October.
October in Istanbul often features cultural exhibitions, design fairs, and the Istanbul Coffee Festival which typically occurs in autumn, plus rotating museum exhibitions and local art events such as the Istanbul Biennial when scheduled. These attractions make October attractive for culture-focused travelers from Dakar; book hotels and late-morning arrival times to fully enjoy festival timetables and avoid high-demand periods.
October brings many cultural opportunities: Istanbul frequently hosts autumn events such as the Istanbul Coffee Festival and rotating exhibitions at major museums and galleries; the Istanbul Biennial sometimes runs into October in its scheduled years. In Dakar and surrounding areas, October hosts local markets, music nights and cultural showcases appealing to visitors from the city and nearby regions like Thiès and Saint-Louis. These events can push hotel demand on certain weekends — book accommodation and flights early for October festival periods. CTA: Check event dates and secure your Dakar to Istanbul flights for October now to avoid sold-out hotels.
October is an excellent time to fly from Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) to Istanbul (All Airports) (ISTA): you’ll enjoy pleasant autumn weather in Istanbul, reduced summer tourist crowds, and reasonably priced airfares compared with peak summer. Shoulder months like April–May and September–October often combine mild weather with promotional fares; avoid major winter holidays when fares rise. For cheaper fares, aim for mid-week travel and reserve 4–8 weeks in advance for October departures. CTA: Plan your October trip and search the best Dakar to Istanbul flight deals now.
Direct flights from Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) to Istanbul (All Airports) (ISTA) (commonly operated by Turkish Airlines) save significant time — roughly 6½–7 hours in the air — and reduce the stress of transfers. Connecting routes via Casablanca (Royal Air Maroc), Paris (Air France) or Lisbon (TAP) can lower fares but add layover time (often 3–8+ hours) and increase risk of missed connections during tight schedules. In October, when both demand and schedules stabilize, choose direct flights for convenience and connecting flights if you prioritize lower price or a preferred alliance accrual. CTA: Compare nonstop and connecting options for your October travel and book the best balance of price and travel time.
Turkish Airlines: Usually offers direct DSS→ISTA flights, 3-class service on long-haul segments, consistent schedules in October, and full connectivity across Istanbul’s global network. Royal Air Maroc: Offers competitive connecting flights via Casablanca, often slightly cheaper but with longer total travel times; useful for travelers seeking lower fares or loyalty program benefits. Air France: Connecting via Paris CDG can provide high-quality service and wider European onward connections but typically longer travel time and higher fares. TAP Portugal: Occasionally competitive via Lisbon with good transatlantic and European connections. When comparing, weigh ticket price against total journey time, baggage allowances and alliance benefits. CTA: Compare airline options and book an October Dakar to Istanbul flight that fits your schedule.
Packing: Bring light layers and a waterproof jacket for October in Istanbul — temperatures are typically mild (around 12°C–22°C), cooler in the evenings. Documents & visas: Confirm e-Visa eligibility and have printed or digital copies ready to speed immigration at Istanbul (All Airports) (ISTA). Transfers: Pre-book Havaist shuttles or airport transfers from Istanbul Airport (IST) for reliable arrival logistics, especially during event weekends. Health & safety: Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date and carry any medications in original packaging; travel insurance is recommended. CTA: Prepare for your October trip and book your airport transfer and insurance now to ensure a smooth DSS→ISTA journey.
Direct flights from Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) to Istanbul (All Airports) (ISTA) typically take around 6 hours 30–45 minutes. Connecting itineraries via Casablanca, Paris or Lisbon commonly total 9–16+ hours depending on connection times. Turkey is UTC+3 year-round and Dakar is UTC+0, so expect a +3 hour time shift upon arrival in October. For schedule planning, early morning departures from DSS allow afternoon or evening arrivals in Istanbul, maximizing a first day in the city; conversely, late-night Thess departures may require overnight travel. CTA: Check live DSS to ISTA schedules and book flights that match your preferred arrival time in Istanbul.
To find cheap flights from Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) to Istanbul (All Airports) (ISTA) in October, aim to be flexible with your travel dates and search for mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday). Set fare alerts for 'Dakar to Istanbul flights' and compare direct fares on Turkish Airlines with connecting options via Casablanca (Royal Air Maroc), Paris (Air France), or Lisbon (TAP) which can drop prices but increase travel time. Use location-based modifiers—search 'DSS to ISTA October deals' and include nearby departure cities like Thiès or Rufisque to see alternate routing. Booking 4–8 weeks in advance often yields the best balance of availability and price for October travel. CTA: Create a fare alert now and compare cheap Dakar to Istanbul flights for October.
