Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your November journey
In November, travelers departing George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) for Istanbul Airport (IST) should plan for cooler, occasionally rainy Houston weather and holiday travel spikes around Thanksgiving. Book earlier for holiday windows and consider midweek departures for lower fares. Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to speed security during busier November periods and monitor airline alerts for schedule changes. Nearby destinations frequently served from IAH include Houston, Galveston, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Mexico City — these hubs can provide alternative routing options if direct IAH-IST flights are limited. For the best November deals, set fare alerts and compare direct Turkish Airlines nonstop flights with one-stop options via European or Middle Eastern hubs. Book now to lock in competitive IAH to IST rates and check airline baggage and check-in rules before you travel.
For international flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Istanbul Airport (IST) in November, arrive at least 3 hours before departure to allow time for check-in, security, and potential holiday-weekend crowds (Thanksgiving week can be busier). November weather in Houston may cause minor delays, so arriving early helps ensure stress-free departure. Check your airline's mobile app for real-time check-in and boarding updates before you head to the airport.
Yes — Turkish Airlines typically operates direct nonstop flights between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Istanbul Airport (IST) year-round, including November. Seasonal schedule adjustments occasionally occur, so verify the flight schedule when booking and check the airline for the latest November departures. If nonstop options are full or priced high, consider one-stop itineraries via major hubs like Frankfurt, Doha, or London to save money.
During November, security lines at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) can vary: weekdays outside of holiday windows often see moderate wait times (10–25 minutes), while Thanksgiving week and Friday evening peak travel times can push waits longer. Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR if you have them to shorten screening times. Monitor the airport’s live wait-time feeds and plan for extra time on busy November travel days.
From downtown Houston to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in November, options include rideshare services (Uber/Lyft), airport shuttle vans, private car services, and taxis. METRO offers limited bus routes; however, rideshares and airport shuttles are usually the fastest door-to-door choices especially during cooler, wetter November weather. Book rides in advance if traveling during holiday weekends to guarantee timely pickup.
For travel in November from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Istanbul Airport (IST), book 6–10 weeks in advance for the best balance of fare availability and price, though occasional last-minute deals appear. If traveling around Thanksgiving, book earlier (8–12 weeks) to avoid inflated holiday fares. Use fare alerts, compare multi-airline itineraries, and consider midweek departures to secure cheaper November fares.
Baggage allowances depend on the carrier; Turkish Airlines typically includes one checked bag in business class and economy fares may include one checked bag depending on fare class, while U.S. carriers like United have specific checked-bag fees. For November travel, check your ticket's fare rules and the airline’s website for exact weight and size limits and any seasonal exceptions. Purchase additional baggage online in advance to avoid higher airport fees at IAH.
Arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST) in November means cooler, wetter weather but fewer crowds at top sites like Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. Prepare for short rain spells and bring layers and a waterproof jacket for exploring neighborhoods like Sultanahmet, Taksim, and Karaköy. Ground transportation options include Havaist shuttles, taxis, and private transfers; allow extra time for travel to hotels during rainy commute hours. Nearby major destinations reachable from IST include Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Cappadocia (Nevşehir), and Antalya — consider connecting flights or regional buses if continuing your itinerary. Book airport transfers and check museum hours before you arrive to make the most of November sightseeing, and secure your Turkish e-Visa online ahead of travel.
November in Istanbul (arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST)) is generally cool and increasingly wet, with average temperatures ranging from about 8°C to 15°C (46°F–59°F) and frequent rain showers. Pack a waterproof jacket, layering pieces, and comfortable shoes for sightseeing at landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. Expect shorter daylight hours; plan outdoor activities earlier in the day and check local weather forecasts before arrival.
Yes, most U.S. citizens must obtain an e-Visa before traveling to Turkey. The e-Visa application is straightforward and should be completed online prior to arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST). Visa rules can change, so confirm current entry requirements and tourist visa fees before departure and obtain the e-Visa in advance to prevent delays at passport control.
November in Istanbul is quieter but culturally rich. The Istanbul Marathon is usually held in November and draws local and international runners—book hotels early if you plan to attend. Museums and galleries often run autumn exhibitions through November at Istanbul Modern, Pera Museum, and Topkapi Palace. Culinary events, seasonal markets, and smaller neighborhood festivals also appear throughout the month, offering excellent indoor experiences when the weather turns cool. On the departure side, remember U.S. Thanksgiving (late November) increases outbound demand from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), so coordinate your travel dates accordingly. CTA: Check event dates and book transfers and museum tickets in advance for a smooth November trip.
November is often one of the best times to fly from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Istanbul Airport (IST) for travelers seeking fewer crowds, lower accommodation costs, and great museum-going weather. While temperatures are cooler and rain is more likely, you’ll avoid peak-summer tourist lines at major attractions. Avoid traveling during the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday if possible, as flights departing from IAH can be pricier and busier. If you want pleasant prices with cultural experiences and off-peak benefits, book a November itinerary and take advantage of cheaper midweek flights and early booking discounts.
Direct nonstop flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Istanbul Airport (IST) maximize comfort and reduce the risk of missed connections—ideal for long-haul November travel when you want to minimize total travel time. Connecting flights can be significantly cheaper but add layover time and increase exposure to delays, especially in wetter November weather at European hubs. If price is the primary concern, compare one-stop options via Doha, Frankfurt, or London and allow longer connection windows (2–4 hours) to reduce stress. For comfort and reliability, choose direct nonstop Turkish Airlines service when available; for savings, pick a reputable carrier with reasonable connection times and clear rebooking policies.
Turkish Airlines: Usually the only nonstop carrier between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Istanbul Airport (IST), offering long-haul service with Turkish hospitality and a competitive checked-bag allowance on many fare classes. United Airlines / Star Alliance partners: Offer one-stop routings via European hubs with varying total travel times; often convenient for MileagePlus members. Lufthansa: One-stop options via Frankfurt or Munich; strong European connections but may have longer total travel time. Qatar Airways and Emirates: Routes connecting via Doha (DOH) or Dubai (DXB) with higher service levels and potentially attractive pricing outside peak windows. For November travelers, balance nonstop convenience and fewer connection risks (Turkish Airlines) against potential savings and loyalty benefits with connecting carriers; always compare total trip duration, baggage fees, and change/rebooking flexibility before booking. CTA: Compare IAH to IST airlines and book the November itinerary that matches your budget and comfort preferences.
Pack for cool, rainy days—a compact umbrella, waterproof jacket, and versatile layers are essential for Istanbul in November. Prepare for the 9-hour time difference (Istanbul ahead of Houston after U.S. DST ends) by adjusting sleep gradually and staying hydrated during the roughly 12–13 hour flight from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Istanbul Airport (IST). Carry a mix of Turkish Lira and credit cards, notify your bank to prevent card blocks, and download offline maps of Istanbul neighborhoods like Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu. For smooth airport experiences, enroll in TSA PreCheck for departures from IAH and pre-book airport transfers from IST to your hotel. CTA: Pack smart, set fare alerts, and prepare documents now to make your November IAH to IST trip seamless.
Nonstop flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Istanbul Airport (IST) typically take about 12 to 13.5 hours in November, depending on routing, winds, and tailwinds. If you choose connecting flights, total door-to-door travel times commonly range from 14.5 to 20+ hours with one layover in hubs such as Frankfurt (FRA), Doha (DOH), London (LHR), or Dubai (DXB). Note the time difference in November: Houston shifts to Central Standard Time (UTC−6) after DST ends, while Istanbul stays at UTC+3 year-round, making Istanbul 9 hours ahead of Houston. Check airline timetables for November schedules and allow at least 90–120 minutes for international connections to ensure smooth transfers. CTA: View current IAH to IST flight schedules and choose the itinerary that fits your November travel plans.
To secure cheap flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Istanbul Airport (IST) in November, book 6–10 weeks ahead and be flexible with departure days—Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have lower fares. Use fare alerts and flexible-date searches on Google Flights, Skyscanner, and airline websites to monitor price drops; consider one-stop itineraries through Frankfurt, Doha, or Dubai if direct Turkish Airlines nonstop fares are high. Travel during mid-November (outside Thanksgiving) tends to yield the best balance of price and availability. Sign up for airline newsletters and instant fare alerts to catch flash sales—compare baggage and seat-fee policies too, since low base fares can add costs for checked luggage. CTA: Compare IAH to IST November deals now and set price alerts to lock in savings.
From Istanbul Airport (IST) to central Istanbul, your best November options are airport taxis, private transfers, and Havaist airport shuttle buses that serve Taksim, Sultanahmet, and other central districts. The new metro line connections are expanding; check current openings before travel. During November, traffic can be heavier during weekday commute hours and rainy days, so allow extra travel time to reach hotels or cruise terminals.
Most major attractions and museums in Istanbul, including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Istanbul Modern, remain open in November though hours may be shorter and some seasonal outdoor programs wind down. November is a great month for indoor cultural experiences, less crowded historic sites, and museum exhibitions. Check attraction hours and book skip-the-line tickets in advance to maximize rainy-day sightseeing after your arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST).
The local currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY); major credit cards are widely accepted in Istanbul, but smaller vendors and markets often prefer cash. Withdraw TRY at airport ATMs at Istanbul Airport (IST) for better exchange rates, and carry small notes for market purchases and tips. Notify your bank before international travel to prevent card blocks and consider a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card for November spending.
