Enjoy extraordinary journeys with us
When you fly from Istanbul to Washington with Qatar Airways, every detail is carefully designed to make your journey exceptional from the moment you board. Experience renowned hospitality as our attentive cabin crew welcomes you, ensuring you are well cared for throughout your flight. Step into a modern aircraft interior, where spacious seating and elegant design create a relaxing atmosphere. Settle in and explore Oryx One, our award-winning in-flight entertainment system, offering thousands of movies, TV shows and games. Whether you prefer a light snack or full-course meal, enjoy a menu of gourmet cuisine, freshly prepared and inspired by global flavours. With plush pillows, soft blankets and luxury amenity kits, you can rest in unmatched comfort and arrive feeling refreshed.
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport provides a modern and efficient starting point for your international travels from Istanbul. Located on the Asian side, this departure point ensures a relaxed experience thanks to friendly staff focused on outstanding passenger service. When planning your journey, remember that IST is one of two Istanbul airports, so ensure you are at the correct one.
For transport, regular buses connect the airport to the nearest Metro station and the city centre, typically taking 30-45 minutes. Taxis are widely available, but consider asking your hotel concierge to book an official metered taxi for you, or use SAWKOOP taxis for fixed-price transfers. Parking is available in the four-storey car park next to the main terminal, which offers 4,700 spaces.
Allow ample time for your departure, as security checks are particularly tight; aim for one and a half to two hours before boarding to complete check-in and security. Within the main terminal, you will find 112 check-in desks and 24 online check-in counters, along with several VIP and business/first-class passenger lounges. Comfort is key here, with spacious waiting areas, mother and baby rooms as well as prayer rooms. Stay connected using the airport Wi-Fi, available for a fee, or use the fixed internet kiosks. Before you board your flight, explore the shopping area, which houses several high-quality outlets selling watches, perfumes, leather goods and accessories.
Washington D.C. is the epicentre of American history and government, offering a wealth of iconic monuments and world-class museums. This powerful capital city is the heart of the U.S., inviting you to explore its vast cultural and political landscape. You can easily discover the city's key sights along the expansive National Mall, 'America's Front Lawn', which stretches from the U.S. Capitol Building to the dignified Lincoln Memorial. The 59-hectare space is lined with the numerous, free-to-enter Smithsonian museums, which house phenomenal collections. You should visit the National Air and Space Museum to chronicle the history of flight, or journey through the vast array of specimens at the National Museum of Natural History.
Along the Mall, you will find the towering Washington Monument, a 555-foot obelisk honouring the nation's first president. Take time to reflect at the stirring war memorials, including the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the poignant Vietnam Veterans Memorial. For political landmarks, view the White House, the official home of the President, and the majestic U.S. Capitol Building, home to Congress. The city’s distinct, beautiful architecture blends historic buildings with modern infrastructure, creating a truly unique metropolis. For a memorable experience, visiting the Tidal Basin, particularly during the beautiful annual cherry blossom season, is highly recommended. You can also explore the captivating and interactive exhibits at the popular International Spy Museum.
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Feeling inspired? Explore beyond Istanbul
Feeling inspired? Explore beyond Washington D.C.