Exploring the Distance Between Israel and Turkey

Israel and Turkey are two influential countries located in the Middle East. Despite some political tensions the two nations share deep historical and cultural ties going back centuries. For those looking to travel between Israel and Turkey it’s useful to understand the distance as well as options for making the journey.

How Far is it Between Israel and Turkey?

The air travel distance between Israel and Turkey is approximately 879 kilometers or 547 miles. Israel sits along the Mediterranean Sea while Turkey straddles both Europe and Asia. The two countries are separated by Syria and share no direct land border.

The closest major city in Israel to Turkey is Tel Aviv, located about 884 km from Istanbul. Jerusalem Israel’s capital sits 909 km from Ankara, the Turkish capital. Other major cities like Haifa and Antalya are also around 900 km apart.

While Israel and Turkey may seem in close proximity on a map, there are no direct flights between the two countries. This means travelers must connect through a third country, usually somewhere in Europe. As a result, actual flight times end up being much longer than a direct route.

Traveling by Air Between Israel and Turkey

The fastest way to travel between Israel and Turkey is by air. There are no nonstop flights so travelers must connect in Europe, with options usually including Athens, Rome, Vienna, Munich or Kiev. This adds considerable time with total travel between 4-7 hours depending on layover duration.

Some sample flight itineraries and durations include:

• Tel Aviv to Istanbul via Vienna – 5h 25m
• Jerusalem to Ankara via Athens – 6h 30m
• Tel Aviv to Antalya via Kiev – 6h 45m

Due to political tensions, Israeli airlines do not fly to Turkey. Likewise, Turkish airlines do not operate flights to Israel. This necessitates using major European carriers like Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, and Aegean Airlines to connect between the two countries.

Airfares between Israel and Turkey are fairly reasonable, often in the $150-$300 roundtrip range during normal seasons. Various low-cost carriers provide additional cheap options if your timing is flexible.

Traveling by Land Between Israel and Turkey

Those with more time can consider traveling overland between Israel and Turkey. This involves crossing through at least two additional countries depending on the route. Traveling by bus takes around 15-20 hours covering between 900-1100 kilometers.

Popular land itineraries include:

• Israel to Turkey via Jordan – About 900 km taking around 18 hours
• Israel to Turkey via Syria – Around 1100 km over 20 hours
• Israel to Turkey via Lebanon & Syria – Around 1000 km over 18 hours

Overland routes from Israel to Turkey cross through some unstable regions. Travelers should closely monitor security conditions before attempting this type of trip. Borders also sometimes close on short notice, so backup plans are essential.

For the adventurous, a land journey between Israel and Turkey provides an interesting overland adventure in the Middle East. You’ll just need to plan ahead and remain flexible in case border crossings or transport options change.

Travel Connections Through Cyprus

The island of Cyprus lies just west of Syria and Lebanon, about 273 km from Israel and 104 km from Turkey. This strategic location has made it an important connection point between the Middle East and Europe.

Cyprus has numerous ferry and flight connections to both Israel and Turkey. Travelers can transit through Cyprus more easily than overland through Syria or Lebanon.

• Flights from Tel Aviv to Larnaca take only 45 minutes.
• Ferries run daily from Haifa, Israel to Famagusta, Cyprus.
• Daily flights connect major Turkish cities to Cyprus.
• Frequent ferries operate between Tasucu, Turkey and Girne, Northern Cyprus.

So utilizing Cyprus as a connection point is a viable option. You can take a short flight or ferry from Israel to Cyprus, then continue onward to Turkey by air or sea. The total travel time is generally faster than overland transits through Syria and Lebanon.

Traveling by Sea Between Israel and Turkey

Maritime travel directly between Israel and Turkey is not possible. However, cruise ships do offer interesting itineraries between the two countries with stops in Cyprus and Greece along the way.

These sailings last 7-14 days, cruising between Haifa or Ashdod, Israel through the Greek Isles and Cyprus before ending in Istanbul or Kusadasi, Turkey. Some also operate in reverse from Turkey back to Israel.

Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, and Azamara offer these Eastern Mediterranean voyages. It’s a great way to see several fantastic destinations in one trip while traveling between Israel and Turkey.

Key Facts on the Distance Between Israel and Turkey

• Direct air distance: 879 km
• Driving distance: 900-1100 km depending on route
• No direct flights available
• Overland journeys take 15-20 hours
• Cyprus provides a transit point between countries
• Cruise ships connect Israel and Turkey on 7+ day sailings

Planning Travel Between Israel and Turkey

When planning your journey between Israel and Turkey, here are some key tips that will help:

• Check visa requirements for Israel, Turkey and any transit countries
• Monitor travel advisories and border/security issues
• Book multi-stop airline tickets with adequate layovers
• Allow plenty of time for any overland travel
• Have contingency plans in case borders close or transit options change
• Consider stopping in Cyprus to break up the trip
• For a leisurely route, look into cruise ship options

While on paper Israel and Turkey may seem close, the reality of travel between the two countries is much more complex. Following these planning tips will help ensure your journey goes smoothly no matter which transport options you choose. With flexible thinking, you’ll be able to enjoy experiencing the cultural treasures of both Israel and Turkey.