Flying from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST): what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can take off from in Kuala Lumpur. Check out your options leaving from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) or Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) when planning your flight from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Book a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul Ataturk Airport and you'll be in the air for around 10 hours 59 minutes.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3, which is 5 hours behind Kuala Lumpur. Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located in Istanbul.
The most popular route is from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST), with 20 direct weekly services. If you want to get going as soon as possible, the earliest flight from KUL to IST is the 08:50 Turkish Airlines option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the final departure is at 23:45 with Turkish Airlines.
Your flight from Kuala Lumpur to IST won't wait if you're late, so show up at the airport on time. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead when you're travelling internationally.
Show up at the airport even earlier during popular months like August. Aim for two hours before a domestic departure and up to four hours for international flights. After checking in, you can use any extra time to grab something to eat or simply relax.
Airports in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) provides a hassle-free way to reach your destination. Nonstop flights from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) take off from this terminal.
When leaving from KUL, you can catch a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul Ataturk Airport with Turkish Airlines.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save money on your flight from Kuala Lumpur to IST. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). Take a break from travelling at one of these popular options:
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
The distance from central Kuala Lumpur to KUL is about 64 kilometres. Use travel apps like Google Maps for the fastest way to get there, whether in your own car or with public transport.
Searching for a convenient hotel near Kuala Lumpur International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your check-in counter:
Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB)
Looking to fly out of Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB)? You can book a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) departing from this busy hub.
From SZB, direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to IST are offered by Turkish Airlines.
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to recharge with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your flight from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, check out these options when heading out from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport:
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Kuala Lumpur to SZB in around 1 hour and 32 minutes. The airport is roughly 24 kilometres away, and getting there by car will take approximately 27 minutes.
It's your holiday, so why not spend an extra night away? Think about checking in to one of these accommodation options near Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport the day before your flight from Kuala Lumpur to IST:
About Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
If you have a late flight from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these hotels near IST:
Getting from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul
From Istanbul Ataturk Airport, Istanbul is approximately 48 kilometres away. It takes around 50 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Travelling to the centre on public transport takes roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
For a one-way ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, P13,877 is the best price we've seen. You can also book a return trip starting from P24,902. These are currently the lowest fares but could change based on availability.
You're more likely to score cheap tickets from Kuala Lumpur to IST if you book 9 months before your departure date. We crunched the flight price data and found that's the time fares for this route are usually at their lowest.
To score the best price on your tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, plan your trip for June (it has the cheapest flights). Not locked into specific dates? Use the 'Whole month' search tool to zero in on the most affordable day to fly.
Log into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you right away if there's a better deal on this route. It's easy to do, and it'll save you time looking for cheap tickets from Kuala Lumpur to IST every day.
Tailor your trip with filters. Select your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
The best time to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
It's time to choose your trip dates for your flight from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. August is the most popular month to visit Istanbul. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, go in February.
Schedule your flight from Kuala Lumpur to IST for August if you're eager to head to the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Istanbul to range from 20ºC to 30ºC.
Look for cheap flights from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul Ataturk Airport in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC and 11ºC on average.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are popular attractions which should feature on every Istanbul itinerary.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
Close all those tabs and let us do the hard work for you. We can also help you find deals on car rentals in Istanbul once you've booked your cheap flight from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Easily compare prices in one place and drive off with the perfect rental for less.