Travelling from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur: what you need to know
Istanbul is home to two main airports where you can kick off your trip. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur flying out of Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
When it comes to planning your arrival in Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) are the primary gateways.
The average time for a direct Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur flight is 10 hours 10 minutes.
Kuala Lumpur is five hours ahead of Istanbul and is in the UTC+8 timezone.
The most popular route for flights from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur is from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). You can select from 18 weekly services between these two airports. If you want to get going as soon as possible, the earliest flight from IST to KUL is the 01:20 Turkish Airlines service. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the last scheduled departure is at 17:15 with Turkish Airlines.
Give yourself enough time to make your Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like April, it's best to get to the airport earlier than normal. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights when you fly during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to get cheap Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur flights if you book early. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird rates.
If you're flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across every month when looking for your plane ticket from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur.
Finding a cheap flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when there's a better deal.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur flights.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
You can book a direct flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur jetting off from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Start your trip at IST and land at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL).
Look out for promotions with Turkish Airlines. This carrier offers direct Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur plane tickets from IST.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save money on your Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur flight. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Take a pause at one of these popular options:
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
IST is around 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Want a leisurely start to your holiday? Stay near Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Visit family or friends or just take a moment to stretch your legs with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur flight, check out these options when departing from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED)
You can get to SAW from central Istanbul in about 55 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to cover the 31 kilometres or so.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur? Unwind in a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your adventure officially starts. Here's where you can stay:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time performance of 76.93%. This figure highlights how frequently flights that leave from this airport make it to their destination on schedule.
Arriving in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
The distance from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to central Kuala Lumpur is approximately 48 kilometres. It'll take you around 1 hour 5 minutes to reach the centre driving.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour.
Consider staying in a hotel near KUL if you're coming in on a late flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur. Check in to one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Kuala Lumpur International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from ASIA CAR, Paradise or GoSoCar and experience the lesser-explored corners of Kuala Lumpur and beyond.
Booking your vehicle from Kuala Lumpur International Airport about four weeks ahead gives you the best chance of locking in a great deal.
Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB)
Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) is about 16 kilometres from central Kuala Lumpur. Once you've disembarked your flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur, it'll take you approximately 25 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
The journey will take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur, settle in at a hotel close to SZB. These are some comfortable options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Sixt, WAHDAH and Agtran make picking up a Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport rental car quick and easy. These reliable suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Securing your ride one week ahead of your arrival at SZB can land you a better rate.
Best time to go to Kuala Lumpur
It's time to plan your dates for your flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur. August is the most popular month to travel to Kuala Lumpur. If you want a more low-key vibe, go in February.
The warmest month in Kuala Lumpur is March, with temperatures ranging between 21ºC (70ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Lock in your Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
January has average temperatures of between 21ºC (70ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Search for cheap flights from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Kuala Lumpur
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Kuala Lumpur right here. Browse these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower Mini Zoo and KLCC Park are top attractions which should be on every Kuala Lumpur itinerary.
Explore more of Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur has loads to offer, but there are so many other parts of Malaysia just waiting to be discovered. About 338 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur, a visit to Kota Bharu will keep you on the go. Start with popular sights like Pantai Cahaya Bulan, Siti Khadijah Market and Handicraft Village and Craft Museum, Kelantan.
Any journey through Malaysia wouldn't be complete without a stop in Kampung Baru Subang. Simflightkl is a highlight in this destination, which is around 18 kilometres west of Kuala Lumpur.