Travelling from Istanbul to Osaka: what you need to know
Istanbul is home to a couple of airports where you can start your adventure. Check out your options for booking a flight from Istanbul to Osaka leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the primary arrival point in Osaka.
The average duration of a direct Istanbul to Osaka flight is 10 hours 45 minutes.
The timezone in Osaka is UTC+9, which is six hours ahead of Istanbul.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are seven weekly departures to pick from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Istanbul to Osaka is with Turkish Airlines at 02:15. Go for the first IST to KIX departure with Turkish Airlines at 02:00 to maximise your time in Osaka.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to board your Istanbul to Osaka flight.
You'll likely experience bigger queues during popular months such as April. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for domestic departures will give you plenty of time for security and boarding.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Osaka
Lock in cheap Istanbul to Osaka flights by booking one month ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time for picking up a bargain.
The best month for finding cheap plane tickets from Istanbul to Osaka is April. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then select the dates offering the lowest fares.
There's no need to check back in every day to see if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you the moment there's a better deal on cheap flights from Istanbul to Osaka.
Tailor your trip using filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' Istanbul to Osaka flights.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Jet off from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) on a nonstop flight from Istanbul to Osaka. From IST, you can travel directly to Kansai International Airport (KIX).
Keep an eye out for deals with Turkish Airlines. This carrier offers direct Istanbul to Osaka plane tickets out of IST.
Consider adding a stopover to possibly find a cheaper Istanbul to Osaka flight. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Take a pause at one of these popular airports:
Narita International Airport (NRT)
Haneda Airport (HND)
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
IST is about 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Want a convenient hotel close to Istanbul Ataturk Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Istanbul to Osaka, these stays will have you sleeping nice and close to your departure gate:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Visit family or friends or just take a moment to recharge with a stopover. If you'd like to split up your Istanbul to Osaka flight, here's where you can stop when departing from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC)
On public transport, you can travel from central Istanbul to SAW in around 1 hour 30 minutes. The terminal is roughly 31 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 55 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before boarding your flight from Istanbul to Osaka? Unwind in a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your break officially begins. Stay at one of these accommodation options:
76.93% of flights taking off from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport make it to their destination as expected.
Arriving in Osaka
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Kansai International Airport (KIX) is approximately 40 kilometres from the centre of Osaka. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 45 minutes.
Reserve a hotel near KIX if you're coming in on a late flight from Istanbul to Osaka. Check in to one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Hit the road running by picking up a Kansai International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from BEST KANSAI CAR RENTAL, BE KOBE or TravelCar and explore beyond Osaka's usual tourist stops.
Reserve your vehicle from Kansai International Airport a few weeks in advance to lock in the best possible deal. If you're travelling during a peak period, it's a good idea to book your Istanbul to Osaka flight even earlier.
The street address for KIX is 1 Senshukukokita, Izumisano.
Itami Airport (ITM)
After your flight from Istanbul to Osaka has touched down, you can make your way to the city centre in around 20 minutes by car. Central Osaka is approximately 13 kilometres from Itami Airport (ITM).
Europcar, Times and Rakuten make picking up an Itami Airport rental car simple. These companies are located around or in the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Generally speaking, the sooner you book, the better the deals and selection of vehicles. Lock in your ride from ITM the moment you know your dates.
The address for Itami Airport is 3丁目555 Nishimachi, Hotarugaike, Toyonaka.
Kobe Airport (UKB)
Head to the city centre after your flight from Istanbul to Osaka has landed. Central Osaka is around 26 kilometres from Kobe Airport (UKB) and takes roughly 45 minutes to get there in a car.
Be in control of the next part of your trip by picking up a Kobe Airport rental car. Europcar, Times and Rakuten will get you on the road.
Booking a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Istanbul to Osaka is a smart move. Along with better prices, you'll be able to choose the vehicle make and model you prefer at UKB.
The address for Kobe Airport is 1 Kobekuko, Chuo Ward.
Best time to go to Osaka
June is the busiest month for flights from Istanbul to Osaka. To skip the crowds, head to Osaka in April.
Before locking in your Istanbul to Osaka tickets, consider what kind of weather works for you. August is the warmest month in Osaka, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC (70ºF) to 34ºC (93ºF).
For cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Istanbul to Osaka in January when temperatures average between 0ºC (32ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF).
More about Osaka
Start your Osaka trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Istanbul to Osaka, check out our selection of hotels including:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and Universal Studios Japan are must-do's during your Osaka adventure.
Explore more of Japan
You've seen Osaka, now it's time to discover other corners of Japan. Travel about 386 kilometres east to Yokohama to check off its popular sights. From Teishoin to Seya Christian Church and Banfukuji, your itinerary will be busy.
Nagoya is another sought-after destination in Japan and is around 137 kilometres north-east of Osaka. No trip is complete without visiting Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine and Osu Kannon Temple.