Flying from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Approximately 10 hours 10 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Istanbul.
Istanbul is five hours behind Kuala Lumpur, where Kuala Lumpur International Airport is located. Istanbul runs on the UTC+3 timezone.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route, with 18 weekly flights to choose from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from KUL to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 23:45. Go for the first departure with Turkish Airlines at 04:35 if you want to get on your way earlier.
To avoid missing your KUL to Istanbul flight, leave enough time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Longer lines at check-in and security are more likely if you're jetting off during high season, so allow some extra breathing space. A good general rule for peak periods? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Begin your trip at KUL and travel nonstop to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). That will be your arrival point when searching for Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Istanbul tickets.
Check out the promotions from Turkish Airlines. This airline has direct flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Istanbul.
We make it a breeze to book flight tickets from KUL to Istanbul with a stopover. To see the options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, select a flight offering a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Some popular stopovers include:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
The journey from central Kuala Lumpur to KUL takes around 1 hour by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 48 kilometres in 1 hour 5 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Searching for a hotel close to KUL? If you're boarding an early flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Istanbul, these stays put the terminal practically at your doorstep:
Of the departures from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 58.65% land on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Istanbul
R 3,104 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Istanbul flight. A round-trip flight ticket right now is R 6,686. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares could change.
Get cheap flights from KUL to Istanbul by booking two months ahead. According to our research, that's the best time for finding the biggest deals.
Organise your trip for June. That's the best month for scoring an awesome deal on Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Istanbul tickets. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
You don't need to keep looking every day to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you the moment there's an even better deal on cheap flights from KUL to Istanbul.
Save on your flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Istanbul with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The distance from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres. It'll take you around 50 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Getting to the centre by public transport takes around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel near IST if you're coming in on a late flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Istanbul. Pick one of these options and make your arrival easier:
Grab an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and explore Istanbul and beyond with your own set of wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are popular providers you can book with here.
Lock in the best deal by reserving your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks in advance of your flight from KUL to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is around 48 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. Once you've hopped off your flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Istanbul, it'll take you around 55 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
Public transport will get you there in around 1 hour 30 minutes.
After stepping off your KUL to Istanbul flight, kick back at a hotel close to SAW. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make collecting a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car easy and quick. These trusted providers are located in or around the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Snap up the best price by securing your ride from SAW four weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Carefully consider your trip dates before securing your flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Istanbul. The city comes alive during high season, but rates are typically higher and major attractions can be crowded. Go to Istanbul in the off-season if you like a more relaxed vibe.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC (68ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Book your Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Search for cheap tickets from KUL to Istanbul in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF) on average.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Istanbul right here. Check out these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Istanbul:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be tricky to know where to start. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are top sights which should feature on any good Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've visited Istanbul, now it's time to discover more of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel around 354 kilometres east to Ankara to tick off its popular sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another essential stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.