Travelling from Moi International Airport (MBA) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Istanbul and Mombasa (where Moi International Airport is located) share the UTC+3 timezone. This means there's no time difference to adjust for.
To avoid missing your MBA to Istanbul flight, leave plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Delays at security and check-in are likely if you're travelling during high season, so give yourself a bit more breathing room. A good rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
We make it simple to book flight tickets from MBA to Istanbul with a stopover. To see the options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight with a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. The most sought-after stopovers include:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
To get to MBA from central Mombasa, it'll take around 15 minutes if you're going by car. It's roughly 8 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Catching an early flight from Moi International Airport to Istanbul? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays close to MBA:
Of the flights that depart from Moi International Airport, 62.87% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Moi International Airport (MBA) to Istanbul
The best price we've seen for a one-way Moi International Airport to Istanbul flight is R 6,288. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 10,435. Bear in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
Booking early is often the key to finding a cheap flight from MBA to Istanbul. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the nearer your departure date, the more you'll likely pay.
Landing cheap tickets from Moi International Airport to Istanbul is more likely if you're flexible with your travel dates. Try using the 'Whole month' tool to access the best prices throughout the month and walk away with an epic deal.
You don't need to check back constantly to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you the moment there's an even bigger deal on cheap flights from MBA to Istanbul.
Tailor your trip with filters. Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Moi International Airport to Istanbul.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 48 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 50 minutes.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Moi International Airport to Istanbul. Stay at one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Follow your own route with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and venture far and wide through Istanbul and beyond.
For the best deal, reserve your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks in advance of your flight from MBA to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is roughly 48 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. Once you've hopped off your flight from Moi International Airport to Istanbul, it'll take you around 55 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest at a hotel near SAW. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your MBA to Istanbul flight:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make picking up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car quick and easy. These providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Don't pay more than you need to. Booking your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at SAW will save you money.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Plan your trip to Istanbul during the high season if you prefer a bustling atmosphere, but remember that prices may be higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Moi International Airport to Istanbul during low season when prices are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
Book a Moi International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket with a departure in August if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from MBA to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Moi International Airport to Istanbul, check out our selection of hotels including:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be tricky to work out where to begin. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are popular attractions which should feature on any well-planned Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many cities in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be explored after you've experienced Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres away to the east, check out popular attractions including Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another favourite stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Experience major highlights starting with Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.