Travelling from Koh Samui Airport (USM) to Istanbul: what you need to know
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is four hours behind Koh Samui, where Koh Samui Airport is located.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably board your USM to Istanbul flight.
Travelling during a peak time like school or public holidays? Expect longer lines at check-in and security. Give yourself extra leeway and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
From the centre of Koh Samui, USM is around 3 kilometres away. Check the official airport website or use navigation apps to work out the best way to get there.
In search of a hotel near USM? If you've booked an early flight from Koh Samui Airport to Istanbul, these stays will put you moments from check-in:
69.38% of flights that take off from Koh Samui Airport reach their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Koh Samui Airport (USM) to Istanbul
R 6,421 is currently the best price for a one-way Koh Samui Airport to Istanbul flight. Return flight tickets start at R 13,909. These prices may change based on demand.
To pick up cheap flights from USM to Istanbul, book ahead. Airlines usually offer lower fares when tickets first go on sale.
Scoring cheap tickets from Koh Samui Airport to Istanbul is easier if you're flexible with your travel plans. Try using the 'Whole month' search function to get the lowest prices throughout the month and pick up an incredible deal.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from USM to Istanbul by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a lower fare pops up.
Tailor your flights with filters. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Koh Samui Airport to Istanbul.
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 about 50 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It takes around 1 hour 45 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.
Look into staying at a hotel near IST if you have a late flight from Koh Samui Airport to Istanbul. Settle into one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Grab an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and explore Istanbul and beyond with your own wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are popular providers to choose from here.
Reserving your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks in advance of your flight from USM to Istanbul can help you get the lowest rate.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is roughly 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. After your flight from Koh Samui Airport to Istanbul, it'll take you around 55 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre takes 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
After stepping off your USM to Istanbul flight, kick back at a hotel near SAW. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make picking up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car easy and quick. These companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Score the best price by securing your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Before you book your flights from Koh Samui Airport to Istanbul, consider which time of year is best for you. High season in Istanbul offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of activities, while the low season means you'll get better deals on hotels and fewer crowds.
Book a Koh Samui Airport to Istanbul flight ticket with a departure in August if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from USM to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Istanbul right here. Browse these options after locking in your flight from Koh Samui Airport to Istanbul:
The Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace are just the start of the popular attractions to put on your Istanbul to-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at Galata Tower.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many cities in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be discovered after you've seen Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres away to the east, its best attractions include Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
Izmir is another must-experience destination in Türkiye (Turkey) and is around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. No journey is complete without experiencing Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.