Flying from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL): what you need to know
Start your holiday planning by considering where you'll take off for your flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are the two main airports in Istanbul.
10 hours 21 minutes is the average journey time for a direct flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport is located in Kuala Lumpur. The city operates in the UTC+8 timezone and is 5 hours ahead of Istanbul.
With 20 direct weekly flights between the two airports, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is the busiest route. Turkish Airlines operates the earliest flight at 01:20. If you prefer to make the most of your day before taking off, the last flight from IST to KUL is with Turkish Airlines at 17:15.
To ensure you catch your flight from Istanbul to KUL, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Popular months like August or other peak periods mean longer waiting times and potential delays. Stay ahead of the crowds by getting to the airport even earlier. Aim for at least four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) provides a hassle-free way to reach your destination. Nonstop flights from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) can be booked from this terminal.
You can book a direct flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport with Turkish Airlines. This popular carrier offers services from IST.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your journey — and possibly even explore a different city. When browsing flights from Istanbul to KUL leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST), uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Some popular options include:
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
IST is about 48 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. To work out how to get there, use Google Maps. This handy travel app will give you the best route and your public transport options.
Planning to catch an early flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these stays close to Istanbul Ataturk Airport:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Looking for more options for a direct flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)? Check out the fares flying out of Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
Split up your flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport with a stop so you can stretch your legs or tick a new place off your list. Some popular stopovers between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and KUL are:
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
King Khaled International Airport (RUH)
You can get to SAW from the centre of Istanbul in about 57 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The ride by public transport takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to cover the 48 kilometres or so.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before your flight from Istanbul to KUL? Check in to a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your adventure officially begins. Consider one of these stays:
About Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
If you're arriving on a late flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these options near KUL:
Getting from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to central Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur International Airport to central Kuala Lumpur is about 1 hour and 3 minutes in a car. It's approximately 64 kilometres away. Find out what options are available, such as car rentals, cabs or ride-sharing.
Getting to the centre by public transport will take you around 4 hours and 29 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Lock in a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport from R 4,241 or travel return from just R 8,290. Fares listed are subject to change and may differ when you make your booking.
To pick up cheap tickets from Istanbul to KUL, reserve your trip 6 months ahead of your planned departure.
March is the cheapest month for tickets from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. If you'd like to travel at a different time of year, use the 'Whole month' search feature to see the lowest prices for each month.
Set up a Price Alert for cheap tickets from Istanbul to KUL. You don't need to check back in every day to see if prices have dropped. We'll update you when there's a change in price.
Tailor your trip with filters. Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
The best time to fly from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
August is the most popular month to board a flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport while February is the quietest. To work out the best time to go to Kuala Lumpur, consider the pace you like to travel at.
When booking your flight from Istanbul to KUL, think about the type of weather you enjoy. March is the warmest month in Kuala Lumpur, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC to 33ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport in January if you like cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 21ºC and 32ºC on average.
More about Kuala Lumpur
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Kuala Lumpur right here. Browse these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport:
One of the best ways to get a feel for Kuala Lumpur is to check out its top attractions. Highlights include Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower Mini Zoo and KLCC Park.
Complete your Kuala Lumpur trip with a car rental
Shut down all those tabs and leave the hard work to us. We've also got incredible deals on car rentals in Kuala Lumpur once you've booked your cheap flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Easily compare prices in one place and drive off with the perfect ride for less.