Flying from Almaty Airport (ALA) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Around 5 hours 25 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct flight from Almaty Airport to Istanbul.
Istanbul is three hours behind Almaty, where Almaty Airport is located. Istanbul follows the UTC+3 timezone.
Almaty Airport (ALA) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most traveled route, with 25 weekly flights to pick from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from ALA to IST is with Air Astana at 17:00. Choose the first departure with Air Astana at 04:20 if you want to get on your way earlier.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to catch your ALA to Istanbul flight.
Delays at check-in and security are likely if you're jetting off during high season, so give yourself a little extra breathing room. A good rule of thumb for peak times? Get there up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Start your journey at ALA and travel nonstop to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). That will be your arrival point when searching for Almaty Airport to Istanbul tickets.
There's a good selection of airlines offering direct flights from Almaty Airport to Istanbul, including:
Consider adding a stopover to potentially unlock a cheaper plane ticket from ALA to Istanbul. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' during your search. Give yourself a breather (and maybe even a better deal) by stopping at one of these airports:
Antalya Airport (AYT)
Esenboga International Airport (ESB)
Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD)
Central Almaty to ALA is around 19 kilometres. Depending on traffic conditions, it'll take about 35 minutes to get there if you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab.
Want an easy start to your journey? Stay near ALA. Whether you have an early flight from Almaty Airport to Istanbul or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are a convenient choice:
Of all flights leaving Almaty Airport, 61.23% arrive on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Almaty Airport (ALA) to Istanbul
100 € is the lowest price we've found for a one-way Almaty Airport to Istanbul flight. A round-trip ticket right now is 214 €. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares can change.
Score cheap flights from ALA to Istanbul by booking seven months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for bagging a bargain.
November is the best month for nabbing an awesome deal on Almaty Airport to Istanbul tickets. If you'd like to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.
There's no need to keep checking in to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you when there's an even bigger deal on cheap flights from ALA to Istanbul.
Find a cheap flight from Almaty Airport to Istanbul with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal times, airlines and number of stops, 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 reach the centre driving.
It takes around 1 hour 45 minutes when travelling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Almaty Airport to Istanbul. Reserve one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Follow your own route with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and see more of Istanbul and beyond.
Lock in the lowest price by reserving your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks in advance of your flight from ALA to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
After your flight from Almaty Airport to Istanbul has hit the runway, you can make your way to the city centre in about 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
If you travel by public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
You'll find some great places ready to welcome you near SAW. Tuck yourself in and get cosy after your ALA to Istanbul flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or long cab lines. Pick up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and let your trip unfold on your terms. Compare availability and rates from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Lock in the best price by reserving your ride from SAW four weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Travel to Istanbul during peak season if you like a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices tend to be higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Almaty Airport to Istanbul in the low season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
Book an Almaty Airport to Istanbul plane ticket with a departure in August if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
If you want cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from ALA to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Istanbul right here. Check out these hotels after you've booked your flight from Almaty Airport to Istanbul:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be hard to know where to start. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are highlights which should be on any well-planned Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've done Istanbul, now it's time to explore other parts of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel about 354 kilometres east to Ankara to tick off its must-visit sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Izmir is another essential stop in Türkiye (Turkey) and is around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. No trip is complete without seeing Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.