Flying from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur: what you need to know
- Istanbul has a couple of airports where you can set off on your adventure. Explore your options for booking a flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur flying out of Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). 
- When planning your arrival in Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) are the major entry points. 
- Jump on a direct Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur flight and you'll be in transit for an average of 10 hours 10 minutes. 
- Kuala Lumpur is five hours ahead of Istanbul and observes the UTC+8 timezone. 
- Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 18 weekly flights to pick from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur is with Turkish Airlines at 18:00. Opt for the first IST to KUL departure operated by Turkish Airlines at 01:40 to fit in more activities on your first day in Kuala Lumpur. 
- For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to catch your Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur flight. 
- During popular months like August, it's best to get to the airport earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights when you travel during peak periods in general. 
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur
- Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to get cheap Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur flights if you book early. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird rates. 
- If you're flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across every month when looking for your plane ticket from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur. 
- Finding a cheap flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when there's a better deal. 
- Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur flights. 
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
- Depart from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) on a nonstop flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur. From IST, you can fly directly into Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). 
- Reserve your Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur plane tickets with Turkish Airlines. This carrier is a top pick for direct flights from IST. 
- Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a travel break — and maybe even explore a different city. When browsing Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur flights leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Popular options include: - Changi International Airport (SIN) 
- Hamad International Airport (DOH) 
- Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) 
 
- Located around 32 kilometres from central Istanbul, IST can be reached in about 50 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes. 
- Looking for a convenient hotel near Istanbul Ataturk Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur, these stays will have you moments from your check-in counter: 
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
- Split up your Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur flight with a stop so you can freshen up or perhaps go somewhere you've never been before. Top stopovers between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Kuala Lumpur include: - Dubai Airport (DXB) 
- Hamad International Airport (DOH) 
- Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) 
 
- You can reach SAW from central Istanbul in about 55 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The ride on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to travel the 31 kilometres or so. 
- Start your holiday sooner with an additional night away from home. Before your flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur, stay in one of these hotels near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport: 
- As far as flight punctuality goes, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 77%. 
Arriving in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
- The distance from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to central Kuala Lumpur is roughly 48 kilometres. It takes around 1 hour 5 minutes to get to the centre driving. 
- Getting there on public transport takes about 1 hour. 
- Book a hotel close to KUL if you have a late flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur. Pick one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer: 
- Follow your own route with a Kuala Lumpur International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from ASIA CAR, Paradise or GoSoCar and discover more of Kuala Lumpur and beyond. 
- Booking your vehicle from Kuala Lumpur International Airport around four weeks ahead increases your chances of getting a good deal. 
Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB)
- Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) is roughly 16 kilometres from central Kuala Lumpur. Once you've hopped off your flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur, it'll take you approximately 25 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab. 
- Travelling by public transport will take about 1 hour 30 minutes. 
- You'll find some great places ready to welcome you near SZB. Kick back after your Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur flight at any of these perfectly located options: 
- Sixt, WAHDAH and Agtran make collecting a Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport rental car easy and quick. These providers are located around or in the terminal and will have you on the road before long. 
- Get what you want, not just what's left over. Reserving your ride from SZB one week in advance often means better deals and a wider selection of vehicles. 
Best time to go to Kuala Lumpur
- It's time to plan your dates for your flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur. August is the most popular month to travel to Kuala Lumpur. If you want a more low-key vibe, go in February. 
- The warmest month in Kuala Lumpur is March, with temperatures ranging between 21ºC (70ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Lock in your Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather. 
- January has average temperatures of between 21ºC (70ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Search for cheap flights from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur around that time if you like cooler conditions. 
More about Kuala Lumpur
- Start your Kuala Lumpur trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur, browse our selection of hotels including: 
- All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Petronas Twin Towers, Merdeka Square and Central Market Cultural Performances are attractions you won't want to skip in Kuala Lumpur. 
Explore more of Malaysia
- Kuala Lumpur has loads to offer, but there are so many other parts of Malaysia just waiting to be discovered. About 338 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur, a visit to Kota Bharu will keep you on the go. Start with popular sights like Pantai Cahaya Bulan, Siti Khadijah Market and Handicraft Village and Craft Museum, Kelantan. 
- Any journey through Malaysia wouldn't be complete without a stop in Kampung Baru Subang. Simflightkl is a highlight in this destination, which is around 18 kilometres west of Kuala Lumpur. 





















