Flying from Kars Airport (KSY) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Book a direct flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul and you'll be in the air for an average of 2 hours 10 minutes.
Istanbul's timezone is UTC+3, which is the same as Kars (the location of Kars Airport).
The most popular route is from Kars Airport (KSY) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Choose from 11 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to get going as soon as possible, the earliest flight from KSY to IST is the 11:20 Turkish Airlines option. If you prefer travelling later, the final departure is at 21:20 with Turkish Airlines.
Leave enough time to make your KSY to Istanbul flight. Generally, it's best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying during a peak month like September? Public holidays and other popular periods can mean longer queues at check-in and security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
Begin your trip at KSY and travel straight to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). That's where you can expect to land when searching for Kars Airport to Istanbul tickets.
You'll have your pick of airlines operating direct flights from Kars Airport to Istanbul. Book your ticket with one of these:
KSY is about 5 kilometres from central Kars. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 10 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions.
Catching an early flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to KSY:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Kars Airport, 60.47% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Kars Airport (KSY) to Istanbul
37 € is currently the lowest price for a one-way Kars Airport to Istanbul flight. Return plane tickets start at 73 €. These fares may change depending on demand and availability.
Book one month before you travel. Research on pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from KSY to Istanbul.
May is the best month for scoring an amazing deal on Kars Airport to Istanbul tickets. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
Snapping up a cheap flight from KSY to Istanbul is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll get in touch when a new discount appears.
Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're grabbing a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes about 50 minutes.
It typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.
If you have a late flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these hotels near IST:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and explore beyond Istanbul's main sights.
Booking your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks ahead of your flight from KSY to Istanbul can help you lock in the best possible rate.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Once your flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul has hit the runway, you can reach the city centre in around 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
If you're catching public transport, it'll take about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Following your KSY to Istanbul flight, settle in at a hotel near SAW. These are some comfortable options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make collecting a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car easy and quick. These trusted companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Lock in the best price by securing your ride from SAW four weeks in advance. You can also expect to have a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Before you book your flights from Kars Airport to Istanbul, consider which time of year works best for you. Peak season in Istanbul offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of activities, while the off-season means you'll get better deals on hotels and smaller crowds.
Lock in a Kars Airport to Istanbul plane ticket with a departure in August if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
Look for cheap tickets from KSY to Istanbul in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF) on average.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Istanbul right here. Browse these options after locking in your flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul:
The Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace are just a couple of the top-rated attractions to add to your Istanbul travel itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Galata Tower.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many places 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 essential stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.
