Travelling from Shymkent Airport (CIT) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Expect to be in the air for 4 hours 25 minutes. That's the average duration of a direct flight from Shymkent Airport to Istanbul.
Shymkent Airport is located in Shimkent. Following the UTC+3 timezone, Istanbul is three hours behind Shimkent.
Shymkent Airport (CIT) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most traveled route, with three flights a week to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from CIT to IST is with SCAT Airlines at 17:00. Go for the first departure operated by SCAT Airlines at 05:40 if you want to get on your way earlier.
Give yourself plenty of time to catch your CIT to Istanbul flight. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're heading away during a bank holiday or another peak period, give yourself extra time. A good rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at security and check-in will be longer.
You can book a direct Shymkent Airport to Istanbul ticket. Start your journey at CIT and end it at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Book your favourite seat with SCAT Airlines. This well-known carrier operates direct flights from Shymkent Airport to Istanbul.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your trip and maybe even explore another city. When browsing for flight tickets from CIT to Istanbul, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Antalya Airport (AYT)
Almaty Airport (ALA)
Central Shimkent to CIT is around 0.16 kilometres. Depending on traffic conditions, it'll take about 0 hours to get there if you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing.
Want a leisurely start to your trip? Stay near CIT. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Shymkent Airport to Istanbul or don't want departure day to feel hectic, these hotels are worth a look:
Of the departures from Shymkent Airport, 62.18% arrive on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shymkent Airport (CIT) to Istanbul
The best price we've seen for a one-way Shymkent Airport to Istanbul flight is ₹ 11,302. The cheapest price for a return flight is ₹ 22,579. Bear in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To snag cheap flights from CIT to Istanbul, book your trip one month before your departure date.
May is the best month for scoring an awesome deal on Shymkent Airport to Istanbul tickets. If you need to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
You don't need to keep checking in to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you the moment there's an even bigger deal on cheap flights from CIT to Istanbul.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Shymkent Airport to Istanbul by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
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 get to the centre driving.
It typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Shymkent Airport to Istanbul. Check in to one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
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 leading providers to choose from here.
To get the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks ahead of your flight from CIT to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
The centre of Istanbul is located around 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). After your flight from Shymkent Airport to Istanbul has landed and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of about 55 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Following your CIT to Istanbul flight, rest your head at a hotel close to SAW. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or long cab queues. Pick up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and take your journey in whatever direction you like. Compare offers from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Get the pick of the lot. Reserving your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time often means lower prices and a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Plan your trip to Istanbul in high season if you like a bustling atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices tend to be higher. Alternatively, book flights from Shymkent Airport to Istanbul during the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
Book a Shymkent Airport to Istanbul flight ticket with a departure in August to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 20ºC to 30ºC.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from CIT to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.
More about Istanbul
After booking your flight from Shymkent Airport to Istanbul, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Istanbul:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are attractions you won't want to skip in Istanbul.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many places in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres away to the east, its top attractions include Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
If you're ready to explore another major stop in Türkiye (Turkey), consider Izmir, about 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak are the start of reasons to visit.
