Travelling from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL): What you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your trip from in Istanbul. Check out your options departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when planning your flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL).
Jump on a direct Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport flight and you'll be in the air for an average of 10 hours 10 minutes.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport is located in Kuala Lumpur. The city operates on the UTC+8 timezone and is five hours ahead of Istanbul.
With 18 direct flights a week between the two airports, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is the most popular route. Turkish Airlines operates the earliest flight at 1:40am. If you're eager to get more out of your day before taking off, the last departure from IST to KUL is with Turkish Airlines at 6pm.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This way, you can comfortably catch your flight from Istanbul to KUL.
Delays at check-in and security are likely if you're jetting off during high season, so allow a little extra breathing room. The recommendation for peak times? Arrive up to four hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Go straight to your destination from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Nonstop flights from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) are available from here.
You'll find a direct flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport with Turkish Airlines. This well-known airline offers services from IST.
The majority of travellers choose to book seats with Turkish Airlines from IST to KUL.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your journey and possibly even tour another city. When searching for cheap flights from Istanbul to KUL leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST), deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to find out where you can stop along the way. Here's where you could connect through:
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Travelling from central Istanbul to IST takes about 1 hour 45 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 48 kilometres in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
In search of a convenient hotel close to Istanbul Ataturk Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure gate:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Split up your flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport with a stop so you can recharge or cross another place off your list. Top stopovers between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and KUL are:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED)
SAW is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. It takes 55 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
Taking off bright and early? Think about staying at one of these hotels near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport the day before your Istanbul to KUL flight:
76.93% of flights departing Sabiha Gokcen International Airport make it to their destination as expected.
About Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Consider staying in a hotel close to KUL if you're catching a late flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Choose one of these accommodation options and end the night sooner:
Go where the road takes you with a Kuala Lumpur International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from ASIA CAR, Paradise or GoSoCar and see more of Kuala Lumpur and beyond.
For the best deal, book your ride around four weeks ahead of your Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport flight.
Getting from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to central Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur International Airport is roughly 48 kilometres from central Kuala Lumpur. How long it takes to get to the centre in a cab or car hire depends on the time of day. Do a little research before you go.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Currently, ₹ 18,479 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The cheapest price for a return flight is ₹ 36,595. Remember fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To score cheap flights from Istanbul to KUL, book your flight ticket ten months ahead of your planned departure.
Organise your trip for March. That's the best month for landing an incredible deal on Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport tickets. If you have flexibility with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across every month.
There's no need to check every day to find out if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you the moment there's a better deal on flight tickets from Istanbul to KUL.
Tailor your flights using filters. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
The best time to fly from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Think about the kind of experience you want when picking your flight dates. February is the quietest month to go to Kuala Lumpur. August is when most people book flights from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), which may be ideal if you're chasing more excitement.
Lock in an Istanbul to KUL flight ticket departing in March if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Kuala Lumpur to range from 21ºC to 33ºC.
January has temperatures of between 21ºC and 32ºC. Search for cheap tickets from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Kuala Lumpur
Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, find a hotel that offers a good mix of location and comfort. Make one of these options your base for exploring Kuala Lumpur:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. PETRONAS Tower 2, Petronas Twin Towers and Petronas Tower take photo point are must-visits when exploring Kuala Lumpur.
Explore more of Malaysia
Johor Bahru is just one of the many cities in Malaysia waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of Kuala Lumpur. Around 274 kilometres away to the south-east, well-known attractions include Pasar Malam, Raja Maha Mariamman Temple and Grand Palace Park (Istana Besar).
Around 225 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh is another favourite stop in Malaysia. Experience major highlights starting with Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple and Zen Gardens, Ipoh Railway Station and Ipoh Old Town.
