Travelling from Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport (NQZ) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Around 5 hours 5 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct flight from Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to Istanbul.
Istanbul is two hours behind Astana, where Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport is located. Istanbul follows the UTC+3 timezone.
The busiest route is from Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport (NQZ) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). You can select from 16 weekly services between these two airports. If you want to get going as soon as possible, the earliest flight from NQZ to IST is the 02:15 Turkish Airlines option. If you prefer travelling later, the final departure is at 18:20 with Air Astana.
To avoid rushing for your NQZ to Istanbul flight, leave plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
If you're flying during a major holiday or another peak period, allow for even more time. A good general rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at check-in and security will be longer.
You can book a direct Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to Istanbul ticket. Begin your journey at NQZ and end it at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Well-known carriers that operate direct flights from Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to Istanbul include:
Central Astana to NQZ is around 16 kilometres. Depending on traffic conditions, it'll take you about 40 minutes to get there if you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving.
Searching for a hotel close to NQZ? If you're catching an early flight from Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to Istanbul, these stays put the terminal practically at your doorstep:
How to find the cheapest flights from Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport (NQZ) to Istanbul
₹ 9,669 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to Istanbul flight. A return ticket right now is ₹ 20,407. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares could change.
To secure cheap flights from NQZ to Istanbul, book your trip five months before your departure.
Plan your trip for September. That's the best month for scoring an incredible deal on Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to Istanbul tickets. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to access the lowest price across each month.
Locking in a cheap flight from NQZ to Istanbul couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know when there's a better deal.
Tailor your trip with filters. Select your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to Istanbul.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to the centre of Istanbul takes about 50 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 48 kilometres away.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to Istanbul. Check in to one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Grab an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and discover Istanbul and beyond with your own wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are popular outlets you can book with here.
Reserving your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks ahead of your flight from NQZ to Istanbul can help you secure the lowest rate.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Once your flight from Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to Istanbul has touched down, 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).
The trip will take about 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your NQZ to Istanbul flight:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent and be on your way in a flash.
Get the pick of the lot. Booking your ride from SAW four weeks in advance often means better deals and a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Plan your trip to Istanbul in high season if you prefer a bustling atmosphere, but remember that prices are generally higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to Istanbul in the low season when prices are cheaper and it's less crowded.
Before locking in your Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to Istanbul flight ticket, think about the weather you're most comfortable in. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC to 30ºC.
Look for cheap tickets from NQZ to Istanbul in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC and 11ºC on average.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to Istanbul, explore our range of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be tricky to work out where to begin. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are top attractions which should be on any good Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Istanbul has plenty to offer, but there are so many other parts of Türkiye (Turkey) just waiting to be explored. Around 354 kilometres east of Istanbul, a trip to Ankara will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with leading sights like Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
If there's time to check out another great destination in Türkiye (Turkey), head for Izmir, roughly 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak are among the biggest draws.
