Travelling from Kabul International Airport (KBL) to Istanbul: what you need to know
The average length of a direct flight from Kabul International Airport to Istanbul is 4 hours 47 minutes.
Istanbul is 1 hour 30 minutes behind Kabul, where Kabul International Airport is located. Istanbul operates on the UTC+3 timezone.
The busiest route is from Kabul International Airport (KBL) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Choose from 9 services every week between these two airports. If you want to take off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from KBL to IST is the 08:15 Turkish Airlines service. If you're planning to fly out later on, the final departure is at 18:20 with Kam Air.
To ensure you catch your flight from KBL to Istanbul, leave plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Flying during a peak time such as June? Major public holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer lines and delays at security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
You can catch a direct flight from Kabul International Airport to Istanbul that touches down at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Be on the lookout for offers from Kam Air. This carrier has direct flights from Kabul International Airport to Istanbul.
Stopovers offer a great opportunity to visit a new place or just have a break during your trip. When booking your flight from KBL to Istanbul, deselect 'Direct flights only' to explore all potential stops. Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) is a great option.
You'll need an e-visa for Türkiye (Turkey) if you have a passport from Afghanistan and are visiting for tourism purposes. Visa and travel documentation requirements can be subject to change. So before booking your cheap ticket from Kabul International Airport to Istanbul, check with your airline and your destination country's local consulate or embassy for the most up-to-date information.
To get to KBL from central Kabul, it'll take around 4 minutes if you're planning to drive. This depends on traffic, however. It's approximately 2 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Need a handy place to stay before your flight from Kabul International Airport to Istanbul? Kabul Star Hotel & Restaurant and Orhan Apartment are close to KBL. They're a particularly great choice if you have an early departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Kabul International Airport (KBL) to Istanbul
303 € is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Kabul International Airport to Istanbul. For a return flight on this route, the best price is 548 €. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares can change.
Book 9 months before flying. After crunching the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you should book ahead to secure cheap tickets from KBL to Istanbul.
May is the cheapest month for tickets from Kabul International Airport to Istanbul. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for every month.
Locking in a cheap ticket from KBL to Istanbul is easy with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as there's a better deal.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Kabul International Airport to Istanbul. Enter your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to get the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is approximately 48 kilometres. It'll take you around 50 minutes to reach the centre driving.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Kabul International Airport to Istanbul. Book one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Central Istanbul is around 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). As soon as your flight from Kabul International Airport to Istanbul has touched down and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 57 minutes.
You can also travel using public transport, which will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel near SAW. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from KBL to Istanbul:
Best time to go to Istanbul
It's time to plan your trip dates for your flight from Kabul International Airport to Istanbul. August is the busiest month to visit Istanbul. If you prefer a more peaceful vibe, go in February.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Book your flights from Kabul International Airport to Istanbul in this month if you enjoy this type of weather.
January sees average temperatures of between 2ºC and 11ºC. Search for cheap flights from KBL to Istanbul sometime around then if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Istanbul
After locking in your flight from Kabul International Airport to Istanbul, think about where to rest your head in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring Istanbul:
All great holidays should include some sightseeing. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are must-visits when exploring Istanbul.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
Choose one of our car rentals in Istanbul and explore the city in your own time. Easily compare companies in one go to find your ideal ride after booking your hotel and cheap flights from Kabul International Airport to Istanbul.