Travelling from Kars Airport (KSY) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Expect to be in the air for 2 hours 10 minutes. That's the average time for a direct flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul.
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). Take your pick of 15 services every week between these two airports. If you want to get on your way as soon as you can, the earliest flight from KSY to IST is the 11:30 Turkish Airlines service. If you're planning to fly out later on, the last departure is at 15:40 with Turkish Airlines.
Give yourself plenty of time to catch your flight from KSY to Istanbul. As a general rule, turn up two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You can expect longer lines in popular months like September and other peak seasons. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure is a good idea.
You can catch a nonstop flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul that arrives at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Well-known airlines that have direct flights from Kars Airport to Istanbul include:
You don't need a visa or passport to travel within Türkiye (Turkey). You will need a valid form of identification however, like a driver's licence or ID card. Make sure they're on your packing checklist once you've booked flight tickets from Kars Airport to Istanbul.
To get to KSY from central Kars, it'll take around 11 minutes by car. Of course, this depends on traffic. It's approximately 6 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
After a leisurely start to your journey? Stay near KSY. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
How to find the cheapest flights from Kars Airport (KSY) to Istanbul
C$71 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Kars Airport to Istanbul. Return flights start from C$167. These fares may change depending on availability and demand.
To snag cheap tickets from KSY to Istanbul, book your journey 9 months before the departure date.
The cheapest month for tickets from Kars Airport to Istanbul is May. Compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest day to fly.
Sign into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. You'll be notified right away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It's simple to do, and it'll save you the hassle of searching for cheap tickets from KSY to Istanbul every day.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Kars Airport to Istanbul. Simply select your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see 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 get to the centre driving.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey of about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul. Reserve one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is roughly 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. Once you've disembarked your flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul, it'll take you around 57 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
You can also travel using public transport, which will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from KSY to Istanbul:
Best time to go to Istanbul
August is the most popular month to catch a flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul while February is the quietest. To work out the ideal time to visit Istanbul, consider whether you prefer a lively vibe or a quieter pace.
Lock in your flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul for August to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 20ºC to 30ºC.
Search for cheap flights from KSY to Istanbul in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC and 11ºC on average.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Istanbul right here. Check out these hotels after you've booked your flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul:
All great vacations should include some sightseeing. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are essential stops on your Istanbul itinerary.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul isn't the only trick up our sleeve. Check out our car rentals in Istanbul and have more freedom to explore. We find deals from trusted car rental providers and put them all in one place. You can instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.
