Flying from Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Kutaisi International Airport is located in Kutaisi. Based in the UTC+3 timezone, Istanbul is one hour behind Kutaisi.
The busiest route is from Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). You can select from two services every week between these two airports. If you want to get on your way as soon as possible, the earliest flight from KUT to SAW is the 04:20 Pegasus service. If you'd rather travel later, the last departure is at 07:10 with Pegasus.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to board your KUT to Istanbul flight.
If you're heading away during a public holiday or another peak period, allow extra time. A good general 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 Kutaisi International Airport to Istanbul ticket. Start your trip at KUT and land at Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
Take to the skies with Pegasus. This popular airline operates direct flights from Kutaisi International Airport to Istanbul.
We make it simple to book flight tickets from KUT to Istanbul with a stopover. To see the options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight offering a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Popular stopovers include:
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Frederic Chopin Airport (WAW)
Central Kutaisi to KUT is around 23 kilometres. Depending on traffic conditions, it'll take about 30 minutes to reach there if you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving.
Have an early flight from Kutaisi International Airport to Istanbul? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays close to KUT:
81.62% of flights departing from Kutaisi International Airport touch down at their destination on time. Given its strong performance rating, you're unlikely to face delays when jetting out of KUT.
How to find the cheapest flights from Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) to Istanbul
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way Kutaisi International Airport to Istanbul flight is C$30. The cheapest price for a return flight is C$84. Keep in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To find cheap flights from KUT to Istanbul, book ahead. Airlines generally offer the most competitive fares when tickets are first released.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Kutaisi International Airport to Istanbul across the entire month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your travel plans are flexible.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from KUT to Istanbul by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when fares go down.
Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Kutaisi International Airport to Istanbul by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 48 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 50 minutes.
Getting there by public transport takes around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel close to IST if you have a late flight from Kutaisi International Airport to Istanbul. Select one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car to explore Istanbul and beyond.
Get the best deal by booking your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks ahead of your flight from KUT to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
The centre of Istanbul is around 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). After your flight from Kutaisi International Airport to Istanbul has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 55 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
You'll find some comfortable places to call home for the night near SAW. Unwind and get cozy after your KUT to Istanbul flight at one of these well-located options:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make collecting a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car simple. These trusted companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Securing your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at SAW will save you money.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Plan your trip to Istanbul during high season if you like a lively atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book flights from Kutaisi International Airport to Istanbul during low season when prices are cheaper and it's less crowded.
Book a Kutaisi International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket with a departure in August to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from KUT to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Kutaisi International Airport to Istanbul, check out our selection of hotels including:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are must-visits when exploring Istanbul.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many cities in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be explored after you've seen Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres away to the east, well-known attractions include Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
Izmir is another well-known destination in Türkiye (Turkey) and is around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. No trip is complete without seeing Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.