Cheap Flights from Almaty to Istanbul — $116

The route Almaty — Istanbul is served by many carriers — 10 in total, including Pegasus Airlines, Valuair, Turkish Airlines, Syphax Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines, SCAT, Jazeera Airways, Air Astana, Qatar Airways, and Flydubai. This gives passengers wide opportunities: from finding the lowest fare (from $116) to selecting flights by schedule or service class. Our service aggregates data from multiple booking systems so you can compare offers in one place. This saves time and money: no need to check dozens of sites — just pick the right option and book online.

Istanbul is served by two main airports with distinct roles. Istanbul Airport (IST) is the new international hub handling most long-haul and full-service carriers and can be pricier on average; it lies about 35–45 km northwest of the historic center, with metro and Havaist shuttle buses taking roughly 40–60 minutes (fares typically in the mid-range for Istanbul public transport). Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is on the Asian side and often used by low-cost and regional airlines; it sits around 45–55 km from central Sultanahmet, with Havatas shuttles, municipal buses and shared transfers taking 60–90 minutes (usually cheaper but longer). Pros: IST offers modern facilities and frequent international connections; SAW can be more budget-friendly for point-to-point fares. Cons: both airports can involve long transit times in traffic, and transfers between them may require extra planning.

Almaty International Airport (ALA) is Kazakhstan’s largest gateway and typically functions as the country’s main international hub, handling a mix of full-service carriers and regional airlines along with some low-cost operators. Located about 15–20 km southeast of the city center, the airport is usually reachable by taxi in roughly 20–30 minutes depending on traffic, with fares commonly ranging from moderate to slightly premium for private cars; public buses and shuttle services can take around 40–60 minutes at a lower cost. Facilities tend to be modern following recent upgrades, offering lounges and a range of shops and dining options, though peak periods can feel busy. Pros: convenient for international connections and good amenities; Cons: surface transport times can vary with traffic and signage may be limited for non-Russian speakers.

Fly direct from Almaty to Istanbul for the quickest, most convenient way to bridge Kazakhstan and Turkey — fewer hassles, no layovers, and more time to enjoy the city. While connecting options can sometimes be cheaper, a nonstop flight saves hours and delivers a more comfortable, stress-free journey, perfect when you want to arrive ready to explore.

In different months, ticket prices from Almaty to Istanbul vary: minimum — $126 (February 2026), maximum — $384 (December 2026). Typically, the flight costs $160–$272.