Cheap Flights from Istanbul to Kabul Starting at $285

The Istanbul — Kabul route is served by a wide range of airlines: 6 in total, including Turkish Airlines, Kam Air, Air Arabia, Pegasus Airlines, Kuwait Airways, and Gulf Air. Competition among carriers gives passengers the opportunity to find tickets at attractive fares — with prices starting from $285. Our service helps compare all available offers within seconds and choose the most convenient option. You can filter flights by price, departure time, or baggage rules to make your trip as comfortable as possible. With so many airlines, there’s always a chance to catch special promotions and save.

Istanbul Airport (IST) is Turkey’s main international hub, serving long-haul carriers and major full-service airlines alongside some low-cost operators. Located about 35–45 km northwest of the historic center, it typically handles most intercontinental and business traffic. Ground links include Havaist and municipal buses (roughly 45–75 minutes depending on traffic, fares usually on the higher end for distance) and taxis or app-based transfers that can be quicker but more expensive. For domestic or budget travelers, Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side is often an alternative. Pros: extensive international connections and modern facilities; cons: longer transfer times to central districts and potential variability in road travel times. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) functions primarily as Istanbul’s secondary airport, commonly favored by low-cost and some domestic carriers while also offering international flights. It sits about 35–50 km east of central Istanbul, closer to many Asian-side neighborhoods. Surface options include HAVABUS shuttles and municipal buses (typically 60–90 minutes to central districts, fares generally moderate), plus taxis and ride-hailing services that shorten journey time for a higher cost. Pros: often cheaper fares with low-cost airlines and less congestion; cons: fewer long-haul connections and longer cross-city transfers if you need to reach European-side destinations.

Kabul International Airport (Hamid Karzai International) serves as Afghanistan’s primary international gateway and can be considered the city’s main hub for commercial and humanitarian flights rather than a large regional transfer centre. Airlines operating here are typically a mix of regional carriers, some international services when available, and charter or aid-related operators; fares may be higher or more variable than in neighbouring markets. The airport sits roughly 15–20 km from central Kabul; road transfers usually take 30–60 minutes depending on traffic and security checks, with taxis and organized transfers being the main options and informal fares varying widely. Travelers can expect basic passenger facilities and straightforward security procedures; advantages include direct access to the capital and regular ground transport, while constraints can include limited amenities, variable service levels, and occasional delays related to operations or security considerations.