Cheap Flights from Istanbul to Shymkent Starting at $117

More than 8 airlines operate flights from Istanbul to Shymkent, including Pegasus Airlines, Syphax Airlines, SCAT, Turkish Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines, Air Astana, Sky Express, and Air Arabia. This is a popular route, so passengers can choose tickets based on budget and preferences. Ticket prices start from $117, and our service lets you instantly compare all options. The variety of offers simplifies planning: you can choose budget fares or more comfortable options with baggage included or extra services. We help you find the best deals so your trip is cost-efficient.

Istanbul is served by two main airports with distinct roles. Istanbul Airport (IST) is the city’s primary international hub, handling most long-haul and flag-carrier traffic and typically offering a broad mix of full-service and international airlines; it sits about 35–45 km from the historic center, with travel times to central areas usually around 35–60 minutes by taxi or private transfer, and roughly 35–60 minutes on the metro + tram connections; fares can range from moderate to higher for taxis and budget-friendly for public transit. Pros: modern facilities, extensive international connections and amenities. Cons: longer transit distances and occasional heavy traffic to consider. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side functions more as a budget- and low-cost carrier base, commonly used by budget airlines and some regional services; it’s about 40–50 km from central Sultanahmet or Taksim, typically 45–75 minutes by road depending on traffic, and about the same by shuttle minibus plus public transit — shared shuttles and buses tend to be cheaper while taxis command higher fares. Pros: generally lower fares on low-cost carriers and easier access to the Asian side. Cons: fewer long-haul options and longer transfers for some central destinations. Both airports usually have good ground-transport links—airport shuttles, buses, taxis, rideshares and, at IST, a metro line—so travelers can often choose between cost, comfort and travel time.

Shymkent International Airport (CIT) serves as the main air gateway for southern Kazakhstan and typically functions as a regional hub for domestic and a modest number of international flights. Carriers operating here can be a mix of national and low-cost airlines, so fares are often competitive compared with larger Kazakh hubs. The airport is located roughly 13–15 km northeast of Shymkent’s city centre; taxis take about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic, with fares usually in the low to mid-range for local rates, while shared minibuses and occasional airport shuttles can be cheaper but slower. Pros include compact terminals and relatively quick security lines; drawbacks can be limited late-night services and fewer route choices than major international airports.

The cost of a one-way flight from Istanbul to Shymkent ranges from $123 (November 2025) to $285 (April 2026). On average, the ticket price is about $136–$167.