Cheap Flights from Kabul to Istanbul — $261

The minimum one-way ticket price from Kabul to Istanbul is $399 (January 2026), while the maximum is $416 (April 2026). On average, a ticket costs $408–$416.

Find the best flights from Kabul to Istanbul with one quick search across 700+ airlines, 50+ travel agencies and 5+ top booking systems to uncover the most competitive prices, convenient schedules and flexible booking conditions. Whether you need a budget-friendly connection or a hassle-free journey with ideal layovers, our comparison tool makes it easy to book the right option in minutes.

Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL) serves Kabul as the country’s primary international gateway and can be seen as the main hub for diplomatic, NGO and whatever limited commercial traffic remains. Flights are typically operated by regional and a few international carriers when routes are open, while charter and military movements can also be common. The airport lies roughly 10–15 km from central Kabul; road transfer times vary widely with security checks and traffic, often taking 20–60 minutes. Taxis and private car hires are the usual options, with fares depending on arrangements and security requirements. Pros: closest international access and familiar facilities for departures/arrivals. Cons: security protocols, variable services and potential travel disruptions mean itineraries can change with short notice.

Fly direct from Kabul to Istanbul for the quickest, most convenient way to bridge Afghanistan and Turkey — fewer hassles, no long layovers, and more time to enjoy Turkey’s vibrant culture. While connecting options can sometimes be cheaper, a nonstop flight saves precious travel time and offers a more comfortable, straightforward journey worth the upgrade.

Istanbul Airport (IST) is Turkey’s main international hub, handling most long-haul and full-service carrier traffic and serving as a major transfer point. Located about 35–45 km northwest of the historic city center, it’s typically reached by highway shuttle buses, Havaist express coaches (roughly 60–90 minutes depending on traffic), taxi (about 45–75 minutes), and the expanding metro line that shortens travel times in good conditions. Fares can be moderate to higher than inner-city transfers, especially by taxi. Pros: modern facilities, wide choice of airlines and connections; cons: distance from central districts and variable road congestion can add time and cost for onward travel. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) on the Asian side functions mainly as a secondary international and budget-oriented airport, commonly used by low-cost carriers and some regional flights. It sits roughly 35–50 km southeast of Sultanahmet and Taksim and is often reached via shuttle buses, Havatas/Havaist services, local buses, and taxis; travel typically takes 45–90 minutes depending on origin and traffic. Prices are generally perceived as more budget-friendly for fares but transfer times and taxi costs can offset savings. Pros: often cheaper flight options and more convenient for Asian-side neighborhoods; cons: fewer long-haul connections and longer, less predictable transfers across the city.

The Kabul — Istanbul route is served by a wide range of airlines: 5 in total, including Turkish Airlines, Kam Air, Mahan Airlines, Air Arabia, and Flydubai. Competition among carriers gives passengers the opportunity to find tickets at attractive fares — with prices starting from $261. 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.