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Cheap Flights from Kars (KSY) to Istanbul (ISTA)

Compare Kars to Istanbul flight deals

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Flight deals from Kars to Istanbul

Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best return flight from Kars to Istanbul? Find the lowest prices on one-way and return tickets right here.
Istanbul.$135 per passenger.Departing Sun, 1 Mar, returning Mon, 2 Mar.Return flight with Turkish Airlines.Outbound direct flight with Turkish Airlines departs from Kars on Sun, 1 Mar, arriving in Istanbul.Inbound direct flight with Turkish Airlines departs from Istanbul on Mon, 2 Mar, arriving in Kars.Price includes taxes and charges.From $135, select.
Istanbul.$168 per passenger.Departing Thu, 11 Dec, returning Thu, 18 Dec.Return flight with AJet.Outbound direct flight with AJet departs from Kars on Thu, 11 Dec, arriving in Istanbul Sabiha.Inbound direct flight with AJet departs from Istanbul Sabiha on Thu, 18 Dec, arriving in Kars.Price includes taxes and charges.From $168, select.
Istanbul.$175 per passenger.Departing Sat, 11 Oct, returning Mon, 13 Oct.Return flight with AJet.Outbound direct flight with AJet departs from Kars on Sat, 11 Oct, arriving in Istanbul Sabiha.Inbound direct flight with AJet departs from Istanbul Sabiha on Mon, 13 Oct, arriving in Kars.Price includes taxes and charges.From $175, select.
Istanbul.$209 per passenger.Departing Mon, 3 Nov, returning Mon, 17 Nov.Return flight with AJet.Outbound direct flight with AJet departs from Kars on Mon, 3 Nov, arriving in Istanbul Sabiha.Inbound direct flight with AJet departs from Istanbul Sabiha on Mon, 17 Nov, arriving in Kars.Price includes taxes and charges.From $209, select.
Istanbul.$225 per passenger.Departing Fri, 11 Jul, returning Mon, 14 Jul.Return flight with AJet.Outbound direct flight with AJet departs from Kars on Fri, 11 Jul, arriving in Istanbul Sabiha.Inbound direct flight with AJet departs from Istanbul Sabiha on Mon, 14 Jul, arriving in Kars.Price includes taxes and charges.From $225, select.
Istanbul.$225 per passenger.Departing Fri, 26 Sep, returning Mon, 29 Sep.Return flight with AJet.Outbound direct flight with AJet departs from Kars on Fri, 26 Sep, arriving in Istanbul Sabiha.Inbound direct flight with AJet departs from Istanbul Sabiha on Mon, 29 Sep, arriving in Kars.Price includes taxes and charges.From $225, select.
Istanbul.$225 per passenger.Departing Thu, 7 Aug, returning Thu, 14 Aug.Return flight with AJet.Outbound direct flight with AJet departs from Kars on Thu, 7 Aug, arriving in Istanbul Sabiha.Inbound direct flight with AJet departs from Istanbul Sabiha on Thu, 14 Aug, arriving in Kars.Price includes taxes and charges.From $225, select.
Istanbul.$256 per passenger.Departing Sat, 26 Jul, returning Sun, 3 Aug.Return flight with Turkish Airlines.Outbound direct flight with Turkish Airlines departs from Kars on Sat, 26 Jul, arriving in Istanbul.Inbound direct flight with Turkish Airlines departs from Istanbul on Sun, 3 Aug, arriving in Kars.Price includes taxes and charges.From $256, select.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Kars to Istanbul

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like Kars to Istanbul flights are currently cheapest in March.
Jun
from $395
Jul
from $226
Aug
from $226
Sep
from $226
Oct
from $176
Nov
from $210
Dec
from $169
Jan
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Feb
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Mar
from $135
Apr
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May
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Direct flights from Kars to Istanbul

Alternative Kars to Istanbul routes

Looking for the cheapest, fastest or easiest route from Kars to Istanbul? You could fly into the following airports instead.

Kars to Istanbul: Flight information

The things to know before you go.
Cheapest flight found$135
Cheapest month to flyMarch
Average flight time2 hrs, 22 mins
Most popular airlineTurkish Airlines
Average flights per week42

Finding cheap flights from Kars to Istanbul: Frequently asked questions

There are 2 airports in Istanbul: Istanbul Sabiha and Istanbul.
The best price we found for a return flight from Kars to Istanbul is $135. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.
2 hours and 22 minutes is the average flight time from Kars to Istanbul.
Turkish Airlines, AJet and Pegasus Airlines fly direct from Kars to Istanbul.
As of June 2025, there are 42 flights per week flying from Kars to Istanbul.
The cheapest month to fly from Kars to Istanbul is usually June 2025.
If you're flying from Kars Airport, the cheapest airport near Istanbul is Istanbul – which is 34.4 km away from the centre of Istanbul. We've found flights into this airport from $135.
After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it's currently cheapest to fly from Kars Airport to Istanbul on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
Yes – the average flight time is 2 hours and 22 minutes.
We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to Istanbul but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.
We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Istanbul is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.
In June, the average temperature is usually around 21°C. August is typically the warmest month in Istanbul, when it usually averages around 27°C. You can expect the least rain in August. The coldest month is January, with temperatures averaging 4°C. The rainiest month is December.
Currently, Turkish Airlines offers the cheapest flight tickets to Istanbul.

Flying from Kars Airport (KSY) to Istanbul: what you need to know

  • Take a direct flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul and you'll be in the air for around 2 hours 10 minutes.

  • Kars (the location of Kars Airport) and Istanbul follow the same timezone — UTC+3.

  • Kars Airport (KSY) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route, with 11 flights a week to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from KSY to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 21:20. Go for the first departure with Turkish Airlines at 11:20 if you want to fly out earlier.

  • For a relaxed start to your KSY to Istanbul flight, leave enough time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.

  • If you're heading away during a major holiday or another peak period, give yourself extra time. A good rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at check-in and security will be longer.

  • Direct Kars Airport to Istanbul tickets are available for booking. Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is where you'll disembark.

  • Choose from a variety of airlines that offer direct flights from Kars Airport to Istanbul. Book your seat with one of these:

  • Central Kars to KSY is around 5 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take you about 10 minutes to get there if you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab.

  • Have an early flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these stays near KSY:

  • 60.47% of flights that leave from Kars Airport arrive at their destination on time.

How to find the cheapest flights from Kars Airport (KSY) to Istanbul

  • $81 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Kars Airport to Istanbul flight. Return flight tickets start at $135. These fares may change depending on demand and availability.

  • Book one month before you travel. Research on pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from KSY to Istanbul.

  • May is the best month for scoring an amazing deal on Kars Airport to Istanbul tickets. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.

  • Snapping up a cheap flight from KSY to Istanbul is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll get in touch when a new discount appears.

  • Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'

Airports in Istanbul

Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)

  • Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're getting a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 50 minutes.

  • When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 45 minutes.

  • Book a hotel close to IST if you're coming in on a late flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul. Select one of these options and make your first night all about catching up on rest:

  • Explore without limits with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and discover more of Istanbul and beyond.

  • To secure the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks ahead of your flight from KSY to Istanbul.

Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)

  • The centre of Istanbul is located around 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). After your flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 55 minutes.

  • If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre takes 1 hour 30 minutes or so.

  • Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel near SAW. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your KSY to Istanbul flight:

  • Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or waiting in a long cab line. Grab a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Check out the availability and rates from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.

  • Snap up a deal by booking your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a wider range of vehicles.

Best time to go to Istanbul

  • Before you book your flights from Kars Airport to Istanbul, consider which time of year works best for you. Peak season in Istanbul offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of activities, while the off-season means you'll get better deals on hotels and smaller crowds.

  • Lock in a Kars Airport to Istanbul flight ticket with a departure in August if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).

  • Look for cheap tickets from KSY to Istanbul in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF) on average.

More about Istanbul

  • Start your Istanbul trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Kars Airport to Istanbul, check out our range 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 places in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be explored after you've experienced Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres away to the east, check out popular attractions including Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.

  • Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another essential stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.

Plan the rest of your trip from Kars to Istanbul

Prices shown on this page are estimated lowest prices only. Found in the last 45 days.