Flying from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Kuala Lumpur: what you need to know
Expect to be travelling for 11 hours. On average, that's the time it takes for a direct flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Kuala Lumpur.
The timezone in Kuala Lumpur is UTC+8. The city is five hours ahead of Istanbul, where Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is the most popular route, with 18 weekly flights to choose from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from IST to KUL is with Turkish Airlines at 18:00. Go for the first departure operated by Turkish Airlines at 01:40 if you want to get on your way earlier.
Leave enough time to make your IST to Kuala Lumpur flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Longer lines at security and check-in are likely if you're flying during high season, so give yourself even more breathing space. A good general rule for peak periods? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
You can book a direct Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Kuala Lumpur ticket. Start your trip at IST and land at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL).
Turkish Airlines is a popular carrier that operates direct flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Kuala Lumpur.
We make it easy to book plane tickets from IST to Kuala Lumpur with a stopover. To see the options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight offering a stop long enough to explore the city of your choice. Well-traveled stopover hubs include:
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Located around 20 miles from the centre of Istanbul, IST can be reached in about 50 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Travelling on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
Have an early flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Kuala Lumpur? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays near IST:
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Kuala Lumpur
£178 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Kuala Lumpur flight. A return ticket right now is £283. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares can change.
Get cheap flights from IST to Kuala Lumpur by booking 11 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the best time for picking up a bargain.
The best month for scoring cheap Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Kuala Lumpur tickets is March. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then select the dates that offer the biggest savings.
There's no need to keep checking in to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know the moment there's an even bigger deal on cheap flights from IST to Kuala Lumpur.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Kuala Lumpur.
Airports in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is around 40 miles from central Kuala Lumpur. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 1 hour 5 minutes.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour.
Consider staying in a hotel near KUL if you have a late flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Kuala Lumpur. Choose one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Hit the road running by picking up a Kuala Lumpur International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from ASIA CAR, Paradise or GoSoCar and explore beyond Kuala Lumpur's main sights.
To secure the lowest price, reserve your ride from Kuala Lumpur International Airport around four weeks in advance of your flight from IST to Kuala Lumpur.
Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB)
Central Kuala Lumpur is around 15 miles from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB). Once your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Kuala Lumpur has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 25 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
After stepping off your IST to Kuala Lumpur flight, kick back at a hotel close to SZB. These are some great options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Sixt, WAHDAH and Agtran make collecting a Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport rental car easy and quick. These companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Booking your ride one week before your arrival at SZB will save you money.
Best time to go to Kuala Lumpur
Visit Kuala Lumpur during peak season if you prefer a busy atmosphere, but remember that prices are usually higher. Alternatively, book flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Kuala Lumpur in the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Book an Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Kuala Lumpur plane ticket with a departure in March if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from IST to Kuala Lumpur in January when temperatures average between 21ºC (70ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF).
More about Kuala Lumpur
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Kuala Lumpur right here. Check out these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Kuala Lumpur:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Merdeka Square, Petronas Twin Towers and Central Market Cultural Performances are major attractions which should feature on any good Kuala Lumpur itinerary.
Explore more of Malaysia
Kota Bharu is just one of the many places in Malaysia waiting to be discovered after you've seen Kuala Lumpur. Around 210 miles away to the north, top sights here include Pantai Cahaya Bulan, Siti Khadijah Market and Handicraft Village and Craft Museum, Kelantan.
Johor Bahru is another must-experience destination in Malaysia and is around 180 miles south-east of Kuala Lumpur. No trip is complete without dropping by Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, Popular Book Store at Johor Bahru City Square and Danga Bay.