Travelling from Istanbul to Shymkent Airport (CIT): What you need to know
Get your holiday planning underway by working out where you'll board your flight from Istanbul to Shymkent Airport (CIT). Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are the two main airports in Istanbul.
Take off on a direct Istanbul to Shymkent Airport flight and you'll be in the air for an average of 4 hours 25 minutes.
Shimkent is three hours ahead of Istanbul. Shymkent Airport is located in Shimkent, which is in the UTC+6 timezone.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Shymkent Airport (CIT) is the busiest route, with 3 direct services every week. Get from IST to CIT on SCAT Airlines's 10am flight.
Give yourself enough time to catch your flight from Istanbul to CIT. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Delays at security and check-in are likely if you're flying during high season, so allow a little extra breathing room. The recommendation for peak times? Arrive up to four hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Get to your destination in one go from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Direct flights from Istanbul to Shymkent Airport (CIT) are available from here.
SCAT Airlines is a popular carrier that offers direct flights from Istanbul to Shymkent Airport jetting out of IST.
SCAT Airlines is the most frequently chosen airline for flights from IST to CIT.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your trip and perhaps even visit a new city. When searching for cheap flights from Istanbul to CIT leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST), uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to discover where you can stop along the way. Top options include:
Antalya Airport (AYT)
Almaty Airport (ALA)
Atyrau Airport (GUW)
Located around 48 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul, IST can be reached in about 50 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport will take roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
Searching for a convenient hotel close to Istanbul Ataturk Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Istanbul to Shymkent Airport, these stays will put you moments from your check-in counter:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Think about kicking off your journey from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). You can book a direct Istanbul to Shymkent Airport (CIT) flight ticket from this popular hub.
Pegasus operates direct flights from Istanbul to CIT departing from SAW. Book your favourite window (or aisle) seat and get to your destination in one go.
Pegasus ranks number one in bookings on the SAW to CIT route.
Break up your flight from Istanbul to Shymkent Airport with a stop at Antalya Airport (AYT). One of the main stopovers between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and CIT, it's a good opportunity to unwind before your onward flight.
You can arrive at SAW from central Istanbul in approximately 55 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to travel the 48 kilometres or so.
Got a crack-of-dawn departure? Think about checking in to one of these hotels near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport the day before your Istanbul to CIT flight:
As far as flight punctuality goes, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 76.93%.
About Shymkent Airport (CIT)
Have a late flight from Istanbul to Shymkent Airport? Don't let it end in exhaustion. Check in to one of these hotels near CIT and shut your eyes sooner:
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Shymkent Airport (CIT)
Rs23,711 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Shymkent Airport. A return flight starts from Rs61,882. These prices may change based on availability.
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to walk away with cheap flights from Istanbul to CIT if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some great early bird rates.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest Istanbul to Shymkent Airport tickets throughout the entire month. It's an easy way to snap up a bargain if your dates aren't set in stone.
Never miss a deal on flight tickets from Istanbul to CIT by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when fares go down.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Istanbul to Shymkent Airport.
The best time to fly from Istanbul to Shymkent Airport (CIT)
Think about the kind of holiday you want when deciding your trip dates. February is the quietest month to visit Shimkent. June is when most people book flights from Istanbul to Shymkent Airport (CIT), which may be ideal if you're chasing more action.
Book an Istanbul to CIT flight ticket departing in July if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Shimkent to range from 18ºC to 38ºC.
If you want cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from Istanbul to Shymkent Airport in January when temperatures are between -10ºC and 7ºC.
More about Shimkent
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Shimkent right here. Check out these options once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Shymkent Airport:
There are so many things to discover in this city, it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Victory Park, Park Abaya and Park Yntymak are major attractions which should be on any well-planned Shimkent itinerary.
Explore more of Kazakhstan
You've seen Shimkent, now it's time to explore other corners of Kazakhstan. Journey about 153 kilometres north-west to Turkestan to check off its leading attractions. From Turkestan to The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and Juma Mosque, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Another essential stop in Kazakhstan, Zhangatas is roughly 137 kilometres north of Shimkent. Make time to visit highlights including Tsentral'nyy Park.
