Travelling from Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport (NQZ) to Istanbul Airport (IST): what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to Istanbul Airport is 5 hours 50 minutes.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3, which is two hours behind Astana.
Flights from NQZ to IST start from 02:15 — the earliest with Turkish Airlines. The latest departure is at 18:20 with Air Astana. Overall, you can choose from 16 weekly Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to Istanbul Airport flights.
Give yourself plenty of time to catch your NQZ to IST flight. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like August, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for an international flight when you travel during peak periods in general.
Turkish Airlines is your gateway to exploring Istanbul (and perhaps some other great corners of Türkiye (Turkey)!). Check out the direct flights from Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to Istanbul Airport offered by this popular airline.
Turkish Airlines is the airline with the highest passenger demand for this route.
Handy information about Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport (NQZ)
Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport is about 19 kilometres from central Astana. If you're driving, catching a taxi or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 25 minutes or so to arrive, depending on the traffic.
The journey on public transport takes about 45 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to Istanbul Airport? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these hotels near NQZ:
Arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST)
If you're getting in on a late Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to Istanbul Airport flight, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these accommodation options near IST:
Pick up a Istanbul Airport rental car and discover Istanbul and beyond with your own wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are top outlets you can book with here.
To lock in the lowest price, book your ride from Istanbul Airport about two weeks ahead.
When to fly to Istanbul Airport (IST)
The quietest month for a flight from Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to Istanbul Airport is March, while August is the most popular. Pick the ideal time to go to Istanbul based on whether you prefer a faster pace or a more relaxed vibe.
Lock in your flight from Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to Istanbul Airport for July if you want to visit Istanbul during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures of between 21ºC and 30ºC.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from NQZ to IST in January. Temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC then.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Istanbul has its own special appeal, but there are so many other corners of Türkiye (Turkey) just waiting to be discovered. About 354 kilometres east of Istanbul, a visit to Ankara will keep you on the move. Start with attractions like The Roman Theatre, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
If you're looking to explore another great destination in Türkiye (Turkey), head for Izmir, about 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Aegean Coast, Smyrna Basilika and Ataturk Konak Square are highlights.


