Flying from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Istanbul: what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Istanbul is 6 hours 50 minutes.
Istanbul and Nairobi (where Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is located) are both in the UTC+3 timezone. This means you won't need to account for any time differences.
With seven weekly flights between the two airports, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the busiest route. Board Turkish Airlines's 03:35 flight to get your trip from NBO to IST underway.
Give yourself enough time to make your NBO to Istanbul flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're flying during a major holiday or another peak period, allow extra time. A good general rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Security and check-in lines will be longer.
Begin your trip at NBO and travel nonstop to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). That's where you can expect to land when searching for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Istanbul tickets.
Book your seat with Turkish Airlines. This well-known carrier operates direct flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Istanbul.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your journey and perhaps even tick a new city off your list. When searching for flight tickets from NBO to Istanbul, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Cairo International Airport (CAI)
Located around 11 kilometers from central Nairobi, NBO can be reached in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Traveling on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
In search of a hotel close to NBO? If you're boarding an early flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Istanbul, these stays will put you moments from check-in:
67.1% of flights that depart Jomo Kenyatta International Airport make it to their destination on schedule.
How to find the cheapest flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Istanbul
$194 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Istanbul flight. A return flight ticket starts at $394. These prices can change depending on demand.
Book seven months before you want to travel. Research on pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from NBO to Istanbul.
The best month for finding cheap Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Istanbul tickets is November. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then select the dates with the lowest fares.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from NBO to Istanbul by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when a new low fare is offered.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Istanbul by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to the center of Istanbul takes about 50 minutes to reach by car. The center is roughly 48 kilometers away.
It takes around 1 hour 45 minutes when traveling by public transport.
Consider staying in a hotel close to IST if you're coming in on a late flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Istanbul. Check in to one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Go where the road takes you with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and find adventure across Istanbul and beyond.
To secure the lowest price, reserve your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks ahead of your flight from NBO to Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Once your flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Istanbul has touched down, you can get to the city center in around 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometers from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the center takes 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your NBO to Istanbul flight:
No time to waste? The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent and be on your way in a flash.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Booking your ride from SAW four weeks in advance often means more savings and a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Carefully consider your trip dates before booking your flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Istanbul. The city buzzes in high season, but hotel rates are typically higher and major attractions can get busy. Go to Istanbul in low season if you like a quieter vibe.
Lock in a Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Istanbul flight ticket with a departure in August if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
January has average temperatures of between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Search for a cheap ticket from NBO to Istanbul around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Istanbul right here. Browse these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Istanbul:
Every great vacation has to include a little sightseeing. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are must-visits when exploring Istanbul.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Istanbul is easy to fall in love with, but there are so many other corners of Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be explored. Around 354 kilometers east of Istanbul, a visit to Ankara will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with attractions like Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
If you're interested in discovering another well-known destination in Türkiye (Turkey), head for Izmir, about 322 kilometers south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak are highlights.
