Traveling from Nairobi to Istanbul: what you need to know
Nairobi has a couple of airports where you can kick off your travels. Check out your options for booking a flight from Nairobi to Istanbul leaving from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Wilson Airport (WIL).
Touch down in Istanbul at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
The average time for a direct Nairobi to Istanbul flight is 7 hours.
Nairobi and Istanbul are in the UTC+3 timezone. That means you won't have to change your watch when you arrive.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are seven flights a week to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Nairobi to Istanbul is with Turkish Airlines at 05:00. Opt for the first NBO to IST departure operated by Turkish Airlines at 03:35 to fit in more activities on your first day in Istanbul.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to board your Nairobi to Istanbul flight.
During popular months such as July, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than normal. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for international flights whenever you're traveling during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Nairobi to Istanbul
Book eight months before traveling. Research into pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap Nairobi to Istanbul flights.
Plan your trip for November. That's the best month for scoring a great bargain on plane tickets from Nairobi to Istanbul. If you're open to different travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Nairobi to Istanbul is easy with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as a better deal is available.
Find a cheap Nairobi to Istanbul flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Nairobi to Istanbul, you can leave from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Get from NBO to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) without any stops.
Turkish Airlines is a well-known carrier that offers direct Nairobi to Istanbul plane tickets leaving from NBO.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to take a travel break — and possibly even tour another city. When searching for Nairobi to Istanbul flights leaving from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Top options include:
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). The journey by public transport is roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Nairobi to Istanbul? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these hotels close to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport:
Of all flights leaving Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, 67.1% touch down on time at their destination.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The distance from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is roughly 32 kilometers. It takes around 50 minutes to get to the center driving.
Traveling to the center by public transport will take you around 1 hour 45 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Nairobi to Istanbul, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these hotels near IST:
Travel at your own pace with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and venture far and wide through Istanbul and beyond.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks before your trip.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
After your flight from Nairobi to Istanbul has touched down, you can reach the city center in around 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is roughly 31 kilometers from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
If you travel by public transport, you'll reach the center in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
After your flight from Nairobi to Istanbul, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to SAW. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
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.
Don't pay more than you need to. Securing your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at SAW can help you lock in a better rate.
Best time to go to Istanbul
April is the busiest month for flights from Nairobi to Istanbul. To travel when it's less crowded, go to Istanbul in February.
When booking your Nairobi to Istanbul tickets, think about the weather you're most comfortable in. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
January has average temperatures of between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Search for cheap flights from Nairobi to Istanbul around that time if you like traveling in cooler conditions.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Istanbul right here. Explore these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Nairobi to Istanbul:
All great vacations should include some sightseeing. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are essential stops on your Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many places in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be discovered after you've seen Istanbul. Around 354 kilometers to the east, its top attractions include Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
If you're ready to explore another well-known destination in Türkiye (Turkey), head for Izmir, about 322 kilometers south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square are among the biggest draws.