Travelling from Istanbul to Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport (NQZ): What you need to know
There are a couple of airports to choose from in Istanbul. Check out your options departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when planning your flight from Istanbul to Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport (NQZ).
Expect to be travelling for 5 hours 5 minutes. On average, that's the duration of a direct Istanbul to Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport flight.
Astana is two hours ahead of Istanbul. Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport is located in Astana, which operates on the UTC+5 timezone.
With 16 direct flights a week between the two airports, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport (NQZ) is the most popular route. Turkish Airlines operates the earliest flight at 12:35am. If you prefer to get more out of your day before flying, the last flight from IST to NQZ is with Air Astana at 11:10pm.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are golden rules for hassle-free flying. Be at the airport with enough time to catch your flight from Istanbul to NQZ.
Longer lines at check-in and security are likely if you're flying during high season, so give yourself some extra breathing room. The recommendation for peak periods? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Take the express route from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Nonstop flights from Istanbul to Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport (NQZ) operate from here.
You can book a direct flight from Istanbul to Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport with Turkish Airlines. This well-known airline operates departures from IST.
The top choice among passengers flying between IST and NQZ is Turkish Airlines.
The journey from central Istanbul to IST takes around 1 hour 45 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 48 kilometres in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Searching for a comfortable hotel close to Istanbul Ataturk Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Istanbul to Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport, these accommodation options will put you just around the corner from the terminal:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Consider starting your journey from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). You can book a direct Istanbul to Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport (NQZ) plane ticket with departures from this hub.
Board your direct flight from Istanbul to NQZ with Pegasus. This is one of the main carriers that operates this route out of SAW.
Pegasus is the most frequently booked airline flying from SAW to NQZ.
With public transport, you can travel from central Istanbul to SAW in about 1 hour 30 minutes. The airport is roughly 48 kilometres away, and making the journey by car takes approximately 55 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before catching your Istanbul to NQZ flight? Relax in a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your adventure officially starts. These stays are calling your name:
When it comes to keeping flights punctual, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 76.93%.
About Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport (NQZ)
Have a late flight from Istanbul to Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport? Don't let it hijack your sleep schedule. Check in to one of these hotels near NQZ and hit the lights earlier:
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport (NQZ)
96 € is the best price for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport. A return flight starts at 206 €. These prices may change depending on demand and availability.
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to walk away with cheap flights from Istanbul to NQZ if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird discounts.
Affordable Istanbul to Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport tickets are easier to find if your travel dates are flexible. Try using the 'Whole month' search function to compare fares across the month and then choose the cheapest day.
Be the first to know about deals for plane tickets from Istanbul to NQZ by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when prices go down.
Save on your flight from Istanbul to Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport by using filters. Choose your ideal times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from Istanbul to Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport (NQZ)
Know what you want from your trip before deciding when to book your flight from Istanbul to Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport (NQZ). Astana buzzes during peak season, but hotel and flight prices are generally higher and attractions can get crowded. Visit in a low season if you like a more relaxed vibe.
Book an Istanbul to NQZ plane ticket departing in July if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Astana to range from 13ºC (55ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
Look for cheap tickets from Istanbul to Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -22ºC (-8ºF) and -7ºC (19ºF).
More about Astana
Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport, find a hotel that puts you in a great location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Astana:
Your visit to Astana should come with a side of sightseeing. Attractions that should be on your list include The Baiterek Tower, Palace of Peace and Reconciliation and EXPO 2017.
Explore more of Kazakhstan
Temirtau is just one of the many cities in Kazakhstan waiting to be explored once you've seen the sights of Astana. Around 153 kilometres away to the south-east, well-known attractions include City Park of Culture and Leisure, Museum of the First President and Gorodskoy Park.
If you're interested in discovering another corner of Kazakhstan, head for Kokshetau, about 290 kilometres north-west of Astana. Museum of Literature and Art, Vysota and Naberezhnaya Olzhasa are highlights.
