Travelling from Osaka to Istanbul: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can start your trip from in Osaka. Check out your options leaving from Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Kobe Airport (UKB) when organising your flight from Osaka to Istanbul.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's chief entry points.
Around 12 hours 45 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct Osaka to Istanbul flight.
Istanbul is six hours behind Osaka and is in the UTC+3 timezone.
With seven weekly flights between the two airports, Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route. Hop on the first flight from Osaka to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines at 22:25. If you'd like to get more out of your day before flying, the last departure from KIX to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 22:30.
Give yourself plenty of time to catch your Osaka to Istanbul flight. It's generally best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Be prepared for longer lines in popular months such as June. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure will give you plenty of time for security and boarding.
How to find the cheapest flights from Osaka to Istanbul
RM1,163 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Osaka to Istanbul. Return flights start from RM2,224. These fares can change depending on demand.
Lock in cheap Osaka to Istanbul flights by booking two months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for landing a bargain.
Organise your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring an incredible deal on plane tickets from Osaka to Istanbul. If your travel dates are not set in stone, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest price across each month.
You don't need to search every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know as soon as a better deal comes up on cheap flights from Osaka to Istanbul.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Osaka to Istanbul flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Osaka
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Osaka to Istanbul, you can depart from Kansai International Airport (KIX). Get from KIX to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) in one seamless journey.
Reserve your Osaka to Istanbul plane tickets with Turkish Airlines. This airline is a popular choice for direct flights from KIX.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your trip — and maybe even tour another city. When searching for Osaka to Istanbul flights departing from Kansai International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Top options include:
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Haneda Airport (HND)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Central Osaka to KIX is around 40 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take about 45 minutes to reach there if you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving.
Have an early flight from Osaka to Istanbul? Stay somewhere near Kansai International Airport, like First Cabin Kansai Airport. Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport - 3 Mins Walk to the Airport will also have you moments from your departure gate.
Of all flights departing from Kansai International Airport, 67.95% land on time at their destination.
The address for KIX is 1 Senshukukokita, Izumisano.
Kobe Airport (UKB)
UKB is roughly 26 kilometres from central Osaka. It'll take you 45 minutes or so to get to the airport when driving from the city centre.
You're going on holiday, so why not spend an additional night away? Consider staying at one of these hotels near Kobe Airport the day before your flight from Osaka to Istanbul:
Most flights that leave Kobe Airport touch down at their destination on schedule. It boasts an on-time performance rate of 85%.
The address for UKB is 1 Kobekuko, Chuo Ward.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is approximately 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 50 minutes.
It usually takes 1 hour 45 minutes to get there on public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Osaka to Istanbul, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these hotels near IST:
Go where the road takes you with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and chase adventure across Istanbul and beyond.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks before your travel date.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
After your flight from Osaka to Istanbul has arrived, you can get to the city centre in around 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is approximately 31 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
If you travel by public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest at a hotel near SAW. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your flight from Osaka to Istanbul:
Forget about public transport timetables or cab lines. Pick up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Compare availability and rates from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Securing your ride four weeks before your arrival at SAW will help you save.
Best time to go to Istanbul
February is the quietest month for flights from Osaka to Istanbul, while April is the most popular. Figure out the ideal time to go to Istanbul based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Book an Osaka to Istanbul ticket departing in August if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Istanbul to range from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
Search for cheap flights from Osaka to Istanbul in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF) on average.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Istanbul right here. Explore these hotels as soon as you've booked your flight from Osaka to Istanbul:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are popular attractions which should be on every Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many places in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be explored once you've seen the sights of Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres to the east, its top attractions include Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
If there's time to check out another well-known destination in Türkiye (Turkey), head for Izmir, about 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square are the start of reasons to visit.