Traveling from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Nairobi: what you need to know
Approximately 7 hours is how long you can expect to be traveling on a direct flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Nairobi.
Nairobi and Istanbul (where Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located) share the UTC+3 timezone. This means there's no time difference to consider.
The most popular route is from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Choose from seven weekly services between these two airports. Turkish Airlines offers a 19:00 departure between IST and NBO.
Give yourself plenty of time to make your IST to Nairobi flight. It's generally best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're flying during a major holiday or another peak period, give yourself extra time. A good general rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at check-in and security will be longer.
Start your journey at IST and fly nonstop to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). That's where you can expect to touch down when searching for Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Nairobi tickets.
Book your seat with Turkish Airlines. This airline operates direct flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Nairobi.
We make it a breeze to book plane tickets from IST to Nairobi with a stopover. To see all the options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight with a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Popular stopovers include:
King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)
Cairo International Airport (CAI)
Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED)
IST is about 20 miles from central Istanbul. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the center, it'll take 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Want a hassle-free start to your vacation? Stay near IST. Whether you've booked an early flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Nairobi or just don't like being rushed, these hotels put convenience first:
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Nairobi
$271 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Nairobi flight. A return plane ticket starts at $442. These fares can change based on demand.
To secure cheap flights from IST to Nairobi, reserve your trip one month ahead of your planned departure.
The best month for landing cheap Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Nairobi tickets is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates that offer the biggest savings.
Locking in a cheap flight from IST to Nairobi couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll get in touch as soon as a new discount appears.
Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Nairobi by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Airports in Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is around 9 miles from the center of Nairobi. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 20 minutes.
Traveling to the center by public transport will take you around 1 hour 10 minutes.
Book a hotel close to NBO if you have a late flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Nairobi. Pick one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up a Jomo Kenyatta International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Auto-Union, Green Motion or Hertz and experience the lesser-explored corners of Nairobi and beyond.
Get the best deal by booking your vehicle from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport about three weeks ahead of your flight from IST to Nairobi.
Wilson Airport (WIL)
Once your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Nairobi has touched down, you can reach the city center in about 15 minutes by car. Central Nairobi is roughly 2 miles from Wilson Airport (WIL).
Traveling by public transport will take around 45 minutes.
You'll find some comfortable places to park your luggage (and yourself) near WIL. Kick back and get cozy after your IST to Nairobi flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Land, grab your Wilson Airport rental car, and set off without missing a beat. Auto-Union and Unicorn rent a car are popular outlets to pick from here.
Get the vehicle you actually want, not just whatever's left, by booking your ride from WIL ahead of your arrival. You can also avoid last-minute price surges, especially during peak travel times.
Best time to go to Nairobi
Before booking your flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Nairobi, consider which time of year works best for you. Peak season in Nairobi offers a lively atmosphere and plenty to do, while the off-season means you'll get cheaper hotel deals and fewer crowds.
The warmest month in Nairobi is March, with temperatures ranging between 57ºF and 86ºF. Lock in your Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Nairobi plane ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
For cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from IST to Nairobi in July when temperatures average between 54ºF and 75ºF.
More about Nairobi
Start your Nairobi trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Nairobi, check out our selection of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be tricky to work out where to begin. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Nairobi National Park and Westlands Maasai Market D at the roof top are popular attractions which should feature on any well-planned Nairobi itinerary.
Explore more of Kenya
You've done Nairobi, now it's time to discover more of Kenya. Travel about 270 miles south-east to Mombasa to check off its top sights. From Fort Jesus to Haller Park and Old Town of Mombasa, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
If you're looking to explore another great destination in Kenya, consider Nakuru, about 90 miles north-west of Nairobi. ARTHUR GARDENS (WEDDING/EVENT GROUNDS), Upper Hill estate and Muhia's Conservation Forest are among its highlights.