Travelling from Kigali International Airport (KGL) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Approximately 7 hours 12 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct flight from Kigali International Airport to Istanbul.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is 1 hour ahead of Kigali, where Kigali International Airport is located.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This way, you can comfortably catch your flight from KGL to Istanbul.
During popular months like August, you'll want to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're travelling during peak periods in general.
We make it a cinch to book a flight from KGL to Istanbul with a stopover. To see the options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply choose a flight offering a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. Top stopovers include:
Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
You will need an embassy visa for Türkiye (Turkey) if you hold a passport from Rwanda and are visiting for tourism purposes. Visa and travel documentation requirements can be subject to change. So before you book your cheap ticket from Kigali International Airport to Istanbul, check with your airline and your destination country's local consulate or embassy for the latest information.
Located around 11 kilometres from central Kigali, KGL can be reached in about 21 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The same journey by public transport takes roughly 1 hour and 55 minutes.
Want a leisurely start to your trip? Stay near KGL. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Kigali International Airport to Istanbul or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are ideal:
How to find the cheapest flights from Kigali International Airport (KGL) to Istanbul
ج.م. 20,273 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Kigali International Airport to Istanbul. For a return flight on this route, the best price is ج.م. 26,888. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares could change.
It's a good idea to book as early as possible if you're hoping to get cheap tickets from KGL to Istanbul. That's because airlines change prices based on demand, which tends to increase closer to departure.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest tickets from Kigali International Airport to Istanbul across every month. It's an easy way to find a bargain if your plans are flexible.
Create a Price Alert for cheap flight tickets from KGL to Istanbul. There's no need to search every day to see if prices have dropped. We'll notify you when there's a change in price.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Kigali International Airport to Istanbul. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to get the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. With a cab or in your own car rental, the drive is around 50 minutes.
Travelling on public transport takes roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Kigali International Airport to Istanbul, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these accommodation options near IST:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is roughly 48 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. Following your flight from Kigali International Airport to Istanbul, it'll take you around 57 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
After your flight from KGL to Istanbul, rest your head at a hotel close to SAW. These are some comfortable options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Best time to go to Istanbul
August is the busiest month to catch a flight from Kigali International Airport to Istanbul while February is the quietest. To work out the ideal time to visit Istanbul, consider the pace you prefer to travel at.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Book your flights from Kigali International Airport to Istanbul in this month if you enjoy this type of weather.
January sees average temperatures of between 2ºC and 11ºC. Look for cheap flights from KGL to Istanbul sometime then if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
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. Browse these options after locking in your flight from Kigali International Airport to Istanbul:
Topkapi Palace and The Basilica Cistern are just the start of the top attractions to add to your Istanbul travel itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Galata Tower.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Kigali International Airport to Istanbul to track down incredible deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare offers in one place. Plus you'll find everything you need to know about car rentals in Istanbul, from the most popular car type to the best time to book.
