Traveling from Istanbul to Osaka: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your trip from in Istanbul. Explore your options departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when organizing your flight from Istanbul to Osaka.
When it comes to working out where to arrive in Osaka, Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Kobe Airport (UKB) are the major entry points.
Around 10 hours 45 minutes is how long you can expect to be traveling on a direct Istanbul to Osaka flight.
Osaka's timezone is UTC+9, making Osaka six hours ahead of Istanbul.
With seven flights a week between the two airports, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the busiest route. Board the first flight from Istanbul to Osaka with Turkish Airlines at 02:10. If you'd like to make the most of your day before flying, the latest flight from IST to KIX is with Turkish Airlines at 02:15.
To ensure you get on your Istanbul to Osaka flight, leave plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is a good rule of thumb.
Traveling during a popular month such as August? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer queues and delays at security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Osaka
Lock in cheap Istanbul to Osaka flights by booking one month ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time for picking up a bargain.
The best month for finding cheap plane tickets from Istanbul to Osaka is April. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then select the dates offering the lowest fares.
There's no need to check back in every day to see if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you the moment there's a better deal on cheap flights from Istanbul to Osaka.
Tailor your trip using filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' Istanbul to Osaka flights.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Istanbul to Osaka, you can leave from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Travel from IST to Kansai International Airport (KIX) in one seamless trip.
Turkish Airlines is a popular airline that offers direct Istanbul to Osaka plane tickets leaving from IST.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your journey — and possibly even explore a different city. When searching for Istanbul to Osaka flights leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Some popular options include:
Haneda Airport (HND)
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Traveling from central Istanbul to IST takes about 1 hour 45 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 32 kilometers in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Planning to catch an early flight from Istanbul to Osaka? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near Istanbul Ataturk Airport:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to stretch your legs with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Istanbul to Osaka flight, check out these options when taking off from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
On public transport, you can travel from central Istanbul to SAW in around 1 hour 30 minutes. The airport is roughly 31 kilometers away. Driving will take you about 55 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your flight from Istanbul to Osaka? Check in to a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your vacation officially begins. Consider one of these stays:
When it comes to keeping flights punctual, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 77%.
Arriving in Osaka
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Kansai International Airport (KIX) to central Osaka takes about 45 minutes by car. The center is roughly 40 kilometers away.
If you have a late flight from Istanbul to Osaka, nothing beats 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 KIX:
Travel at your own pace with a Kansai International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from BEST KANSAI CAR RENTAL, BE KOBE or TravelCar and chase adventure across Osaka and beyond.
To lock in the lowest rate, book your ride from Kansai International Airport a few weeks in advance. Prices typically go up closer to your travel date.
The address for KIX is 1 Senshukukokita, Izumisano.
Itami Airport (ITM)
As soon as your flight from Istanbul to Osaka has hit the tarmac, you can make your way to the city center in around 20 minutes by car. Central Osaka is approximately 13 kilometers from Itami Airport (ITM).
There are some comfortable places ready to welcome you near UKB. Tuck yourself in after your Istanbul to Osaka flight at any of these well-located options:
Europcar, Times and Rakuten make collecting an Itami Airport rental car simple. These suppliers are located around or in the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Get the vehicle you actually want, not just what's left, by booking your ride from ITM in advance. You can also avoid paying extra, especially when demand is high.
You can find Itami Airport at 3丁目555 Nishimachi, Hotarugaike, Toyonaka.
Kobe Airport (UKB)
Kobe Airport (UKB) is about 26 kilometers from the center of Osaka. It takes about 45 minutes to get to the city center by car after your flight from Istanbul to Osaka.
Whether you're after a mini for a solo getaway or a roomy SUV to fit the family, you'll find the perfect Kobe Airport rental car for you. Browse the types of wheels available from names such as Europcar, Times and Rakuten.
Rental providers sometimes offer deals on early bookings, so book your vehicle from UKB ahead of your flight from Istanbul to Osaka. A little planning can save you money.
Kobe Airport can be found at 1 Kobekuko, Chuo Ward.
Best time to go to Osaka
June is the busiest month for flights from Istanbul to Osaka. To skip the crowds, head to Osaka in April.
Before locking in your Istanbul to Osaka tickets, consider what kind of weather works for you. August is the warmest month in Osaka, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC (70ºF) to 34ºC (93ºF).
For cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Istanbul to Osaka in January when temperatures average between 0ºC (32ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF).
More about Osaka
Start your Osaka trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Istanbul to Osaka, browse our range of hotels including:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and Universal Studios Japan are popular attractions which should feature on every Osaka itinerary.
Explore more of Japan
You've seen Osaka, now it's time to discover other corners of Japan. Travel about 386 kilometers east to Yokohama to check off its popular sights. From Teishoin to Seya Christian Church and Banfukuji, your itinerary will be busy.
Nagoya is another sought-after destination in Japan and is around 137 kilometers north-east of Osaka. No trip is complete without visiting Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine and Osu Kannon Temple.