Planning a trip from Istanbul to Kutaisi? Then this article is worth reading, so you can plan the journey without any guesswork.
Which airlines fly from Istanbul to Kutaisi?
Several airlines offer connecting flights from Istanbul to Kutaisi International Airport.
You can, for example, fly from Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen International Airport with Pegasus to Rome Fiumicino, and continue from there to Kutaisi Airport with Wizz Air.
How long does the Istanbul – Kutaisi flight take?
On a connecting itinerary the total travel time depends on how long the layover is and which airline you choose.
How to buy cheap flights from Istanbul to Kutaisi?
- Book your tickets 1.5–2 months in advance.
- Travel midweek rather than at the weekend — demand on working days is lower, so fares are usually cheaper.
- Buy both directions at once. Airlines and agencies normally price a return ticket better than two separate one-way tickets.
- Use a search engine that brings almost every airline and flight together in one place, so you can compare and book the ticket you want more easily.
Direct flights from Istanbul to Kutaisi
Istanbul has two international airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side. Direct flights to Kutaisi depart from Sabiha Gökçen and are operated by Pegasus. They run several times a week and the schedule changes with the season, so always check the exact days before you book.
The distance between Istanbul and Kutaisi is roughly 1,120 kilometres and a non-stop flight takes up to about two hours. There are currently no direct flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Kutaisi, so if you depart from there you will either need a connecting itinerary or a flight into Tbilisi or Batumi.
Alternative routes: Tbilisi and Batumi
- Turkish Airlines operates several daily flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Tbilisi.
- Pegasus and AJet fly to Tbilisi from Sabiha Gökçen (SAW).
- Batumi is served from Istanbul by Turkish Airlines and Pegasus.
From Tbilisi you can reach Kutaisi easily by train, bus or minibus, and from Batumi the journey is shorter still. If the direct flight’s schedule does not suit you, this kind of combined routing is often more convenient — and cheaper.
Kutaisi Airport: what to know before you land
- David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport (code KUT) is located in Kopitnari, about 14 kilometres from Kutaisi.
- After every arrival, buses leave the airport for Kutaisi, Tbilisi and Batumi.
- A station on the Tbilisi–Batumi railway line is also close by, at Kopitnari.
- The terminal has a duty-free shop and cafés.
Baggage and fares on low-cost flights
Pegasus and Wizz Air are low-cost carriers, so with them the final price is largely decided by baggage and extra services.
- The basic fare usually includes only a small cabin bag; a larger cabin bag and checked baggage are priced separately.
- Add baggage online while booking — buying it at the airport is almost always more expensive.
- Weigh your bag before you leave and check the airline’s current size limits, as they are revised from time to time.
- Online check-in is normally free, while airport check-in can carry a fee.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct flight from Istanbul to Kutaisi?
Yes. Pegasus operates non-stop flights from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). There are no direct flights to Kutaisi from Istanbul Airport (IST).
How long is the flight?
A non-stop flight takes up to about two hours. A connecting itinerary depends on the layover and can be several hours longer.
When is the best time to buy a ticket?
The best fares are usually found 1.5–2 months before departure, and travelling on a weekday costs less than at the weekend.
How do I get from the airport into the city?
It is about 14 kilometres from the airport to Kutaisi, and a bus or taxi will take you there. Buses also run to Tbilisi and Batumi, timed around flight arrivals.
Istanbul – Kutaisi tickets can be bought online quickly and comfortably through our search engine. Simply choose your departure and destination cities, enter the dates you want, and the system will show you every available flight, so you can pick the ticket that fits your budget.