Search for flights from London to Istanbul
About Your London to Istanbul Flight
Istanbul is one of your bucket-list destinations but you're not entirely sure how to make this dream holiday a pragmatic reality. Fear not as we've summarised the essentials so that you can get packing and on your way, with little to no stress!
First and foremost, you'll need to think about flights. If you're concerned about how long it takes to fly to Istanbul, you'll be delighted to hear that a direct flight from London will only take you around 3 hours and 50 minutes, on average. However, flights that involve transfers will vary significantly.
The protocol before lift-off is the same as with any other international flight - it's best to arrive at least 3 hours before departure, so be sure to consider factors like weather disruptions or local traffic conditions before you set off to the airport.
The London to Istanbul journey shouldn't leave you too disoriented, though it's worth noting that the Istanbul time zone is slightly ahead by 2 hours. If you're still a fan of analogue, you might want to tinker with your settings before you arrive to save yourself confusion on the trip.
Here is a tip for you to make it easier to plan your holiday: next time book a hotel
or flight + hotel in Istanbul
or book a hotel
or flight + hotel in London
if you have an early flight, a stepover or multi-city flight. If you book your flight + hotel together you can save up to 40% when compared to booking separately and all that's left for you to do is relax and enjoy your trip!
Which Airlines Fly from London to Istanbul?
There are a total of four airlines that fly directly from London to Istanbul. Here are the airports the airlines depart from:
- British Airways - London Heathrow (LHR)
- Pegasus Airlines - London Stansted (STN)
- Turkish Airlines - London Gatwick (LGW)
- Wizz Air - London Gatwick (LGW)
Keep in mind, however, that if you choose a flight with connections, additional airlines might become available at your transfer location. Unfortunately, there aren’t any 2-hour flights from UK airports at this time, though this could change with the new generations of planes we'll be seeing in the future.
Airports in London
London boasts six international airports. Combined, these airports create the busiest airport network in the world, in terms of passenger footfall:
- Heathrow
- Gatwick
- Stansted
- Luton City
- Southend
All of London’s airports offer a large range of food and drink outlets, ATM and Wi-Fi, as well as services like car rental and currency exchange.
Getting to and from London airports is pretty straightforward due to the excellent transport connections.
Travellers can also consider using the various train routes to reach their departure airport. Each airport features a connecting train system. To check which routes might work for you, consider using mobile services like the TfL Go app. Outside of trains, travellers can also use the various shuttle buses with routes throughout the city.
The most flexible option will be travelling by taxi, though this can be expensive depending on the length of your trip. Services like Uber can also help if you prefer to get a fixed travel price before you embark on your journey.
If you wish to explore the surroundings of the city at your own pace, you can always rent a car in London with Opodo.
Airports in Istanbul
There's far less to be confused about on the other end. When you arrive in Istanbul, it'll be at one of two airports. The larger of the two is the aptly named Istanbul Airport (IST), located on the city's European side. The smaller one is the Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), which is found on the Asian side of Istanbul
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When it comes to navigating how you get from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport to the city centre, you have several choices. As always, taxis are a possibility. To avoid the risk of unexpected fees or taxi scams, those wishing to travel by car can consider BiTaksi. Like Uber or Grab, this system can let you know the cost of travel before you leave. Of course, this option will likely be a little more expensive than a regular taxi (dotted around most public landmarks), but it can also be less stressful.
Both airports also offer the use of shuttle buses via companies like Havaist. The buses leave every thirty minutes from each airport to Sultanahmet (the Old City) and city centre. Istanbul also offers train lines less than 13 miles from each airport, but neither lines connect directly to the airports.
If you wish to explore the surroundings of the city at your own pace, you can always rent a car in Istanbul with Opodo.
Services and Facilities at Istanbul Airports
Both of Istanbul’s airports are fully equipped with modern facilities to keep travellers safe and comfortable. These boast places to eat and shop alongside banks, currency exchanges, post offices and ATMs.
If you're looking for respite before your journey home, the Istanbul Airport lounge price is £66 plus VAT. Airport lounges at the Sabiha Gokcen Airport begin at £38 per traveller. Both sets of lounges provide areas to rest, relax, and shower.
The Istanbul and Sabiha Gokcen airports offer free Wi-Fi for use on laptops and mobiles.
The respective airports also feature services and facilities to cater to disabled travellers, including accessible-by-wheelchair toilets and lifts. It's crucial to note that passengers in need of wheelchairs are required to inform airlines ahead of time so that staff can accommodate their needs preparedly.
Each airport offers 24/7 service for luggage handling concerns, including lost baggage issues.
When is the Best Time to Fly to Istanbul?
The second thing to consider for your trip is the timing. Of course, the best time to visit Istanbul will be entirely subjective and will depend on you, your travel companions, and the activities you prefer. For example, if you want to enjoy the best weather that Istanbul has to offer, then the best time to travel is during the April-May 'spring' period, or during the September-October 'autumn' period.
Alternatively, if cost is the main clincher for you, then you'll find the cheapest time to travel is within the December-February period. A word of caution, though: Istanbul will be colder during this time, so you'll want to pack warm clothes and an umbrella to stay covered. Also, you'll likely avoid the crowds during these quieter months, but this is a blessing or a curse depending entirely on whether you're an introvert or extrovert.
Those looking for a taste of Istanbul's native historical and cultural events can rest assured that most of the calendar year has something to offer. There are plenty of events such as:
- Istanbul Music Festival in June
- Bosphorus Cup in September
- Istanbul Theatre Festival in November
Essentially, no matter when you choose to visit, Istanbul will always have something to offer. Tailor the trip to your needs and always remember that regardless of the cost or timing, the food is amazing all year round in hotspots like the world-famous Istiklal Street.
What to do and see in Istanbul
With records of settlement back in 6th millennium BC, Istanbul has no shortage of history, culture, and food to keep travellers enthralled, no matter how long they stay.
If you're looking to explore the historical legacy of Istanbul, then obviously the acclaimed Hagia Sophia is a must-see. With a reputation as one of the most iconic historical religious sites in the world, you'd be a fool to miss out on memories of seeing the Hagia Sophia's beauty mark in the flesh.
Another place of note is the Topkapi Palace, the former living place occupied for centuries by Ottoman sultans. This palace showcases the homes of the former sultans and also has a museum featuring some of Istanbul's most treasured artefacts. With jewels, weapons, and religious monuments, the Topkapi Palace has a little something for everyone.
For those wanting to explore the tastes of Istanbul, you'll be spoiled for choice, whether you're seeking out fine dining or street food. Regardless of your palate, a non-negotiable site you absolutely have to visit is the Grand Bazaar. There's a vast array of delicacies that are authentic, wholesome and made with love by expert locals. A fast-food joint could never compare.
Depending on the time of year, you might also choose to watch or partake in more sporty activities. With options like quad bike safaris, hot air balloon rides, and guided tours, Istanbul can scratch any of your more outgoing itches.
FAQ About Your London to Istanbul Flight
Which airlines fly directly to Istanbul?
There are four airlines which fly directly from London to Istanbul. These include British Airways, Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Wizz Air.
How can I find last-minute flights from London to Istanbul?
To find last-minute flights from London to Istanbul, you can check out our 'Last Minute Flights' section. Here you can find all the latest up-to-date information.
What are the cancellation fees and policies for my flight?
Cancellation fees and policies will depend entirely on the conditions of the airline you booked with. Cheaper flights tend to have higher cancellation fees, and might not offer refunds with some flights. Check the policies of the airline you're booked with to check your eligibility.
What are the distances between the airport(s) and the city centre?
This will depend on the airports you choose in both London and Istanbul. In London, the closest airport to the city centre is the London City Airport, at 8.7 miles. The furthest, Southend, is 40 miles away. In Istanbul, the closest of the two airports to the city centre is the Sabiha Gokcen Airport, at 28 miles. The Istanbul International Airport is slightly further away, at 31 miles.
Can I change or cancel my flight from London to Istanbul?
This will depend on the airline that you booked with, and the type of ticket you purchased. More expensive tickets can be flexible, whereas cheaper tickets might not be able to be cancelled or changed without a fee, or not at all. Check your ticket and the airline you booked a flight on to determine their policy.
Which month is the cheapest flight ticket from London to Istanbul?
A package deal from London to Istanbul, including a flight and hotel, will be the cheapest within the cold months of November and January. As always, you’ll want to book well in advance to claim the greatest savings possible.
