Prices shown below were available within the past 3 days for the period specified and should not be considered the final price offered. Please note that availability and prices are subject to change.

Cheapest time to fly from London to Istanbul

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week: 15 Sept - 21 Sept

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JulyAugustSeptember

Flight Duration3 h and 57 mFlights between London and Istanbul take, on average, 3 h and 57 m minutes, but the time can vary according to other factors

Cheapest flight£19Cheapest price for a flight between London and Istanbul found by our customers in the last 72 hours

Departing AirportLuton InternationalThe airport Luton International is the departure airport operating flights between London and Istanbul

Arriving AirportIstanbul AirportFlights departing London with Istanbul as destination arrive at Istanbul Airport

High seasonAugustAccording to search data from our customers, August is the busiest time to fly from London to Istanbul

Airlines flying this routeWizz Air UK, Pegasus Airlines, AjetAirline(s) with flights between London to Istanbul

Best time to bookJulyAccording to real data July is the most popular time to book a flight to Istanbul when departing from London

Currency and price comparison

TrainLocal, one-way ticket

80%Trains in Istanbul are 80% cheaper than in London.

London£3.00

Istanbul£0.50

MealMid-priced restaurant

63%A meal in Istanbul is 63% cheaper than a meal in London.

London£20.00

Istanbul£7.35

TaxiStandard daytime start rate

82%A taxi fare in Istanbul is 82% cheaper than in London.

London£4.40

Istanbul£0.77

CoffeeRegular cappuccino

31%Coffee in Istanbul is 31% cheaper than in London.

London£3.83

Istanbul£2.63

Exchange rate

1 GBP = 54.69 TRY

1 TRY = 0.02 GBP

Last checked on Fri 11/07

Distance: 1554 miles

London airports

Gatwick (LGW)How far from city centre: 25 miles

Heathrow (LHR)How far from city centre: 14 miles

Luton International (LTN)How far from city centre: 27 miles

Stansted (STN)How far from city centre: 30 miles

London City (LCY)How far from city centre: 7 miles

Southend (SEN)How far from city centre: 35 miles

Istanbul airports

Istanbul Airport (IST)How far from city centre: 21 miles

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)How far from city centre: 19 miles

Istanbul Atatürk International Havalimani (ISL)How far from city centre: 9 miles

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

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.

Flight route information

Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, features unique attractions, financial centres and exciting activities.

Frequently asked questions about flights from London to Istanbul

Is it possible to purchase a flexible ticket for my flight from London to Istanbul?

At Opodo we want to make sure that your travel plans are not affected by any cancelation as well as any possible restrictions Turkey may apply when travelling from London. Is your flight cancelled? We've got your back! With our flexible ticket guarantee you can decide if you want to book another flight - free of rebooking fee - or get a full refund!

How can I find cheap flights from London to Istanbul at Opodo?

The cheapest price for a flight from London to Istanbul is 20£. At Opodo we use different machine learned based methodologies to find our costumers the best option available, considering airline combinations, stopovers and direct flights as well as different criteria for inbound and outbound journeys.

Is Istanbul expensive to visit compared to London?

If you compare transportation prices, the taxi ride in Istanbul costs an average of 0.77 GBP, 82% cheaper than London, with a fare of 4.40 GBP,

while train tickets costs 83% less in Istanbul: 0.50 GBP against 3.00 GBP in London.

If you compare the price of a lunch meal, however, you can find it from 7.35 GBP in Istanbul, 63% less than the 20.00 GBP in London.

The price of the coffee is around 31% cheaper in Istanbul, with an average of 2.63 GBP, while in London the coffee costs 3.83 GBP.

When is the best time to book a flight from London to Istanbul?

The most popular months to book a flight from London to Istanbul are July, June and March, based on the searches of our customers. For insights on the best time to book flights to Istanbul, visit our page best time to book your flights, where you’ll find useful information based on travel trends.

When is the best time to travel from London to Istanbul?

The best time of the year to go to Istanbul when flying from London depends on several preference factors like climate, seasonality and, of course, price. When it comes to popularity, August is the top 1º month to fly to Istanbul from London in terms of searches from our customer, followed by July and April. If you prefer to avoid high peaks of turism, however, and escape a crowded period, November, January and March are the months with less volume of searchs for the route London - Istanbul.

How long does the flight take to go from London to Istanbul?

The total flight time between London and Istanbul is of around 03:57 hours on average, considering an average distance of 2,548 km, for both direct and indirect flights for the route (which may have 1 or more stops in other cities in between).

How is the weather in Istanbul compared to London?

While in London the temperatures can reach an average of 29.01 ºC in summer, with precipitation levels up to 9 mm ,Istanbul's temperatures can go up to 32.95 ºC during the hot season, with 5.3 mm average of rain rate . In winter, however, weather indicators show around -0.3 ºC in Istanbul, compared to the -3.09 ºC average degrees reported in London. During the winter period, London can register 6 mm precipitation, while Istanbul have an average of 9 mm rain level.

Which airports have flights between London and Istanbul?

The main airport route flying between London and Istanbul is: Stansted (STN) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). This route is covered by the following airline(s):

Pegasus Airlines.

Ajet.

Alternatively, you can find London - Istanbul flights between Luton International (LTN) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) with the following airline(s) flying the route: Wizz Air UK.

Which are the airlines with flights from London to Istanbul?

Airlines with direct flights departing from London to Istanbul are:

Turkish Airlines.
Pegasus Airlines.
LEAV Aviation.

Aegean Airlines, stopping in Athens for 65 minutes minimum.

Ukraine Intl Airlines, with 70 minutes scale in Kiev.
Lot Polish Airlines, with 85 minutes scale in Warsaw.

Plan your trip

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