iDiscover the best prices by selecting your travel dates.
AJet
VF 1988
→ Outbound · 27 Sep
STN
London Stansted
SAW
Istanbul
11:50 AM
27 Sep
3h 50m
Direct
5:40 PM
27 Sep
← Return · 7 Oct
SAW
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen
STN
London Stansted
8:45 AM
7 Oct
4h 05m
Direct
10:50 AM
7 Oct
from
£138
Return · per adult
British Airways
BA 0680
→ Outbound · 8 Nov
LHR
London Heathrow
IST
Istanbul
6:15 PM
8 Nov
3h 55m
Direct
1:10 AM
9 Nov
← Return · 18 Nov
IST
Istanbul
LHR
London Heathrow
6:50 PM
18 Nov
4h 10m
Direct
8:00 PM
18 Nov
from
£165
Return · per adult
LOT Polish Airlines
LO 1286
→ Outbound · 20 Dec
LHR
London Heathrow
IST
Istanbul
6:30 AM
20 Dec
8h 05m
5:35 PM
20 Dec
← Return · 30 Dec
IST
Istanbul
LHR
London Heathrow
3:00 PM
30 Dec
10h 00m
10:00 PM
30 Dec
from
£271
Return · per adult
Pegasus Airlines
PC 1170
→ Outbound · 31 Jan
STN
London Stansted
SAW
Istanbul
10:55 AM
31 Jan
3h 45m
Direct
5:40 PM
31 Jan
← Return · 10 Feb
SAW
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen
STN
London Stansted
1:35 PM
10 Feb
4h 00m
Direct
2:35 PM
10 Feb
from
£185
Return · per adult
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Popular airlines to Istanbul
Top 5 airlines flying from London to Istanbul
Cheapest and average return economy fares by carrier, from our sampled live searches. Fares change constantly — tap Search to see live prices for your dates.
| Airline | Cheapest | Average | Flights | Search |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AJet | £130 | £148 | Direct available | |
| British Airways | £165 | £229 | Direct available | |
 Turkish Airlines | £167 | £227 | Direct available | |
| Pegasus Airlines | £185 | £193 | Direct available | |
| LOT Polish Airlines | £229 | £344 | With stops |
Everything you should know
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Insights & trends for London to Istanbul flights
Data-powered insights to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.
How much is a return flight from London to Istanbul?
Return flights from London to Istanbul typically cost between £140 and £208 in August, though fares move with demand, season and how early you book. The lowest fare our search found recently was £138 — a great price and well below the usual range, so a price near this is worth grabbing. Keeping your dates flexible and comparing nearby days is the easiest way to land at the cheaper end.
What is the cheapest day to fly to Istanbul?
The cheapest day to depart to Istanbul is usually Tuesday, when fares start from around £130 — midweek departures tend to be quieter and cheaper. Monday is typically the most expensive day to fly out (around £138), as weekend travel is popular with leisure and business travellers alike. Where your plans allow, moving your outbound to a cheaper weekday can noticeably lower the total fare.
What is the cheapest time of day to fly to Istanbul?
Flights to Istanbul are generally cheapest departing in midday, with fares from around £130. Departures in the morning tend to cost more (about £169), as those slots are more convenient and in higher demand. Picking an off-peak departure time is a simple way to trim the price without changing your dates.
What is the cheapest London airport to fly to Istanbul from?
The cheapest return flights to Istanbul depart from London Stansted (STN), from around £138. London has several airports serving this route and fares can vary between them — Heathrow (LHR) is often the priciest at around £199. It's worth checking which London airport is both cheapest and most convenient for you before booking.
Can I save money by flying with a stopover to Istanbul?
For Istanbul, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct, with fares from around £130 versus about £229 for a 1-stop itinerary. A direct flight also saves you time and the hassle of a connection, so it's usually the better all-round choice on this route. Stopovers only tend to pay off here if a particular date or airline happens to be cheaper.
Average return fare to Istanbul by month
The cheapest month to fly from London to Istanbul is typically March, with return economy fares from £138. Fares are usually highest in April (around £214). Figures are indicative, from sampled live fares, and change with demand.
Cheapest sampled return economy fare, London to Istanbul, per month (gaps estimated). Search live for exact prices.
When to book flights from London to Istanbul
Are your dates flexible? These are the ideal times to fly to Istanbul based on our flight data — find the cheapest days for a 7-day trip.
Cheap flights to Istanbul from across the UK
You don't have to fly from London. The cheapest UK departure for Istanbul is currently London from £138. Compare return economy fares and typical flight times below — figures are indicative from sampled fares.
Indicative cheapest return economy fares by UK origin. Pick your dates in the search form above.
Weather in Istanbul
Monday
Drizzle
25°C
31/08/2026
Tuesday
Rain
29°C
01/09/2026
Wednesday
Drizzle
24°C
02/09/2026
Thursday
Rain
30°C
03/09/2026
Friday
Light rain
31°C
04/09/2026
Saturday
Overcast
27°C
05/09/2026
Sunday
Overcast
24°C
06/09/2026
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Reviews of airlines servicing Istanbul
See what customers who have flown with Turkish Airlines, British Airways and more to Istanbul have to say. Each airline is scored on boarding, crew, food, comfort and entertainment.
Turkish Airlines
2,140 reviews
British Airways
8,148 reviews
Turkish Airlines
8.0Very goodExcellent airline with great service, comfortable flights, free Wi-Fi, and fantastic entertainment. The five-star hotel and transfers in Istanbul made my trip even better. Highly recommended!
Our travel experts
James Wilson
Expert on Turkish Airlines
James Wilson is a Turkish Airlines specialist with extensive knowledge of international routes, flight options, and travel planning. He helps customers find convenient and reliable Turkish Airlines flights to destinations worldwide.
Read more
Sarah Thompson
Expert on British Airways
Sarah Thompson specialises in British Airways travel, helping customers choose the right routes, schedules, and flight options. With a focus on smooth and stress-free journeys, she makes planning international travel simple and convenient.
Read moreGood to know — flights from London to Istanbul
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Popular flights to Istanbul
About flights to Istanbul
Overview
Istanbul is the enthralling city where Europe meets Asia across the Bosphorus — a place of imperial mosques, grand bazaars, Byzantine wonders and superb food. It is one of the most rewarding city breaks for UK travellers and a major global stopover hub linking Europe with Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Most flights now arrive into the vast, modern Istanbul Airport (IST), one of the largest airports in the world. Comparing fares in one place makes finding the right flight to Istanbul quick and simple.
Best time to fly to Istanbul
Istanbul is a year-round destination. Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer the most pleasant weather and are ideal for sightseeing, so fares run higher. Summers are hot and busy, while winters are cool and atmospheric with occasional snow — often the quietest and best-value time to visit. Check the price charts on this page for the cheapest dates.
Airlines and routes
Turkish Airlines, British Airways and Pegasus Airlines fly direct from London to Istanbul in around 4 hours, with Turkish Airlines also flying direct from Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and other UK airports. As Turkish Airlines' home hub, Istanbul offers excellent onward connections to a huge global network, making it a natural stopover point. Compare carriers for your exact dates to secure the lowest fare.
Things to do in Istanbul
Istanbul dazzles with layer upon layer of history and culture:
- Hagia Sophia: a breathtaking former cathedral and mosque, and one of the world's great buildings.
- Blue Mosque: the elegant Sultan Ahmed Mosque, famed for its cascading domes and blue tiles.
- Grand Bazaar: one of the oldest and largest covered markets, with thousands of shops.
- Topkapi Palace: the opulent former seat of the Ottoman sultans overlooking the Bosphorus.
- Bosphorus cruise: a scenic boat trip between the European and Asian shores.
At Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul Airport sits about 40 km northwest of the city centre, with vast duty-free shopping, currency exchange, ATMs, lounges and dining. The M11 metro line connects to the city network, while the HAVAIST airport buses, taxis and ride-hailing apps are also available. Its scale and connections make it a smooth and modern stopover hub.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Istanbul
- Book roughly 4–8 weeks ahead — fares to Istanbul rise close to departure.
- Avoid the spring, autumn and summer peaks; winter often brings noticeably lower prices.
- Be flexible with dates — midweek departures often beat weekend prices.
- Compare full-service and low-cost carriers, and direct versus one-stop options.
Travel essentials
- UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays in Türkiye of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- The local currency is the Turkish lira (TRY).
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques, covering shoulders and knees; women should carry a headscarf.
Baggage & hand-luggage allowance for flights to Istanbul
Your allowance to Istanbul depends on the airline and the fare you book. The table below shows typical long-haul allowances so you know roughly what to expect — always confirm the exact limits with your airline before you fly.
| Fare type | Hand baggage | Checked baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Basic / Light economy | 1 small under-seat bag | Usually none — add for a fee |
| Standard economy | 1 cabin bag + 1 personal item | Typically 1 × 23 kg |
| Premium economy | 1–2 cabin bags + personal item | Typically 2 × 23 kg |
| Business / First | 2 cabin bags + personal item | Typically 2 × 32 kg |
Indicative only. Allowances vary by airline, route and fare — always check your airline's baggage policy.
Packing & baggage tips
- Full-service carriers (e.g. British Airways, Turkish Airlines, KLM) usually include a checked bag on long-haul economy fares; basic/low-cost fares often don't.
- Cabin (hand) bag size is commonly around 56 × 45 × 25 cm — confirm your airline's limit before you pack.
- Liquids in hand luggage must be in containers of 100 ml or less, inside one clear resealable bag.
- Weigh your bags at home — airport excess-baggage fees are far higher than pre-booked allowances.
- Extra or heavier bags are almost always cheaper added online in advance than at the airport.
FAQs — booking Istanbul flights
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