A Complete Guide to Book Cheap Flights from London to Istanbul and Save Money on Trip.com

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When planning your London to Istanbul flights, it's essential to understand the total cost involved. Beyond the ticket price, there are additional expenses to consider, such as transportation to and from the airports, baggage fees, and any in-flight services you may require. By taking these factors into account, you can accurately budget for your trip and make informed decisions. Understanding the total cost ensures you get the best deals and save money £££.

Book Cheap Flights from London to Istanbul and Save Money

London to Istanbul: Departure from London Airports

London is well-served by multiple airports. It offers convenient flight options to Istanbul from three main airports, Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton airport. After viewing the transportation information and flight prices, you can compare and choose the best departure point by your convenience

Heathrow Airport (LHR), situated 23 kilometres west of London’s city centre, has five terminals, handling flights from all over the world and offering a vast array of facilities. Travellers can reach the airport via the Heathrow Express train, which takes about 15 minutes from Paddington Station.

Main Transportation Options to LHREstimated TimePrice
Heathrow Express15 minsFrom £15.00
London Underground ('the Tube')60 minsFrom £5.50
Elizabeth Line45 minsFrom £12.80
Coaches50-90 minsFrom £10.00
Taxis (a black cab or a pre-booked minicab)60 minsFrom £49.00

Gatwick Airport (LGW) is located 45 kilometres from downtown and features two terminals. Gatwick is easily accessible in several ways, ensuring a seamless journey from London city centre, no matter your transport. The Gatwick Express offers a quick 30-minute journey from Victoria Station to the airport.

Main Transportation Options to LGWEstimated TimePrice
Gatwick Express30 minsFrom £10.00
Thameslink30-45 minsFrom £10.00
Southern Railway30-35 minsFrom £15.00
National Express Coach90 minsFrom £8.00
Taxi or Car60-90 minsFrom £60.00
Tube + Train60 minsFrom £2.40 (tube fare) + train fare

Luton Airport (LTN), with single one terminal, mainly serves flights to European destinations. Travellers can take a train from St Pancras International, usually taking about 25 minutes, plus a brief shuttle bus ride to reach the airport.

Main Transportation Options to LTNTimePrice
By train30 minsFrom £15.00
National Express Coach90-120 minsFrom £5.00
Taxi or Car60-90 minsFrom £70.00
Tube + Train60-90 minsFrom £2.40 (tube fare) + train fare

Compare cheap flight tickets and transportation prices from London (LON) to Istanbul (IST)

When comparing London-Istanbul flight prices in January 2025, there is only a negligible price difference among the three London airports. The lowest price is £20 from London Luton Airport, while the highest price is £59.50 from London Heathrow Airport.

Flight to Istanbul from LondonFlight TicketsTransportation FareTotal
Heathrow (LHR-IST)£54.00£5.50£59.50
Gatwick (LGW-IST)£16.00£8.00£24.00
Luton (LTN-IST)£15.00£5.00£20.00

*Based on flight prices in Jan 2025, as sourced from Trip.com's data. Transportation prices are approximate and can vary. To get most accurate and up-to-date information, please check trip.com and official websites of respective transportation services.

London to Istanbul: Arrival at Istanbul Airport

Istanbul Airport (IST) is one of the busiest airports in Turkey and a major international hub, offering numerous flights from Europe, Asia, and beyond. The airport features a single, expansive terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. This modern terminal is equipped with a wide range of facilities, including duty-free shops, a variety of restaurants, and car rental services, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for travellers. Istanbul Airport is located approximately 40 kilometres from the city centre, and the journey typically takes around 45 minutes by car. The airport is well-connected by public transport, including buses and a metro line, making it easy for passengers to reach their destinations.

London to Istanbul: Airline Deals

British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Wizz, and AJet are five airlines that provide cost-effective flight options for travellers flying from London to Istanbul. Low-cost airlines such as Wizz and Pegasus Airlines often offer competitive prices though their flights depart from suburban airports.

Reviews of airlines servicing London-Istanbul

Wizz Air UK
10.0
Turkish Airlines
8.8
Pegasus Airlines
8.8
British Airways
8.1
Sichuan Airlines
8.0

Which airlines provide the cheapest flights from London to Istanbul?

By January 2025, the cheapest one-way tickets to Istanbul from London has been found on Wizz at £40.6 (LGW-IST), while Turkish Airlines operates with the highest price at £129.6 (LGW-IST).

Flight to IstanbulBritish AirwaysTurkish AirlinesPegasus AirlinesWizzAJet
RouteLHR - ISTLGW - ISTSTN - SAWLGW - ISTSTN - SAW
flight tickets£87£115£52£26£50
transportation to airports£5.6£14.6£16£14.6£16
Total£92.6£129.6£68£40.6£66

*Based on flight prices in Jan 2025, as sourced from Trip.com's data.

What's the cheapest total travel cost from London to Istanbul?

Let's take a closer look at the actual costs you may incur when flying from London to Istanbul. While budget airlines may initially offer the cheapest flight tickets, it's important to consider the overall costs. Surprisingly, Wizz actually provides the lowest price at £82.00, followed by Pegasus Airlines at £115.96. British Airways comes in at £143.89, and Turkish Airlines at £152.20. By selecting the appropriate flights, a family of four can potentially save over £200 on their travel expenses.

Flight to IstanbulBritish AirwaysTurkish AirlinesPegasus AirlinesWizz
RouteLHR - ISTLGW - ISTSTN - SAWLGW - IST
flight tickets£118.09£137.60£85.56£49.90
transportation to airports£5.60£14.60£16.00£14.60
check-in luggage (1 piece max 20kg)Free (1×23kg)Free (1×23kg)Free (1×20kg)Free (1×20kg)
Seat reservation£20.20Free£14.40£17.50
Total£143.89£152.20£115.96£82.00

*Based on flight prices in Jan 2025, as sourced from Trip.com's data.

London to Istanbul: Flight Search & Book Flights

London to Istanbul: Direct Flights & Flight Time Schedule

Cheapest one-way flight priceIDR 527,557
Cheapest return ticket priceIDR 959,408
Off-season travel monthMay
Peak season for travelMarch
Flight distance2,496.82km
Average flight time3 hours 50 minutes
Popular airlineWizz Air UK
Flight info.
Departure
Arrival
Weekly Schedule
  1. PC1174

    23:20

    STN

    3.8h

    06:05

    SAW

    SMTWTFS
  2. PC1170

    10:45

    STN

    3.8h

    17:30

    SAW

    SMTWTFS
  3. PC1178

    17:25

    STN

    3.8h

    00:10

    SAW

    -MTWTFS
  4. PC1162

    12:30

    STN

    3.8h

    19:15

    SAW

    SMTWTFS
  5. XY5162

    12:30

    STN

    3.8h

    19:15

    SAW

    SMTWTFS
  6. XY5166

    15:40

    STN

    3.8h

    22:25

    SAW

    S-TWTFS
  7. VF1990

    15:50

    STN

    3.8h

    22:35

    SAW

    SMTWTFS
  8. BA688

    13:20

    LHR

    3.9h

    19:15

    IST

    S--WTF-
  9. VF1988

    11:50

    STN

    3.9h

    17:45

    SAW

    SMTWTFS
  10. AA7214

    10:40

    LHR

    4.0h

    16:40

    IST

    S--WTF-
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London to Istanbul: Cheapest Time to Book Flights

Determining the best time to book flights for the London to Istanbul route can be influenced by several factors. Generally, it is recommended to book your London to Istanbul flights in advance to secure better deals and availability. This is especially true if you wish to travel in peak season, for example, Easter holiday, summer, Christmas, and school half term. As a rule of thumb, aim to book your tickets at least 2-3 months before your desired travel dates. Additionally, consider avoiding peak travel seasons or holidays when prices tend to be higher. Monitoring flight prices regularly and setting up price alerts can also help you snag the best deals.

This table can help you plan your trip by showing the most affordable months to fly. January offers the cheapest flights, while April is the most expensive. By choosing your travel dates wisely, you can save a significant amount on airfare.

Month in 2025Cheapest London to Istanbul flight tickets
January£30.50
February£46.50
March£61.00
April£88.00
May£81.50
June£45.00
July£79.00
August£73.00
September£85.00

London to Istanbul: Discover Istanbul

Sitting at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, flights to Istanbul are popular all year round. The Turkish city has become a tourist hotspot, and it’s easy to see why. Boasting a captivating mix of historical landmarks, vibrant markets, and a rich culinary scene, it’s no surprise that so many people flock to the city. And with a wide range of airlines offering cheap flights to Istanbul from all over the world, there’s never been a better time to tick it off your bucket list.

With its unique location, flights to Istanbul are popular with culture enthusiasts. The city’s historical landmarks, such as the iconic Hagia Sophia, the magnificent Blue Mosque, and the grand Topkapi Palace, offer a fascinating glimpse into its storied past. The bustling Grand Bazaar and the aromatic Spice Bazaar provide an unforgettable shopping experience. Istanbul also excels in the culinary department. The city is famous for its diverse and flavourful cuisine, with countless restaurants and street food vendors offering everything from succulent kebabs to sweet baklava. For those looking to relax, a cruise along the Bosphorus offers stunning views of the city’s skyline and a chance to see its many palaces and mansions from the water.

Explore Accommodation and Local Transport in Istanbul

Once you've sorted your flights, it's time to delve into accommodation and local transport options in Istanbul. Look for budget-friendly hotels, hostels, or holiday rentals that are conveniently located near the main attractions. Websites like Trip.com offer a variety of choices to suit different budgets and preferences. Additionally, Trip.com's Travel Guides can also give you useful tips on where to stay and what to do. Consider the costs and convenience of public transport, taxis, or car hire to get around the city. Planning ahead can help you avoid unexpected expenses and make your trip smoother and more affordable.

Recommended Hotels in Istanbul [2024]

5 star

8.4/10Very Good137 Reviews
Sultan Ahmed Mosque Istanbul|0.3km from city centre
It really deserves to be an internet celebrity store Many people come here to eat. The location is also very good, close to various scenic spots. You need to know the pitfalls of taxi taxis in Türkiye I really made a profit in this area.
FromIDR 2,467,384
8.8/10Very Good95 Reviews
Sultan Ahmed Mosque Istanbul|0.39km from city centre
What a fantastic hotel in a great location . Near the blue mosque and grand bazaar both within walking distance . Bed was comfortable and room a decent size . Staff were very helpful and a quick response when something needed . Lots of places to eat nearby around the surrounding streets & a good breakfast provided by the hotel with good selection of cold and hot options .
FromIDR 4,285,824
8.6/10Very Good180 Reviews
Laleli Istanbul|1.7km from city centre
We got to the hotel after midnight and was told that the room is flooded and no other room available for now. We were sent to a different hotel and told that they would have a room for us in the morning. They sent us from Crowne Plaza to Ramada (an outrageous downgrade). We slept a few hours at Ramada and checked out and returned to the front desk of Crowne Plaza. The lady at the front desk told us that there were still no room for us and we had to go back to the Ramada again. We told her we would like to speak to her manager, and she said she is the manager. I told her that the arrangement is not acceptable. Finally, she said that a room would be available in 20 minutes. What a ridiculous experience!
FromIDR 2,502,399
8.5/10Very Good50 Reviews
Fatih Istanbul|3.28km from city centre
it was nice and they were really friendly, I ma sure that I will come again
FromIDR 1,893,139
8.4/10Very Good63 Reviews
Kucukcekmec Istanbul|14.43km from city centre
Overall a lovely stay. A lots of pros- Great breakfast, friendly staff, 24hr gym, free parking, very safe. Booked a one day tour to Troy, got picked up and drop off at the hotel, saved 2 trips to the Istanbul city,a present surprise. Own experience - Location is far and not easily accessible from main tourist attractions. For self drive, the hotel is located next to a highway, if missed the turning, go around is 7 min. Baby pool was not open, swimming hat compulsory or can buy for 130TR from spa desk.
FromIDR 1,111,140

Show more

Business travel

8.6/10Very Good122 Reviews
Laleli Istanbul|1.89km from city centre
Fantastic Hotel, Fantastic Staff, Fantastic Location, Fantastic Yummy Breakfast, Near to Grand Bazar & lot of other shopping. Staying in this hotel is a pleasure itself. Recommended for every 1 🤪😜😃😀😍
FromIDR 1,400,596
9.3/10Great76 Reviews
Sirkeci Istanbul|0.81km from city centre
Overall it was not bad, the hotel is in a really good location, walking distance to everywhere, especially for those who want to have a city walk. I had early check in at 9am, which was really nice. The staffs were all nice. However, the room was so small with a pretty small window, I saw window in other rooms was not. And obviously, the soundproof not good, can hear what happen clearly on the outside aisle⋯
FromIDR 1,890,805
8.5/10Very Good136 Reviews
Istanbul|16.55km from city centre
The room is relatively clean, the breakfast is not bad, there are many kinds and they are delicious, the omelette is very good, the service attitude of the front desk and room staff is also very good, it is also close to the subway, the room has a good view, Merry Christmas
FromIDR 1,482,298
7.4/1086 Reviews
Laleli Istanbul|1.9km from city centre
The hospitality was not good at all, at least a smile can make travelers happy when they check in! The breakfast was complete and good. The cleanliness of the rooms was acceptable. In general, it is recommended for business trips at an economical cost
FromIDR 679,289
8.8/10Very Good69 Reviews
Zeytinburnu Istanbul|7.18km from city centre
Very good hotel, clean and nice, serve is warm and friendly, we get perfectly new year trip in there, will come back again
FromIDR 2,635,455

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Family friendly

9.1/10Great132 Reviews
Besiktas Istanbul|4.35km from city centre
Great hotel with great hospitality. A lot of the amenities were closed because of the season, although advertised as in season until November. A bit far from places and sometimes a queue for a taxi. Food is very expensive but expected for the class of hotel. Options quite limited. Great breakfast!
SOLD OUT
8.1/10Very Good79 Reviews
Kadikoy Istanbul|9.37km from city centre
I can't say I stay in a proper Hotel. This hotel holds the name of the Hilton but it was a terrible experience. The first problem is the bathroom. Shower equipment was broken, it was very hard to maintain the water temperature and pressure. The design of the bathtubs-shower combination was horrible. You need to step up into the bath tube and it is so dangerous. The breakfast was very good but the coffee and tea were terrific. A good hotel can't buy an automatic espresso machine. They were serving low quality instant coffee. And I couldn't even drink a proper Turkish tea. Location is not bad and the city view was avarage.
FromIDR 1,701,724
9.3/10Great48 Reviews
Beyazit Istanbul|0.67km from city centre
Beautiful hotel with very nice staff and restaurant. Incredibly professional team. Great breakfast and other meals at rooftop restaurant (amazing views guaranteed). However, a few things could still be improved: greenery view room aren't a garden but a shaft view and lack natural light. Especially in winter it's a bit unpleasant. No moutwash and Molton Brown toiletres are also gone, same as coffee capsules which are no longer Nespresso. Tea is Lipton, which is far from 5* standard. Gym cleanliness could be also improved - this area seems quite neglected, water with fruit was rotten and dirty cups not removed. Spa treatments are expensive, but use of facilities remains free.
FromIDR 6,435,739
8.8/10Very Good97 Reviews
Kadikoy Istanbul|6.25km from city centre
My stay at was fantastic. The location is excellent, situated close to key attractions and public transport. The room was spacious, clean, and well-appointed, with comfortable bedding and modern amenities. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, always ready to assist with a smile. The breakfast buffet offered a great variety of delicious options. I also enjoyed the hotel's fitness center and pool, which were both well-maintained. Overall, my experience was wonderful, and I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay.
FromIDR 3,020,619
9/10Great284 Reviews
Istanbul|4.07km from city centre
Two of my friends and I book an Istanbul suite, we add a sofa bed which is large and comfortable. The room is big with nice sea view, the bathroom is also large and fantastic. The staffs at both front desk and lounge are nice. We have many meals in the lounge since included in suite. However, the check in time is a little bit late (3pm).
FromIDR 4,262,481

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Discover Affordable Dining and Entertainment

To keep your spending in check while enjoying Istanbul, explore the local dining and entertainment scene. Seek out markets, street food vendors, and reasonably priced restaurants to savour authentic Turkish cuisine without overspending. Many attractions, such as museums and historical sites, offer discounted or free entry on certain days, so it's worth checking their schedules. Also, take advantage of free or low-cost activities like beach outings, walking tours, and exploring the city's vibrant neighbourhoods. By being mindful of your expenses, you can have a memorable and wallet-friendly trip to Istanbul.

Discover Affordable Dining and Entertainment

Forecast weather and best time to visit Istanbul

Istanbul experiences a temperate climate, making it pleasant to visit throughout the year. However, the most popular time to visit is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) seasons when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. These times offer a great balance between comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. Additionally, certain events like the Istanbul Tulip Festival in April and the Istanbul Biennial in September make these months particularly vibrant in Istanbul. Ultimately, it's recommended to consider your preferred weather conditions and the activities you wish to partake in when deciding the best time for your visit.

SeasonMonthAverage Temperature (°C)Average Flight Price (GBP)Average Hotel Price (GBP)
SpringApril8-16£88£50-£100
May12-21£81.5£55-£110
June16-26£79£60-£120
SummerJuly18-28£94£70-£130
August19-28£73£70-£130
AutumnSeptember16-25£85£60-£120
October12-20£79£55-£110
WinterNovember8-15£38£45-£90
December5-11£77.5£45-£90
January3-9£30.5£44-£90
February3-9£46.5£45-£90
March4-11£61£45-£90

Note:

  • Average Temperatures: These are approximate values and can vary slightly.
  • Average Flight Prices: Prices can fluctuate based on demand, booking time, and airline.
  • Average Hotel Prices: Prices can vary depending on the location, hotel rating, and booking platform.
  • Trip.com offers cheap hotels in Istanbul, ranging from £20 to £70.

London to Istanbul: Flight Change, Cancellation, Seat Selection

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Cheap Flights from London to Istanbul: FAQs

  • What are the cheapest flights from London to Istanbul (LON-IST)?

    Based on Trip.com data, {{onewayAirlineName}} offers one-way fares as low as {{onewayPrice}} on {{onewayifDirect}} routes (e.g. {{departAirportCode}} to {{arrivalAirportCode}} on {{onewayDate}}), while {{roundtripAirlineName}} offers {{roundtripifDirect}} round-trips from {{roundtripPrice}} departing on {{roundtripDate}} and returning on {{returnDate}}.
  • Which airlines offer direct flights from London to Istanbul?

    At the moment, you can catch a direct flight from London to Istanbul with the following airlines, including: Wizz Air UK AJet Pegasus Airlines Turkish Airlines British Airways Selected airlines are based on historical data collected from flight bookings users made on Trip.com within the last 90 days.
  • How long is the flight from London (LON) to Istanbul (IST)?

    It takes about 3 hours 50 minutes to fly from London (LON) to Istanbul (IST).
  • When is the best time to book flights from London to Istanbul?

    By analyzing data from all airlines on the Trip.com flight calendar, it looks like the best time to book a flight from London to Istanbul is around 40 days (6 weeks) in advance, and the best time to fly is usually on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Tuesday typically offers the cheapest flights for departure, while Saturday offers the best return deals.
  • How many flights are there per week from London to Istanbul?

    Based on Trip.com data in the past 4 weeks, there is 67 flight per week flying from London to Istanbul. You can check the weekly schedule for popular airlines on this route below: Turkish Airlines: S/M/T/W/T/F/S -- TK1986 (17:24)
  • How can I find the best deals on flights from London to Istanbul?

    To find best deals on flights from London to Istanbul, you can use various tools on Trip.com:
    · Be flexible with your travel dates to get the cheapest flight deal. Now the cheapest flight deal is on {{25a2b5_owDate}}, with one-way flights priced at just {{25a2b5_owPrice}}.
    · Compare airlines strategically. Budget carriers often provide the lowest base fares, while we found the most affordable airline currently operating on this route is {{airlineName}}.
    · Set up price alerts to easily monitor ticket prices without having to check every day.
    · Check Trip.com flight deals and promo codes frequently.
    · Avoid peak season unless you book very early. It seems the peak season for Istanbul travel is around {{peakSeason}}.
    · Get exclusive promo codes for Trip.com app users.
  • When are flight tickets from London (LON) to Istanbul (IST) the cheapest?

    The cheapest months to fly from London to Istanbul is May, when demand for travel is lower.
  • Which upcoming date is cheapest to fly from London to Istanbul on?

    After crunching the numbers on our September flight calendar, it's currently cheapest to fly from London to Istanbul on September 30, 2025 with Wizz Air UK, with prices starting at IDR 1,022,435.
  • Which airports can I fly to for Istanbul from London?

    You can land at any one of the following hubs in Istanbul, with London Gatwick Airport to Istanbul Airport (LGW-IST) is by far the most common option on this route: Ataturk Airport (ISL) Istanbul Airport (IST) Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
  • Is there any time difference between London and Istanbul?

    The time difference between Istanbul and London is 3h.
  • How do I change or cancel my ticket from London to Istanbul?

    Tickets can only be changed or cancelled if permitted by airline policy. To submit a change or cancellation request, go to the flight bookings page, select the option to change or cancel your booking, choose the relevant passengers and segment, and submit a request. Please note that additional charges may apply according to the airline ticket policy. However, if the flight has been rescheduled and you would like to change or cancel your ticket, you can submit an involuntary cancellation request. For more details about change and cancellation policies, please check the customer support pages.
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cheap flights from London to Istanbul