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 £££.
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 LHR | Estimated Time | Price |
| Heathrow Express | 15 mins | From £15.00 |
| London Underground ('the Tube') | 60 mins | From £5.50 |
| Elizabeth Line | 45 mins | From £12.80 |
| Coaches | 50-90 mins | From £10.00 |
| Taxis (a black cab or a pre-booked minicab) | 60 mins | From £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 LGW | Estimated Time | Price |
| Gatwick Express | 30 mins | From £10.00 |
| Thameslink | 30-45 mins | From £10.00 |
| Southern Railway | 30-35 mins | From £15.00 |
| National Express Coach | 90 mins | From £8.00 |
| Taxi or Car | 60-90 mins | From £60.00 |
| Tube + Train | 60 mins | From £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 LTN | Time | Price |
| By train | 30 mins | From £15.00 |
| National Express Coach | 90-120 mins | From £5.00 |
| Taxi or Car | 60-90 mins | From £70.00 |
| Tube + Train | 60-90 mins | From £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 London | Flight Tickets | Transportation Fare | Total |
| 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
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 Istanbul | British Airways | Turkish Airlines | Pegasus Airlines | Wizz | AJet |
| Route | LHR - IST | LGW - IST | STN - SAW | LGW - IST | STN - 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 Istanbul | British Airways | Turkish Airlines | Pegasus Airlines | Wizz |
| Route | LHR - IST | LGW - IST | STN - SAW | LGW - 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 | £20.20 | Free | £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 price | £24 |
|---|---|
| Cheapest return ticket price | £46 |
| Off-season travel month | November |
| Peak season for travel | July |
| Flight distance | 2,496.82km |
| Average flight time | 3 hours 50 minutes |
| Popular airline | Wizz Air UK |
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Flynas
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AJet
15:50
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American Airlines
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Turkish Airlines
15:05
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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 2025 | Cheapest 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
Business travel
Family friendly
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.
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.
| Season | Month | Average Temperature (°C) | Average Flight Price (GBP) | Average Hotel Price (GBP) |
| Spring | April | 8-16 | £88 | £50-£100 |
| May | 12-21 | £81.5 | £55-£110 | |
| June | 16-26 | £79 | £60-£120 | |
| Summer | July | 18-28 | £94 | £70-£130 |
| August | 19-28 | £73 | £70-£130 | |
| Autumn | September | 16-25 | £85 | £60-£120 |
| October | 12-20 | £79 | £55-£110 | |
| Winter | November | 8-15 | £38 | £45-£90 |
| December | 5-11 | £77.5 | £45-£90 | |
| January | 3-9 | £30.5 | £44-£90 | |
| February | 3-9 | £46.5 | £45-£90 | |
| March | 4-11 | £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.