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Istanbul is easy to reach from the north of England, with direct flights from Manchester taking around four hours. Two airlines usually compete on the route, and Istanbul has two airports, so a little comparison goes a long way. Compare live prices below.
Manchester to Istanbul at a glance
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Flight time | About 3 h 50 min to 4 h 15 min direct |
| Departure airport | Manchester (MAN) |
| Istanbul airports | Istanbul Airport (IST), Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) |
| Airlines you will often see | Turkish Airlines, Pegasus |
Airlines and schedules change by season. Confirm the current options in the search results, and try SAW as the destination too.
Which Istanbul airport should you fly into?
Istanbul Airport (IST) is on the European side, about 40 km from the old town, and is the Turkish Airlines hub. Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) is on the Asian side and is used by low-cost airlines such as Pegasus. If the fares are close, pick the airport nearest your hotel: IST for Sultanahmet, Beyoglu and Taksim, SAW for Kadikoy and the Asian side.
When is it cheapest to fly?
- Usually cheapest: January to early March and November.
- Best balance of weather and price: April, May, late September and October.
- Most expensive: the summer holidays, Easter, Christmas and New Year, and half-term weeks.
Tips to pay less
- Compare a full-service and a low-cost fare with the same baggage. A checked bag can change which one is cheaper.
- Check Liverpool and Leeds Bradford if they are easy for you to reach.
- Be flexible by a day or two. Midweek flights are often cheaper.
- Book two to four months ahead for spring and autumn, and earlier for summer.
Compare Manchester to Istanbul fares for your dates.
Do UK travellers need a visa?
British citizens can usually visit Turkey for tourism for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least 150 days from your arrival date. Check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
Book the rest of your Turkey trip
- Airport transfer: a driver waits at arrivals with a name sign, no taxi queues.
- Turkey eSIM: mobile data from the moment you land.
- Tours and attractions: boat trips, guided tours and skip-the-line tickets.
- Travel insurance: cover for medical costs and trip cancellation.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct flight from Manchester to Istanbul?
Yes. Direct flights are usually available. Check the search results for current airlines and days.
How long is the flight?
Around four hours.