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Istanbul is one of the best-value city breaks from London: around four hours away, with a huge choice of direct flights and two big airports competing for passengers. The airport you pick has a big effect on what the trip costs. Compare live prices below.
London to Istanbul at a glance
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Flight time | About 3 h 45 min to 4 h direct |
| London airports | Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN) |
| Istanbul airports | Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side, Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) on the Asian side |
| Airlines you will often see | Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, British Airways, AJet |
Airlines and routes change by season. Confirm the current options in the search results. The search box uses IST, so also try SAW to compare.
Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen (SAW)?
Istanbul Airport (IST)
The main hub, on the European side, used by Turkish Airlines and British Airways. It is around 40 km from the historic centre (Sultanahmet), so allow about an hour or more by road depending on traffic.
Sabiha Gokcen (SAW)
On the Asian side and the base of low-cost airlines such as Pegasus and AJet. Fares are often lower, and it is well placed if you are staying in Kadikoy or the Asian side. Getting to Sultanahmet takes longer, usually over an hour.
Rule of thumb: if the fare difference is small, choose the airport closest to where you are staying.
When are flights to Istanbul cheapest?
- Usually cheapest: January to early March, and November (outside school holidays).
- Best weather and decent prices: April, May, late September and October.
- Most expensive: July and August, Easter, Christmas and New Year, and UK half-terms.
Tips to pay less
- Compare both Istanbul airports by changing the destination code between IST and SAW.
- Check what is included. Full-service tickets often include a checked bag and a meal, which can make them cheaper overall than a low-cost fare with extras.
- Fly midweek if your dates are flexible.
- Book two to four months ahead for spring and autumn, and earlier for summer.
Compare London to Istanbul fares for your dates.
Getting from the airport to the city
- From IST: the M11 metro line connects the airport to the city network, and Havaist airport buses run to central districts including Taksim and Sultanahmet.
- From SAW: the M4 metro runs from the airport to Kadikoy, and Havabus coaches go to Taksim and Kadikoy.
- Taxis and transfers: available at both airports. A pre-booked transfer avoids queues and fixes the price in advance.
Do UK travellers need a visa for Turkey?
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 the date you arrive. Rules can change, so check GOV.UK before you travel.
Book the rest of your Istanbul trip
- Airport transfer: a driver waits at arrivals, useful after a late flight.
- Turkey eSIM: mobile data from the moment you land.
- Tours and attractions: Bosphorus cruises, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi tours, food tours.
- Travel insurance: cover for medical costs and trip cancellation.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from London to Istanbul?
Around 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours direct.
Which Istanbul airport is cheaper to fly into?
Sabiha Gokcen often has lower fares thanks to low-cost airlines, but always compare the cost and time of getting to your hotel.
What currency is used in Turkey?
The Turkish lira (TRY). Cards are widely accepted in Istanbul, and ATMs are easy to find.