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Flight Deals
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Expert advice
Flight Deals
Cheap Flights from London to Istanbul (LON-IST)
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights from London to Istanbul that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Return
One-way
Recent return flight deals from London to Istanbul
LON London All airports-TR5 Treorchy Treherbert
1552 mimulti-stop
TR5 Treorchy Treherbert-LON London All airports
1552 mimulti-stop
Multiple Airlines
Recent one-way flight deals from London to Istanbul
LON London All airports-TR5 Treorchy Treherbert
1552 mimulti-stop
Multiple Airlines
Booking Insights
Price, demand, and travel trends for London to Istanbul flights
Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines, and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.
Prices
Airlines
Delays
Stopovers
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What is the cheapest London to Istanbul flight route?
KAYAK tracks online flight deals over the last 12 months and analyses pricing trends to identify the best available fares.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Istanbul Airport (IST) is the cheapest London to Istanbul route, averaging £149 return. Other London to Istanbul routes average £249, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.
What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from London to Istanbul?
Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Friday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from London to Istanbul. It's 1% cheaper than the average day, while Tuesday is the most expensive, with prices 15% higher.
What is the cheapest month to fly from London to Istanbul?
KAYAK internal proprietary data takes all prices for each month over the last 12 months for return flights from London to Istanbul, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.
•January is the cheapest month to fly from London to Istanbul at £96 return. •August (£262) and July (£254) are the most expensive months. •The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 172% on average. This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.
When are flights from London to Istanbul the cheapest?
Flights from London to Istanbul are cheapest 20 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 24% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.
Which airline offers the most direct flights between London and Istanbul?
Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines offer the most frequent direct flights from London to Istanbul at 73 and 47 flights per week, respectively. British Airways is another good option, operating 19 flights per week. Based on KAYAK flight data over the last 3 months.
How often are flights from London to Istanbul delayed?
Over the last three months, London to Istanbul flights were delayed 12% of the time. Delayed flights averaged 1h 59m behind schedule.
What’s the most punctual time of day to fly from London to Istanbul?
Night flights have the fewest delays. Afternoon departures experience delays most often.
Which day of the week has the fewest delays on London to Istanbul flights?
Tuesday has the fewest flight delays on the London to Istanbul route, with only 8% of flights delayed. Sunday has the most delays at 14%.
Which airline is the most punctual on London to Istanbul flights?
Turkish Airlines is the most punctual airline on London to Istanbul flights. 91% of flights were on time in the past three months.
What is the most popular stopover airport when flying from London to Istanbul?
KAYAK data for 1-stop return journeys over the past 3 months. Only counts itineraries with the same stopover on both legs.
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) is the most popular stopover for the London to Istanbul route. 25% of KAYAK users who booked 1-stop return journeys over the past 3 months connected via AMS.
What is the cheapest stopover airport when flying from London to Istanbul?
Flights via Tirana Rinas (TIA) offer the most affordable fares, with an average return price of £161. Based on KAYAK data over the past 3 months.
Which route with a stopover is the fastest from London to Istanbul?
Bergamo Orio Al Serio (BGY) offers the shortest 1-stop connection from London to Istanbul at 6h 24m one-way, 2h 31m longer than the 3h 53m direct flight. Based on KAYAK data over the past 3 months.
When flying from London to Istanbul, which airport offers the shortest stopover?
Bergamo Orio Al Serio (BGY) had the shortest average connection time for London to Istanbul stopovers at 4h 02m over the past 3 months.
How many direct flights run daily between London and Istanbul?
There are 20 to 23 flights per day from London to Istanbul, about 151 flights per week. Thursday has the most departures, with 15% of weekly flights.
What time of day do most flights depart from London to Istanbul?
Based on KAYAK flight schedules for the upcoming 3 months.
Most direct flights from London to Istanbul depart in the morning, accounting for 37% of direct departures. Around 8 flights are scheduled in that window over the next three months.
Expert advice for your flight from London to Istanbul
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Duncan Madden
Expert on Pegasus Airlines and British Airways
Duncan is a freelance travel writer, copywriter and book author in constant search of travel stories and the perpetual sensation of being on holiday. He’s never happier than when on a dusty trail in search of empty waves or ducking under the piste tape in search of snowbound solitude. British born, living in Germany, but happiest heading for the horizon. His first book, Found in Translation, explores the etymologies and stories of country names around the world and is out now.
Gabriel is a writer and video creator. As senior content producer for Flightradar24 and Monocle’s transport correspondent, he keeps a close eye on aviation in particular. He has also written travel articles for the likes of The New York Times. Born in New York but raised around the world, he now lives in Sweden. He’s been to 75 countries, flying 2.3 million miles on 113 airlines and through 234 airports in the process.
Beat the crowds with an average 23% drop in traveller numbers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 31% increase in traveller numbers.
When to book flights from London to Istanbul
Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from London to Istanbul based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or returns with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.
Your London to Istanbul flight questions, answered
Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines, and booking tips.
What are the earliest and latest flights from London to Istanbul?
These are the earliest and latest flight times available from London to Istanbul:
• Earliest: departs at 06:00 and lands at 09:53 • Latest: departs at 23:20 and lands at 03:13.
The flight takes about 3h 53m.
Which cabin classes can I book on flights from London to Istanbul?
Two cabin classes are available on flights from London to Istanbul:
• Economy class • Business Class
How long is a flight from London to Istanbul?
A direct flight from London to Istanbul takes 3h 53m, covering 1,552 miles.
Do I need a passport to fly from London to Istanbul?
Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.
How much should I expect to pay for a London to Istanbul flight?
Return flights from London to Istanbul range from £113 to £271, with an average of £178 over the past 12 months. Anything below £113 counts as a good deal.
How expensive are last-minute London to Istanbul flights?
Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 14% above the £178 route average. Book 20 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.
How much can I save by having a stopover when flying from London to Istanbul?
On this route, stopover flights are cheaper than direct options on average. Stopover fares average £161 return via Tirana Rinas (TIA), compared with £176 for direct.
How does on-time performance compare across airlines flying from London to Istanbul?
Turkish Airlines is slightly above the route average for timely arrivals, while British Airways has a lower on-time arrival rate. On-time arrival rates on London to Istanbul flights are:
• Turkish Airlines: 91% on time • British Airways: 91% on time • Ajet: 86% on time
On average, flights on this route are punctual 88% of the time.
What is the standard checked bag allowance on flights from London to Istanbul?
There is no standard. Checked bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge £10–£75 for the first checked bag in Economy. Premium fares and elite status bookings typically include a free checked bag.
How are flight departures from London to Istanbul spread across the day?
Morning is the busiest departure period on London to Istanbul flights, with 37% leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 32%, Evening flights for 22%, and Night flights for 9%.
What car hire options are available in Istanbul?
Since Istanbul is served by multiple airports, car hire options and rates can vary depending on which one you fly into. Near Istanbul Airport (IST) – daily rates from around £8:
• CIRCULAR • Avec Car Rental • Ok Mobility • Alamo • Autounion Car Rental
Near Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) – daily rates from around £9:
• Avec Car Rental • CIRCULAR • Final Rentals • ESSENCE CAR RENTAL • 724Rent
Which airports can I use when flying from London to Istanbul?
Flights from London to Istanbul may depart from several airports in London area, including London City (LCY), London Gatwick (LGW), London Heathrow (LHR), London Luton (LTN), London Southend (SEN) and London Stansted (STN), with arrivals available at airports in Istanbul such as Istanbul (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (SAW).
What time of day has the fewest delays on flights from London to Istanbul?
Night flights have the fewest delays on this route, while afternoon departures tend to have the most.
At what point is a flight considered delayed on the route from London to Istanbul?
A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the London to Istanbul route, 12% of flights were delayed in the past three months, with delays averaging 1h 59m.
Which airports do connecting flights from London to Istanbul pass through?
One-stop flights from London to Istanbul most commonly connect through:
• Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) – 25% of one-stop connections • Frankfurt am Main (FRA) – 23% of one-stop connections • Munich Franz Josef Strauss (MUC) – 14% of one-stop connections • Warsaw Frederic Chopin (WAW) – 9% of one-stop connections
Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from London to Istanbul?
Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 14% on flights from London to Istanbul. Friday is the cheapest departure day at £177 return on average, while Tuesday is the most expensive at £206, a difference of £29.
KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to three days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.
Which airlines fly from London to Istanbul?
6 airlines operate flights between London and Istanbul. The airlines offering direct flights on this route include:
• Turkish Airlines • Pegasus Airlines • British Airways • Ajet • easyJet • Wizz Air
How much time can I save by choosing a different stopover airport from London to Istanbul?
Flying via Bergamo Orio Al Serio (BGY) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time of 6h 24m, compared to 6h 57m via Vienna Intl (VIE) and 7h 10m via Munich Franz Josef Strauss (MUC).
What is the time difference between London and Istanbul?
Istanbul is 3 hours ahead of London (Turkey Time vs British Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.
What popular places can I visit in Istanbul?
Some of the most popular sights in Istanbul are Taksim Square, Sultan Ahmet Camii, and Ayasofya. These are among the most viewed places in Istanbul on KAYAK.
Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on London to Istanbul flights?
Among airlines operating London to Istanbul flights:
Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.
Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on London to Istanbul flights?
Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:
• Pegasus Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class • Ajet: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class • Wizz Air: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class
Baggage allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route, and airline, so always check the fare details before booking.
Are there on-site hotels at the airports in Istanbul?
IST airport offers sleeping pods that can be rented as well as an on-site hotel, with rooms both landside and airside. At SAW Airport you can also find services offered by Kepler, which includes a private lounge with sleeping pods to rent per hour or for the day.
How do I get from the airport to central Istanbul via public transport?
From New Istanbul Airport, you can catch the HAVAIST shuttle bus. For example, to get to the central district of Taksim you can catch the HVIST-14 bus with a duration of 90min and a price of ₺30 (roughly £2.60). To get from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim, you can catch the HAVABUS which costs ₺18 (roughly £1.60).
Are there any showers at the Istanbul airport?
To freshen up after your long day of traveling, use one of the shower facilities in Istanbul Airport. It’s possible to find showers at the IGA Lounge, The Ambassador Spa & Beauty Salon, and the YOTEL Hotel.
What amenities and facilities does Istanbul Airport offer for travelers with children?
Those that will be traveling with children can take advantage of a few facilities in Istanbul Airport, including baby care rooms that have changing tables and comfortable seating for parents to nurse privately. There is also a children’s play area in the main terminal that is convenient for allowing little ones to burn off some steam after a long day of traveling.
Are there hotels at London airports (LON)?
Before you fly from LON Airports, you can stay at airport accommodation so you’re not in a rush for your flight. For instance, at Heathrow, there is the Hilton Garden Inn near Terminal 2, at Stansted the Holiday Inn Express and at Gatwick the Sofitel in the North Terminal. These hotels are close by to the airport which makes them very convenient for early morning flights.
Can I exchange my currency at Istanbul Airports?
If you need to change your Pound Sterling to Turkish Lira, you can do so once you land. At IST Airport, there is an Arti Doviz A.S Currency Exchange on the International Arrivals floors before you pass through customs. Whilst at SAW Airport there is an AK Bank in the Arrivals Hall of the airport.
Your guide to booking London to Istanbul flights
Get tips on when to book, when to fly, and what to know before your trip.
If your dates are flexible, aim for a Friday departure and avoid flying on Tuesday. On this route, Friday flights average £177, about £29 less than Tuesday fares (14% savings) based on the last 12 months.
For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 20 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 24% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
If you can choose when to travel, plan your London to Istanbul trip for January. Fares historically average £96 return in that month – typically £166 less than the most expensive month, which is August (based on the last 12 months).
For the best chance of arriving on time, fly with Turkish Airlines. Over the past three months, 91% of Turkish Airlines flights from London to Istanbul arrived on time, slightly above the route average of 88%. When flights on this route arrive late, they're delayed by an average of 1h 59m, so choosing an airline with strong on-time performance can make a difference if you're on a tight schedule.
If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Tirana Rinas Airport (TIA) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest stopover option averages £161 return on this route – about £14 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport.
Only three of the five airports serving the greater London metropolitan area offer direct flights from London to Istanbul: London Stansted Airport (STN), London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW). Flights from London City Airport (LCY) require a stop at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) en route to Istanbul.
All London area airports offer various parking options if you intend to park and fly. There are short-, mid- and long-stay car parks available depending the length of your trip, all of which include spaces for Blue Badge holders as well as valet and business parking if you prefer premium service.
Enjoy the hospitality and comfort of the Escape Lounge at London Stansted Airport if you’ve got some time to kill before your flight. You can make an advance reservation for a small fee or pay in person and enjoy a complimentary food and beverage menu in addition to free Wi-Fi and electronic charging points amid a relaxed ambience.
Taking advantage of the Fast Track option at London Heathrow Airport is a great idea for families travelling with small children to avoid long queues at security checkpoints. Other family-friendly services at this location include designated play areas at Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5, complimentary meals for children, and baby-changing facilities for your convenience.
From the parking lot to the boarding gate London Heathrow offers a range of amenities to persons with visible and invisible disabilities. Blue Badge parking spaces are available at each terminal, as are accessible-friendly bathrooms. Designated agents are on hand to meet and guide you safely through security checkpoints to your boarding gate. Please make any arrangements for mobility assistance aids with your airline when booking your reservation.
When you find cheap flights from London to Istanbul can exchange you currency before take-off. At Stansted Airport (STN), there is a Travelex located in the Departures Hall near the entrance. In Gatwick Airport (LGW) and Heathrow Airport (LHR), there are also Travelex bureaus which are located just before security control.
You can get to London Airports (LON) easily when you find cheap tickets from London to Istanbul. To get to Heathrow, you can take the Heathrow Express from Paddington Train Station, which takes about 15 minutes. To go to Stansted, there is the Stansted Express from Liverpool St. Station, which takes around 45 minutes. Whereas the Gatwick Express to Gatwick departs from Victoria Train Station and takes approximately 30 minutes.
When you get to Istanbul Airports, you can go to nearby places easily. For example, if you land at Istanbul Airport (IST) you can drive to Balaban in about 16 minutes, Corlu in around 1 hour and Tekirdag in approximately 1h 20min. Whereas if you fly to Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) you can to go Gebze in about 27 minutes by car and Golcuk in around 1 hour.
Prefer to fly direct from London to Istanbul?
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from London to Istanbul.
Find which airlines fly direct from London to Istanbul, which days they fly and book direct flights.
Direct departures
London to Istanbul
Monday
Ajet,British Airways,Pegasus Airlines, +1 more
Ajet,British Airways, +2 more
Tuesday
Ajet,British Airways,Pegasus Airlines, +2 more
Ajet,British Airways, +3 more
Wednesday
Ajet,British Airways,Pegasus Airlines, +1 more
Ajet,British Airways, +2 more
Thursday
Ajet,British Airways,Pegasus Airlines, +1 more
Ajet,British Airways, +2 more
Friday
Ajet,British Airways,Pegasus Airlines, +1 more
Ajet,British Airways, +2 more
Saturday
Ajet,British Airways,Pegasus Airlines, +1 more
Ajet,British Airways, +2 more
Sunday
Ajet,British Airways,Pegasus Airlines, +1 more
Ajet,British Airways, +2 more
See more direct flights
Direct returns
Istanbul to London
Monday
Ajet,British Airways,Pegasus Airlines, +1 more
Ajet,British Airways, +2 more
Tuesday
Ajet,British Airways,Pegasus Airlines, +1 more
Ajet,British Airways, +2 more
Wednesday
Ajet,British Airways,Pegasus Airlines, +2 more
Ajet,British Airways, +3 more
Thursday
Ajet,British Airways,Pegasus Airlines, +1 more
Ajet,British Airways, +2 more
Friday
Ajet,British Airways,Pegasus Airlines, +1 more
Ajet,British Airways, +2 more
Saturday
Ajet,British Airways,Pegasus Airlines, +1 more
Ajet,British Airways, +2 more
Sunday
Ajet,British Airways,Pegasus Airlines, +1 more
Ajet,British Airways, +2 more
See more direct flights
More options for your flight from London to Istanbul
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Complete your trip to Istanbul with a hotel stay or car hire
Flights from the other most popular airlines that fly from London to Istanbul according to KAYAK users. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability are not guaranteed.
Cabin class types available on flights from London to Istanbul
Cabin classes available on flights from London to Istanbul. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability are not guaranteed.
The most popular flights on KAYAK according to clicks in the last 2 weeks. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability are not guaranteed.
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