Find the cheapest flights from London to Istanbul in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: London (LHR) → Istanbul (IST)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 5h 30m – 8h 45m
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €290 | low |
| February | €310 | low |
| March | €330 | medium |
| April | €360 | medium |
| May | €380 | high |
| June | €420 | high |
| July | €450 | high |
| August | €470 | high |
| September | €400 | high |
| October | €350 | medium |
| November | €310 | low |
| December | €360 | medium |
Airlines on This Route
- Turkish Airlines (direct): from €340 — Book directly or via skyscanner. Mid-week departures (Tue/Wed) are cheapest. Use Miles&Smiles for potential upgrades.
- British Airways (direct): from €360 — BA offers package deals with Avios points. Check their low-fare calendar for flash sales. Upgrade to Premium Economy for extra comfort on this popular route.
- easyJet (connecting): from €280 — Cheapest via Milan Malpensa or Geneva. Book early as prices rise fast. Add luggage at booking time to avoid higher fees at check-in.
- Pegasus Airlines (connecting): from €260 — Most affordable option via Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Check both IST and SAW airports for better prices. Student discount available.
- Emirates (connecting): from €420 — Best for those wanting a Dubai stopover. Use their multi-city search for interesting routing. Skywards miles valuable on this route.
Booking Strategy
For London to Istanbul, book 6-10 weeks ahead for optimal prices. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are consistently cheapest—expect savings of €40-80 compared to weekend flights. The route is highly competitive, so use Skyscanner’s ‘everywhere’ search to compare all airlines instantly. Turkish Airlines runs daily direct flights from Heathrow at competitive rates, while budget carriers like easyJet and Pegasus offer lower base fares but add significant baggage fees. January and November see the lowest demand with prices starting around €260-290 for connecting flights. Avoid August peak season when direct flights can exceed €500. Consider both Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) for arrival—SAW is closer to the Asian side and often has cheaper connecting flight options.
Route Tips
- Heathrow Terminal 2 (Star Alliance) handles Turkish Airlines; BA uses Terminal 5. Allow extra time for security during peak hours—aim for 2.5 hours before departure.
- British citizens need an e-Visa (€20, available online) valid for 90 days. Apply at least 48 hours before travel through Turkey’s official e-Visa portal.
- Turkish Airlines offers free city tours for passengers with long layovers (over 6 hours) on select bookings—a great way to see Istanbul without extra cost.
- Istanbul Airport’s new metro line (M11) now connects directly to Gayrettepe station, offering fast access to central districts. Check if your accommodation is near the new line.
- Both IST and SAW airports have efficient e-gates for EU/UK passport holders. Have your arrival card completed before reaching the booth to speed up customs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from London to Istanbul?
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Istanbul take approximately 3 hours 45 minutes. Turkish Airlines and British Airways operate these direct services daily. If booking connecting flights, expect 5h 30m to 8h 45m depending on your layover—common transit hubs include Vienna, Dubai, Milan, and Geneva. EasyJet and Pegasus typically offer the shortest connecting times via European hubs at around 5-6 hours total travel time.
How much does it cost to fly from London to Istanbul?
Direct flights start from around €340 with Turkish Airlines, while British Airways typically costs €360-400. Budget carriers offer cheaper base fares from €260-300 but remember to add baggage fees (€30-50 for checked luggage). Peak season (June-September) sees prices rise to €400-500 for direct flights. The cheapest deals are found in January and November with fares from €260-290 on connecting flights.
Are there direct flights from London to Istanbul?
Yes, direct flights operate from London Heathrow (LHR) to Istanbul Airport (IST). Turkish Airlines offers multiple daily departures (typically 4-5 per day) and is the main carrier on this route. British Airways also operates 2-3 daily direct flights. No direct flights operate from Gatwick, Stansted, or other London airports—all other carriers require at least one stop.
What is the cheapest month to fly from London to Istanbul?
January is the cheapest month with average prices around €290 for connecting flights and €320-340 for direct service. November follows closely with similar pricing. The most expensive period is summer: August averages €470 for direct flights due to holiday demand. Shoulder months like April, May (before peak), and October offer good value at €350-380 with fewer crowds.
Which airlines fly from London to Istanbul?
Direct: Turkish Airlines (most frequent, 4-5 daily), British Airways (2-3 daily). Connecting: easyJet via European hubs, Pegasus Airlines (often cheapest, via Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen), Austrian Airlines (Vienna), Lufthansa (Munich/Frankfurt), Emirates (Dubai), and Wizz Air. Turkish Airlines dominates with the best frequency and onboard service; budget carriers suit those prioritizing price over convenience.
What airport do I fly into in Istanbul?
Most flights arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST), the massive new hub on the European side, 35km from Sultanahmet (city centre). From IST, take the Havaist bus (₺100/€3, 40-60min) or book a private transfer (€15-25). Some budget carriers use Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side, 45km from the city—Havabus runs buses to Kadıköy (₺80/€2.50, 60-90min). Factor in an additional 30-60 minutes for customs and baggage.
How far in advance should I book London to Istanbul flights?
Book 6-10 weeks ahead for the best balance of availability and price. Last-minute bookings rarely yield deals on this popular route—expect to pay premium prices within 2 weeks. However, airlines sometimes release flash sales 3-4 months out. January and November see less urgency; 4-6 weeks ahead is sufficient then. Avoid booking more than 3 months early as prices haven’t adjusted to seasonal trends yet.
Is it cheaper to fly from London to Istanbul on weekdays?
Yes, Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €40-80 cheaper than Friday-Sunday flights. Monday and Thursday fall in the middle. This pattern holds for both direct and connecting flights. If your schedule is flexible, shifting a weekend trip to Wednesday departure can save significant money. Weekend returns (Saturday) are often pricier than weekday returns.
Data updated: 2026-03
