LON - IST

$80 Find Cheap Flights from London to Istanbul Airport - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$157
Typical prices: $154-$374
Multiple Airlines
Sat 11/24Sun 11/25
LTN - IST • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$195
Typical prices: $150-$372
Wizz Air
Sat 10/20Mon 10/22
LTN - IST • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with Turkish Airlines, British Airways and others. Average duration is 3h 55m.
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 26% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 91% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 9 weeks in advance save around 35% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 45% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $226 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 7h 10m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to Istanbul Airport!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from London to Istanbul (LON-IST)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from London to Istanbul

Tue, Nov 24 - Wed, Nov 25
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:05 am - 4:10 pmLTN  London Luton-IST Istanbul
7h 05m1 stop Chișinău Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
3:05 pm - 4:20 pmIST  Istanbul-LTN London Luton
4h 15mnonstop
$157Multiple Airlines
Tue, Nov 24 - Wed, Nov 25
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:05 am - 4:10 pmLTN  London Luton-IST Istanbul
7h 05m1 stop Chișinău Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
3:05 pm - 4:20 pmIST  Istanbul-LTN London Luton
4h 15mnonstop
$159Multiple Airlines
Tue, Oct 20 - Thu, Oct 22
Wizz Air Logo
7:05 am - 1:10 pmLTN  London Luton-IST Istanbul
4h 05mnonstop
Wizz Air Logo
1:50 pm - 4:00 pmIST  Istanbul-LTN London Luton
4h 10mnonstop
$195Wizz Air
Sun, Nov 29 - Tue, Dec 8
British Airways Logo
6:15 pm - 1:10 amLHR  London Heathrow-IST Istanbul
3h 55mnonstop
British Airways Logo
6:35 pm - 7:45 pmIST  Istanbul-LHR London Heathrow
4h 10mnonstop
$214British Airways
Thu, Nov 12 - Thu, Nov 19
British Airways Logo
7:05 am - 2:00 pmLHR  London Heathrow-IST Istanbul
3h 55mnonstop
British Airways Logo
7:40 am - 9:05 amIST  Istanbul-LHR London Heathrow
4h 25mnonstop
$215British Airways
Tue, Oct 20 - Thu, Oct 22
Wizz Air Logo
1:30 pm - 7:30 pmLGW  London Gatwick-IST Istanbul
4h 00mnonstop
Wizz Air Logo
2:20 pm - 4:20 pmIST  Istanbul-LGW London Gatwick
4h 00mnonstop
$217Wizz Air
Fri, Nov 6 - Mon, Nov 9
Pegasus Airlines Logo
12:50 pm - 7:40 amSTN  London Stansted-IST Istanbul
15h 50m1 stop Izmir Adnan Menderes Arpt
Pegasus Airlines Logo
8:45 am - 11:50 amIST  Istanbul-STN London Stansted
6h 05m1 stop Izmir Adnan Menderes Arpt
$236Pegasus Airlines
Sun, Dec 13 - Sat, Dec 19
Lufthansa Logo
6:30 am - 10:45 pmLHR  London Heathrow-IST Istanbul
13h 15m1 stop Frankfurt am Main
Lufthansa Logo
7:05 pm - 10:20 pmIST  Istanbul-LHR London Heathrow
6h 15m1 stop Frankfurt am Main
$236Lufthansa
Sat, Nov 21 - Wed, Nov 25
Lufthansa Logo
11:30 am - 10:45 pmLHR  London Heathrow-IST Istanbul
8h 15m1 stop Frankfurt am Main
Lufthansa Logo
7:05 pm - 10:20 pmIST  Istanbul-LHR London Heathrow
6h 15m1 stop Frankfurt am Main
$237Lufthansa
Thu, Nov 5 - Wed, Nov 11
Pegasus Airlines Logo
12:50 pm - 7:20 amSTN  London Stansted-IST Istanbul
15h 30m1 stop Izmir Adnan Menderes Arpt
Pegasus Airlines Logo
8:15 am - 11:50 amIST  Istanbul-STN London Stansted
6h 35m1 stop Izmir Adnan Menderes Arpt
$239Pegasus Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for London to Istanbul Airport flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

What is the cheapest London to Istanbul Airport flight route?

London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Istanbul Airport (IST) is the cheapest London to Istanbul Airport route, averaging $198 round-trip. Other London to Istanbul Airport routes average $285, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from London to Istanbul Airport?

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from London to Istanbul Airport. It’s 3% cheaper than the average day, while Tuesday is the most expensive, with prices 15% higher.

What’s the cheapest month to fly from London to Istanbul Airport?

•January is the cheapest month to fly from London to Istanbul Airport at $135 round-trip.
•July ($342) and August ($335) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 153% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from London to Istanbul Airport the cheapest?

Flights from London to Istanbul Airport are cheapest 9 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 35% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from London to Istanbul

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Gabriel Leigh

Gabriel Leigh

Expert on Turkish Airlines

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.

Duncan Madden

Duncan Madden

Expert on 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.

Key details for London to Istanbul Airport flights

Low season

October

Cheapest flight

$80
Beat the crowds with an average 22% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 46% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from London Luton Airport to Istanbul Airport

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 round-trip price

Your London to Istanbul Airport 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 Airport?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from London to Istanbul Airport:

    • Earliest: departs at 5:35 am and lands at 9:30 am
    • Latest: departs at 10:40 pm and lands at 2:35 am.

    The flight takes about 3h 55m.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from London to Istanbul Airport?

    Two cabin classes are available on flights from London to Istanbul Airport:

    • Economy Class
    • Business Class

  • How long is a flight from London to Istanbul Airport?

    A nonstop flight from London to Istanbul Airport takes 3h 55m, covering 1,532 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from London to Istanbul Airport?

    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 Airport flight?

    Round-trip flights from London to Istanbul Airport range from $154 to $374, with an average of $246 over the past 12 months. Anything below $154 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute London to Istanbul Airport flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 22% above the $246 route average. Book 9 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from London to Istanbul Airport?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $226 round-trip via Izmir Adnan Menderes Arpt (ADB), compared to $243 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from London to Istanbul Airport?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $22–$100 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 Airport spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on London to Istanbul Airport flights, with 47% of flights leaving in that window. Evening departures account for 30%, afternoon flights for 16%, and night flights for 7%.

  • How are flight prices from London to Istanbul Airport looking right now?

    One-way fares from London to Istanbul Airport are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $110, which is 42% below the typical average for this route.

  • What car rental options are available at Istanbul Airport (IST)?

    Istanbul Airport (IST) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $10 for economy cars. Top options include:

    • CIRCULAR
    • Avec Car Rental
    • Ok Mobility
    • Alamo
    • Autounion Car Rental

  • Which airports can I use when flying from London to Istanbul Airport?

    Flights from London to Istanbul Airport 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). Flights usually arrive at Istanbul (IST).

  • What time of day has the fewest delays on flights from London to Istanbul Airport?

    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 from London to Istanbul Airport?

    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 Airport route, 9% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 2h 01m.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from London to Istanbul Airport pass through?

    One-stop flights from London to Istanbul Airport most commonly connect through:

    • Frankfurt am Main (FRA) - 28% of one-stop connections
    • Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) - 24% of one-stop connections
    • Munich Franz Josef Strauss (MUC) - 17% of one-stop connections
    • Warsaw Frederic Chopin (WAW) - 10% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from London to Istanbul Airport?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 10% on flights from London to Istanbul Airport. Wednesday is the cheapest departure day at $255 round-trip on average, while Tuesday is the most expensive at $283, a difference of $28.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • What airlines fly from London to Istanbul Airport?

    4 airlines operate flights between London and Istanbul Airport. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:

    • Turkish Airlines
    • British Airways
    • Wizz Air
    • easyJet

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from London to Istanbul Airport?

    Flying via Munich Franz Josef Strauss (MUC) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 7h 10m, compared with 7h 17m via Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and 7h 36m via Bucharest Otopeni Intl (OTP).

  • What is the time difference between London and Istanbul Airport?

    Istanbul Airport is 2 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 Airport?

    Some of the most popular sights in Istanbul Airport are Taksim Square, Sultan Ahmet Camii and Ayasofya. These are among the most viewed places in Istanbul Airport on KAYAK.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on London to Istanbul Airport flights?

    Among airlines operating London to Istanbul Airport flights:

    • Wizz Air: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Turkish Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection

    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 Airport flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • Wizz Air: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Turkish Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • British Airways: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route and airline, so always check the fare details before booking.

  • Are there onsite hotels at Atatürk Airport?

    The TAV Airport Hotel can be accessed via the terminal but also offers a free airport shuttle if you are staying landside (for this you need a visa). If you do not have a visa you will need to stay in the airside rooms in the hotel.

  • Which terminal at London Heathrow has flights from London to Istanbul?

    Turkish Airlines flies from T2 to Istanbul while British Airways flies from T5 which is the hub for the national carrier of the UK. Be sure to check which terminal you are flying out of before arriving at the airport.

  • Does Atatürk Airport have free WiFi access?

    WiFi access is free for two hours. However, in order to access this your mobile will need to be capable of receiving texts in Turkey. If this is impossible, international passengers can go to Starbucks which has free WiFi for customers, or alternatively you can pay for one of the lounges.

  • What is the safest way to get from Atatürk Airport to Istanbul centre?

    By far the safest and most comfortable option is the private transfer service. It can be pricey as the cost of this service is around EUR25 per person (approximately GBP22) one way, but the car will be for your group alone and could be more reliable than a taxi.

Your guide to booking London to Istanbul Airport 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 Wednesday departure and avoid flying on Tuesday. On this route, Wednesday flights average $255, about $28 less than Tuesday fares (10% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 9 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 35% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your London to Istanbul Airport trip for January. Fares historically average $135 round-trip in that month - typically $207 less than the most expensive month, which is July (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 Airport arrived on time, slightly above the route average of 91%. When flights on this route arrive late, they're delayed by an average of 2h 01m, 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 Izmir Adnan Menderes Arpt Airport (ADB) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $226 round-trip on this route - about $16 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • The main airport that serves the European side of Istanbul is Istanbul Atatürk Airport and is 24km (around 15 miles) from the city centre and is the hub for Turkish Airlines. Non-stop flights from London to Istanbul are operated by British Airways and Turkish Airlines from Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
  • For Turkish Airline business class passengers with a layover after flights from London to Istanbul think about checking into the Turkish Airlines Lounge at Ataürk Airport if you need some peace and quiet. Business and first-class passengers with Star Alliance membership can also use the lounge. Here you can enjoy facilities such as showers, children’s rooms, and cinema as well as drinks and a food buffet. There is also a prayer room for quiet contemplation.
  • For last minute souvenir shopping at Atatürk Airport, the Old Bazaar, with a typically Turkish ambience, stocks various gifts and souvenirs such as Turkish delight, traditional silverware and jewellery, as well as other local foodstuffs including spices, confectionary and the regional olive oil.
  • As the flights from London to Istanbul take just under 4 hours, you might want to know whether the airline will provide food. British Airways has a selection of Marks & Spencer sandwiches and other snacks which all need to be paid for by credit/debit card. Turkish Airlines airline meals and drinks are included in the cost of your ticket so you don’t need to worry about searching around for your card to pay for your meal.
  • For those travelling with babies and children on flights from London to Istanbul you will be happy to hear that Atatürk airport has nursing and baby change facilities as well as play areas for the slightly older children located in both terminals.

Prefer to fly direct from London to Istanbul Airport?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from London to Istanbul Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

London to Istanbul

Monday

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

Tuesday

British Airways,Turkish Airlines,easyJet

British Airways,Turkish Airlines, +1 more

Wednesday

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

Thursday

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

Friday

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

Saturday

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

Sunday

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Istanbul to London

Monday

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

Tuesday

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

Wednesday

British Airways,Turkish Airlines,easyJet

British Airways,Turkish Airlines, +1 more

Thursday

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

Friday

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

Saturday

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

Sunday

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

British Airways,Turkish Airlines

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from London to Istanbul

Complete your trip to Istanbul with a hotel stay or car rental