
London is a major hub for flights to Istanbul, with several airlines operating direct and connecting flights from various London airports.
Flight duration from London to Istanbul is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes for direct flights.
You can fly from London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), or London Stansted (STN) airports to Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW).
Direct flights from London to Istanbul are available with Turkish Airlines, British Airways, and Pegasus Airlines, among others.
A unique perspective: Transportation in Turkey Istanbul
Travel Options
Traveling from London to Istanbul, Turkey is a relatively straightforward process.
You can fly from London to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, British Airways, or Pegasus Airlines, with flight times ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
There are also several daily train services available from London's St Pancras International station to Istanbul's Sirkeci station, operated by Eurostar and Turkish State Railways, with a journey time of around 48 hours.
Train Journey
You can travel from London to Istanbul by train, and it's an epic 2,000 mile 4-night adventure. The journey is safe and comfortable, and you'll rediscover some of the mystery, intrigue, and romance of long-distance train travel through the Balkans.

The train journey from London to Istanbul can be booked with an Interrail pass or point-to-point tickets, and you can choose to travel one-way or return, eastbound or westbound. You can also consider stopovers along the way to break up the journey.
One option is to take the Venice Simplon Orient Express, which runs from Paris to Istanbul once a year, usually in August. This train features vintage 1920s Wagons-Lits sleeping-cars, restaurant cars, and lounge. However, be aware that the journey costs around £5,000 per person and is usually fully booked, so it's essential to buy tickets as soon as you can.
To book the Venice Simplon Orient Express, visit the official website at www.belmond.com/venice-simplon-orient-express.
European Rail Timetable & Maps
The European Rail Timetable is a must-have for any regular train traveller in Europe. Published since 1873, it's a treasure trove of train and ferry times for every country in Europe.
You can buy it online at www.amazon.co.uk for UK addresses or www.europeanrailtimetable.eu for shipping worldwide. The timetable also includes currency and climate information to help you plan your trip.
For your interest: National Maritime Museum Greenwich London England Uk
The Rail Map Europe is a great companion to the timetable, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow and Istanbul in the east. It highlights scenic routes and high-speed lines, making it easy to plan your journey.
Here are some ways to get your hands on the Rail Map Europe:
- Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu for shipping worldwide
- Buy online at www.amazon.co.uk for UK addresses
Room 411, where Agatha Christie wrote Murder on the Orient Express, has been refurbished, but it's still a great spot to imagine the Orient Express in all its glory.
Flight Information
The flight from London to Istanbul is a relatively short one, taking around 3 hours and 50 minutes to cover the 1551.5 miles between the two cities.
You'll have a choice of airlines to fly with, with four operators currently available for this route as of April 2025. These include Wizz Air, Ajet, Pegasus Airlines, and British Airways.
The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but some airlines may have their own age restrictions for unaccompanied minors. Be sure to check with your airline before booking.
Here's a quick rundown of the airlines operating on this route:
Inflight Comfort and Entertainment

Spacious seating is a hallmark of Turkish Airlines' inflight experience, ensuring a comfortable journey from takeoff to landing.
The cabin crew is friendly and attentive, providing everything you need for a pleasant flight.
Turkish Airlines offers a selection of delicious meal options to keep you refreshed during your journey.
You'll have plenty of choices to satisfy your taste buds, making mealtime a highlight of your flight.
Flight Information
The straight-line distance from London to Istanbul is approximately 1551.5 miles, with a normal flight duration of around 3 hours and 50 minutes.
There are four operators available for flights from London to Istanbul as of April 2025. You can find the cheapest time to fly and the best airline for your needs using a website's search facility.
The number of airlines operating direct flights between London and Istanbul is several. Flight paths include a south-eastwards route across the English Channel and European countries to Turkey.

To fly alone, the minimum age is five, but airlines may have their own age restrictions. It's essential to check with the individual airline for specific rules.
You'll need various documents for your Istanbul trip, such as a national ID card or driver's license, and a passport valid for six months beyond your scheduled arrival date.
Here's a list of popular airlines from London to Istanbul, along with their typical prices and number of weekly flights:
Prices for flights from London to Istanbul were last updated today.
Airlines and Routes
If you're planning a trip from London to Istanbul, you'll want to know about the airlines and routes available. Turkish Airlines operates 71 weekly nonstop flights from London to Istanbul, with prices starting from $214.
You can also consider Pegasus Airlines, which offers 32 weekly nonstop flights and 809 weekly connecting flights, with prices starting from $134. British Airways operates 23 weekly nonstop flights, while AJet offers 14 weekly nonstop flights and 154 weekly connecting flights.
Here are the airlines and their typical prices for round-trip fares from London to Istanbul:
Best Airlines Flying

If you're looking for the best airlines flying from London to Istanbul, you've got several options to choose from.
Turkish Airlines is a popular choice, operating 71 weekly nonstop flights from London to Istanbul, with prices starting from $214. They're also known for their typical prices, which range from $235 to $610.
Pegasus Airlines is another option, offering nonstop flights from London to Istanbul starting at $134. They also operate connecting flights, with 809 weekly options available.
British Airways is a well-known airline that operates nonstop flights from London to Istanbul, with prices starting at $213. They also offer connecting flights, with 89 weekly options available.
Wizz Air is a budget-friendly option, offering nonstop flights from London to Istanbul starting at just $81. They're also known for their free cancellation policy.
Here are some key facts about the airlines flying from London to Istanbul:
Choosing a Route
Consider the airline's hub and focus city network when selecting a route. This can significantly impact your travel experience.

Look for routes with a high frequency of flights, ideally with multiple daily departures. This increases your chances of finding a suitable schedule.
Airlines often offer more routes from major airports, but smaller airports can provide a smoother and less crowded experience.
Check the airline's route map to see if they serve your desired destination directly or with a single connection.
Airlines Fly From
There are several airlines operating direct flights between London and Istanbul. You can choose from a range of airlines, including British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Klm Royal Dutch Airlines, and Lufthansa.
Turkish Airlines is a popular choice, offering comfortable flights with spacious seating and tasty meal options. Their flights depart from London and arrive in Istanbul, making it a convenient option for travelers.
If you're looking for flexibility, consider booking with eDreams, which offers flexible booking and cancellation policies. This means you can adapt to any last-minute changes without breaking a sweat.
Here are some of the airlines that operate between London and Istanbul:
- British Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- Pegasus Airlines
- Klm Royal Dutch Airlines (via Amsterdam)
- Lufthansa (via Frankfurt)
Planning and Booking

Life can be unpredictable, which is why eDreams offers flexible booking and cancellation policies, ensuring you can adapt to any last-minute changes without breaking a sweat.
Their dedicated customer support team is always ready to assist you, whether you have questions before your trip or need help during your journey.
To find cheap flights from London to Istanbul, use eDreams' fast and powerful search facility, which delivers results in seconds.
You can easily find the cheapest time to go, airfares, ticket classes, times of departures and arrivals, airline names, airport names, and much more.
With eDreams, you can score great deals on Turkish Airlines flights, and if you're an eDreams Prime member, you'll unlock even more savings with exclusive discounts on every booking.
Their user-friendly booking process lays out all the details, like baggage allowances and seat choices, upfront, so you won't be left guessing.
Cost If Used
Booking train tickets can be a bit of a puzzle, but don't worry, I've got the inside scoop.

The cost of a London to Istanbul train journey is not a straightforward one, as you're not buying a single ticket, but rather separate tickets for each train. This can be a bit like buying airfare, with prices varying depending on demand and how far ahead you book.
You'll need to buy a ticket for each leg of the journey, starting with London to Paris by Eurostar. Prices for this route start at £52 one-way, £78 return for 2nd class, and £97 one-way, £168 return for 1st class.
From Paris, you'll take the TGV to Stuttgart, where prices start at £39.99 each way in 2nd class and £69.99 each way in 1st class. Keep in mind that fares vary like airfare, so booking ahead is a good idea.
If you're traveling with kids, you'll be happy to know that accompanied children under 15 go free if you book at int.bahn.de.
Here's a breakdown of prices for the Kalman Imre train from Stuttgart to Budapest:
Finally, for the last leg of the journey, from Bucharest to Istanbul, prices start at £42 for a ticket, with an additional £14 supplement for a couchette in a 4-berth compartment.
Book Turkish Airlines Flights Today
The straight-line distance from London to Istanbul is 1551.5 mi, and a normal flight duration for this route is 3h 50m.
You can easily find the cheapest time to go for holidays or city breaks in Istanbul, airfares, ticket classes, times of departures and arrivals, airline names, airport names and much more using our website's fast and powerful search facility.
Prices for flights from London to Istanbul were last updated today, and the number of operators available for flights from London to Istanbul is 4 as of April 2025.
To book Turkish Airlines flights, you can use eDreams, which offers flexible booking and cancellation policies, ensuring you can adapt to any last-minute changes without breaking a sweat.
Turkish Airlines operates 71 weekly nonstop flights from London to Istanbul, with typical prices ranging from $235–610.
Here's a comparison of some popular airlines from London to İstanbul:
Turkish Airlines also offers a comfortable ride with spacious seating and tasty meal selections, making the flight enjoyable from takeoff to touchdown.
Best Time to Fly

The best time to fly from London to Istanbul is a crucial factor in planning your trip.
April is a great time to visit Istanbul as the cold winter temperatures are replaced by pleasantly warm sunshine.
Consider booking off-peak if you're after a more relaxed and budget-friendly experience.
During the quieter months, Istanbul offers a calmer vibe, giving you more space to explore at your own pace—and often with friendlier fares to match.
October is also recommended, as the tourist-season crowds have dwindled and the searing summer heat has reduced.
The Akban Jazz Festival takes place at various venues over a two-week period in October, making it a great time for music lovers.
Booking and Travel
Booking and travel can be unpredictable, which is why flexible booking and cancellation policies are essential.
eDreams offers flexible booking and cancellation policies to help you adapt to any last-minute changes without breaking a sweat.
Need help along the way? A dedicated customer support team is always ready to assist you, whether you have questions before your trip or need help during your journey.
You can book your Turkish Airlines flights with eDreams today and secure your seat for an unforgettable adventure.
General Information

Turkey is a country in the GMT+3 time zone, with no daylight saving time since 2016. To make a call, you'll need to dial the country code +90.
You can buy a Turkish Lira using the exchange rate of £1 = 42 Turkish Lira or £1 = 35 TL, but be aware that high inflation may affect the currency value. A currency converter can help you get the most up-to-date rates.
Here are some essential phone numbers and codes to keep handy:
What Documentation is Needed for Flight
To fly to Istanbul from London, you'll need to consider the documentation required for entry into Turkey. British citizens require a visa to enter Turkey.
You can easily apply for an eVisa online via the Turkish government's eVisa website.
Intriguing read: Ferry from Rhodes Greece to Turkey
Useful Country Information
In Turkey, you can use the TCDD (Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Devlet Demiryolları) train operator, which can be found on their website at www.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr. You can book your train tickets on their booking page, ebilet.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr.

The country's railpasses are available for purchase online, and a beginner's guide to European railpasses can be found on the website.
Turkey is in the GMT+3 time zone, with no daylight saving time since 2016. You can call Turkey using the dialling code +90.
The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira, where £1 is equal to approximately 42 Turkish Lira or 35 TL. Due to high inflation, the exchange rate may change, and you can use a currency converter to get the latest rates.
Here are some tourist information resources for Turkey:
- www.turizm.gov.tr
- www.turkeytravelplanner.com
- Recommended guidebooks
- Map of Istanbul
If you're planning to stay in Turkey for up to 90 days, UK and EU citizens no longer need a visa as of March 2020.
Things to Do & Visit
Istanbul is a city with a rich history and plenty of things to see and do. The city's most famous palace, Topkapi Palace, is a must-visit destination, as it was the residence of the Ottoman sultans in the 15th century.
Take a look at this: New York City to Istanbul

The palace is now a museum that showcases the history of the Ottoman Empire. You can easily spend a day exploring its vast collections and learning about the lives of the sultans who once called it home.
One of the best ways to experience the city is by taking a boat trip on the Bosporus Straits. This will give you a unique perspective on the city's skyline and allow you to see the outlying areas that are often overlooked by tourists.
The historic Grand Bazaar is another iconic destination that's not to be missed. With over 500 years of history, it's one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.
If you're looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, consider visiting Gulhane Park, the largest and oldest park in Istanbul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turkish Airlines operating from London?
Yes, Turkish Airlines operates flights from London, serving both Heathrow and Gatwick airports
Sources
Featured Images: pexels.com