Flying from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to London: what you need to know
Book a direct flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to London and you'll be in the air for an average of 3 hours 55 minutes.
London is three hours behind Istanbul, where Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located. London runs on the UTC+0 timezone.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the most popular route, with 62 weekly departures to pick from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from IST to LHR is with Turkish Airlines at 21:10. Opt for the first departure operated by British Airways at 07:35 if you want to fly out earlier.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to catch your IST to London flight.
Taking off during a peak time like public or school holidays? Expect longer queues at check-in and security. To be on the safe side, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
You can fly nonstop from IST to London. Take your pick of these arrival points when searching for an Istanbul Ataturk Airport to London ticket:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
London Luton Airport (LTN)
Choose from a variety of carriers operating direct flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to London. Book your seat with one of these:
Think about adding a stopover to potentially land a cheaper flight ticket from IST to London. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these connecting airports:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
IST is around 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Have an early flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to London? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels near IST:
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to London
$46 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way Istanbul Ataturk Airport to London flight. A round-trip flight ticket right now is $125. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares can change.
Get cheap flights from IST to London by booking eight months ahead. Based on our research, that's the best time for finding a bargain.
The best month for scoring cheap Istanbul Ataturk Airport to London tickets is December. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then select the dates that offer the lowest fares.
Save time searching for cheap flights from IST to London by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Save on your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to London with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in London
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
The distance from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to central London is roughly 31 kilometres. It takes around 55 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It typically takes 1 hour when travelling by public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to London, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these hotels near LHR:
Pick up a London Heathrow Airport rental car and explore London and beyond with your own wheels. Surprice, U-Save and Green Motion are top providers you can book with here.
To get the best deal, book your ride from London Heathrow Airport around one week in advance of your flight from IST to London.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Once your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to London has arrived, you can make your way to the city centre in about 1 hour 20 minutes by car. Central London is roughly 80 kilometres from London Gatwick Airport (LGW).
If you're catching public transport, it'll take about 30 minutes.
After stepping off your IST to London flight, settle in at a hotel close to LGW. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
Forget about public transport timetables or waiting forever for a cab. Pick up a London Gatwick Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Check out the availability and rates from Green Motion, U-Save and Drivalia.
Get first dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from LGW three weeks in advance often means better deals and a wider choice of vehicles.
Stansted Airport (STN)
Head to the city centre after your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to London has arrived. Central London is about 64 kilometres from Stansted Airport (STN) and takes roughly 1 hour to reach by cab or ride-share.
The journey takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes using public transport.
Enjoy a restful, unhurried start to your break by checking in to a hotel near STN after your IST to London flight. Recharge after a day of travel or just give yourself time to get your bearings in a new destination at:
Whether you're looking for an economy for a solo adventure or a spacious SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the ideal Stansted Airport rental car for you. Browse the types of wheels available here from names such as Green Motion, Drivalia and Europcar.
About four weeks before your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to London is the ideal time to book your ride from STN. You're more likely to get a better rate or score some early bird savings.
Best time to go to London
Carefully consider your dates before securing your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to London. The city comes alive in high season, but hotel rates are often higher and attractions can be crowded. Visit London in the off-season if you want a quieter vibe.
Lock in an Istanbul Ataturk Airport to London flight ticket with a departure in July if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 11ºC (52ºF) to 26ºC (79ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from IST to London in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 0ºC (32ºF) and 9ºC (48ºF) on average.
More about London
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in London right here. Explore these hotels after you've booked your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to London:
All great holidays should include some sightseeing. The British Museum, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace are essential stops on your London itinerary.
Explore more of United Kingdom
Birmingham is just one of the many places in United Kingdom waiting to be discovered once you've taken in the sights of London. Around 161 kilometres away to the north-west, popular attractions include Cadbury World, The Library of Birmingham and National Sea Life Centre.
Bristol is another must-experience destination in United Kingdom and is around 177 kilometres west of London. No trip is complete without a visit to Clifton Suspension Bridge, Cabot Tower and Brandon Hill Nature Park.