Cheap Flights from London to Istanbul

Airlines that fly from London to Istanbul

Every day, there are at least 15 up to 24 direct flights flying out of London, United Kingdom and in to Istanbul, Turkey. This route is served by Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, AtlasGlobal, and British Airways. Turkish Airlines have nine flights every Monday, ten flights every Saturday, and eight daily flights on all the other days. British Airways, meanwhile, has three flights every day. Pegasus Airlines have two flights on Saturdays, three flights every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, four flights on Sundays, and five flights on Tuesdays. AtlasGlobal, on the other hand, only operates one flight every day.

Connecting flights can also be arranged through airlines such as British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Luxair, Air France, Germanwings, KLM, Austrian Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, AtlasGlobal, LOT, Swiss International Air Lines, Scandinavian Airlines, and Aegean Airlines. Connecting flights from London to Istanbul go via Venice, Frankfurt, Luxembourg City, Paris, Cologne, Amsterdam, Vienna, Izmir, Dusseldorf, Warsaw, Zurich, Copenhagen, and Athens.

Terminal Information

Flights to Istanbul via Pegasus Airlines operate from London Stansted Airport and London Gatwick Airport. London Stansted Airport accommodates all flights in a single terminal building, with the check-in and main concourse on the front, and departures towards the back left. Passengers of the airport can choose from the 60 shops, bars, restaurants, and cafes available here, as well as airport lounges.

Aside from Pegasus Airlines, London Gatwick Airport also handles Turkish Airlines flights to Istanbul through its South terminal. The South terminal features shops, restaurants, and other facilities such as an entertainment area and specialised lounges for business travellers.

Turkish Airlines also has flights to Istanbul from London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 2. Also known as the Queen’s Terminal, Terminal 2 serves Star Alliance member airlines and contains 52 shops and 17 bars and restaurants. Terminal 5, meanwhile, accommodates flights operated by British Airways. It features over 100 shops and restaurants where passengers can purchase everything they need before boarding their flight. Both terminals have departure lounges with charging stations, food and drink, shopping options, and VIP lounges. Check-in counters for both Terminals 2 and 5 are on their respective top floors.

Finally, Luton Airport caters to flights to Istanbul from London via AtlasGlobal. The airport has a single terminal building located north of the runway. There are restaurants and bars, as well as shopping areas and entertainment facilities located before security on the ground floor, as well as after security on the upper floor.

Flights from London via Turkish Airlines, British Airways, and AtlasGlobal are received at Istanbul Ataturk Airport’s Terminal 2. Flights by Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines, meanwhile, are received at Sabiha Gokcen International Airport under its only terminal building. There are various transportation options you can choose from upon arriving in Istanbul. Both the airports are served by the Metro, seabuses, buses, taxis, and car rentals.

Practical Information

To allot enough time for check-in, security, and customs and immigrations processes, make sure to arrive at the airport of departure at least two to three hours before your scheduled flight time. Some airlines allow online and mobile check-in; however, you must still allow plenty of time for dropping your bags, collecting boarding cards, and getting to your gate. Check the instructions with your booking or enquire with your airline for further clarifications. For international flights such as the London—Istanbul route, travel documents that you may need include your passport, visa (if applicable), along with your ticket/booking confirmation, passport, and proofs of identification, such as your driver’s licence.

What to expect in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey is two hours ahead of London, United Kingdom. Make sure to adjust the time on your watch and devices accordingly to catch up on schedules and avoid missing any important appointments, especially those that are time-sensitive.

When flying to Istanbul from London, make sure to pack clothes made with lighter material as Istanbul has a higher (warmer) average temperature than London. However, it also doesn’t hurt to pack a jacket or an umbrella as Istanbul has more rainy days in a year; although during summer months (June to August) in Istanbul, rainfall is uncommon. Despite Istanbul having a persistently high humidity reaching 80% most mornings, its level of humidity is still lower than that of London.

When it comes to the cost of living, you will be relieved to know that the consumer prices in Istanbul generally cost only half of the prices in London. This leaves you more allowance to save.

This information is correct as of July 2015.