London (LHR) → Istanbul (IST)
About London to Istanbul Flights
Discover the best flights from London to Istanbul, covering 2,488 km in approximately 3h 37m. London (LHR) to Istanbul (IST) is one of the popular medium-haul routes connecting United Kingdom and Turkey. With 7 major airlines operating this route including direct flights, travelers have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, our comprehensive guide helps you find the best deals, understand seasonal price variations, and choose the right airline for your journey from London to Istanbul.
12-Month Price History
Flight prices from London to Istanbul vary significantly throughout the year. February typically offers the best deals with average prices around $544, while July sees the highest prices, averaging $910. Savvy travelers can save up to 40% by choosing their travel dates wisely.
Best Time to Fly
Cheapest Month
February
Save up to 40% on average
Most Expensive
July
Peak season pricing
Book in Advance
88 days
For best prices
Booking Tips
For the best prices on London to Istanbul flights, we recommend booking 96 days in advance. International flights typically see price increases as the departure date approaches, so early booking is advisable. Tuesday and Wednesday departures often offer the lowest fares, while Friday and Sunday flights tend to be more expensive due to business and leisure travel demand. Consider flying early morning or late evening for additional savings, as these off-peak times usually have lower demand.
Airlines Serving This Route
| Airline | Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|
United Airlines UA | $470 | $1860 | $2590 |
Turkish Airlines TK | $480 | $2020 | $3010 |
American Airlines AA | $530 | $1610 | $2710 |
Air France AF | $590 | $1870 | $3500 |
Lufthansa LH | $610 | $2000 | $3480 |
British Airways BA | $640 | $1770 | $2900 |
Delta Air Lines DL | $650 | $2020 | $3460 |
United Airlines
UA
Economy
$470
Business
$1860
First
$2590
Turkish Airlines
TK
Economy
$480
Business
$2020
First
$3010
American Airlines
AA
Economy
$530
Business
$1610
First
$2710
Air France
AF
Economy
$590
Business
$1870
First
$3500
Lufthansa
LH
Economy
$610
Business
$2000
First
$3480
British Airways
BA
Economy
$640
Business
$1770
First
$2900
Delta Air Lines
DL
Economy
$650
Business
$2020
First
$3460
Prices shown are estimates based on historical data. Actual prices may vary based on dates, availability, and current promotions.
Alternative Flight Options
London → Istanbul
Gatwick (LGW) to Istanbul (IST)
Distance: 2,461 km
Average price: $610
Birmingham → Istanbul
Birmingham (BHX) to Istanbul (IST)
Distance: 2,604 km
Average price: $638
Birmingham → Istanbul
Birmingham (BHX) to Istanbul (IST)
Distance: 2,604 km
Average price: $638
Bristol → Istanbul
Bristol (BRS) to Istanbul (IST)
Distance: 2,638 km
Average price: $644
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from London to Istanbul?
The flight time from London (LHR) to Istanbul (IST) is approximately 3 hours and 37 minutes. This duration is for direct flights and may vary depending on aircraft type, weather conditions, and air traffic.
What is the distance between London and Istanbul?
The aerial distance between London and Istanbul is 2,488 kilometers (1,546 miles). This is the straight-line distance, which is used to calculate flight times.
Which airlines fly from London to Istanbul?
Several airlines operate flights between London and Istanbul, including British Airways, Turkish Airlines, American Airlines and 4 more airlines. Direct flights are available on this route.
What is the cheapest month to fly from London to Istanbul?
Based on historical data, February typically offers the lowest airfares for flights from London to Istanbul. However, prices can vary based on holidays, events, and airline promotions. We recommend checking our price calendar for the most up-to-date information.
How far in advance should I book my flight to Istanbul?
For the best prices on London to Istanbul flights, we recommend booking 175 days in advance. International flights generally require earlier booking than domestic routes.
Do I need a visa to travel from London to Istanbul?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of United Kingdom traveling to Turkey should check the latest visa requirements. Visit our partner site visarequirements.io for detailed visa information.
What is the time difference between London and Istanbul?
London operates on Europe/London time zone, while Istanbul is in the Europe/Istanbul time zone. For current time differences and to plan your schedule, visit our partner site timezig.com for accurate timezone conversions.