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Flights from London to Istanbul

Flights from London to Istanbul take about 3h 30m nonstop, and the two cities are about 2,490 km apart. Compare live prices for your dates below.

Cheapest recent fare

£105

Round trip · 1 Dec – 4 Dec · 1 stop

Search these dates

Found in the last few days, per person, economy. The provider confirms the final price.

Approx. flying time
About 3h 30m
Best time to visit Istanbul
April to May and September to November

Flight tip: Istanbul Airport is a major hub, so many one-stop routes to Asia and Africa connect here. Read our Istanbul guide

London to Istanbul flights: quick answers

How long is the flight from London to Istanbul?

It’s about 3h 30m nonstop. That’s a rough guide worked out from the 2,490 km between Heathrow and IST; scheduled times vary by airline and direction, because winds can make one way slower, and a flight with a connection takes longer.

How long is the flight back from Istanbul to London?

About the same time in the air, roughly 3h 30m, because the distance is the same. High-altitude winds usually make one direction faster than the other, so check the scheduled times in your search results.

How far is Istanbul from London?

About 2,490 km (1,550 miles) between Heathrow and IST, in a straight line. The path a plane flies is usually a little longer.

What is the time difference between London and Istanbul?

Istanbul is 3 hours ahead of London right now; at other times of year it’s 2 hours ahead, because of daylight saving time.

Which airports can I fly from in London?

Heathrow and Gatwick handle most long-haul flights; Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend serve mainly European routes.

Which airport do I fly into in Istanbul?

Istanbul Airport (IST) is Istanbul’s main airport. Other airports and when to go: our Istanbul guide

When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

April to May and September to November.

What are my rights if my London to Istanbul flight is cancelled?

Flights leaving a UK airport are covered by UK rules on any airline. If your flight is cancelled you can choose a refund or another flight, and you may be able to claim compensation if you were told less than 14 days before departure. Compensation depends on the flight’s distance. This route is in the 1,500km to 3,500km band. UK Civil Aviation Authority: Cancellations (opens in a new tab)

What do I need to enter the country when I fly to Istanbul?

Rules change, so check them again shortly before you travel. GOV.UK: Türkiye entry requirements (opens in a new tab)

Before you fly

Cheapest month to fly from London

  1. Nov 2026£59
  2. Dec 2026£45Cheapest month
  3. Jan 2027£54
  4. Feb 2027£56
  5. Mar 2027£56
  6. Apr 2027£67
  7. May 2027£61
  8. Jun 2027£58
  9. Jul 2027£100
  10. Aug 2027£67
  11. Sept 2027£64
  12. Oct 2027£66

Lowest round-trip fare per person found recently for departures in each month, from London. Months with no recent fare aren’t shown.