Your gateway to affordable travel
Your gateway to affordable travel
Cheap flights from London to Istanbul are frequent and competitive year-round, with direct options to both IST (Istanbul Airport) on the European side and SAW (Sabiha Gökçen) on the Asian side. Whether you’re chasing mosques and museums, street-food feasts, or a cruise between continents, this guide covers the best time to book, how to get into the city, where to stay, and the can’t-miss things to do — all in one place.
Airlines like Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Pegasus and easyJet operate direct or low-cost options from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton. For the lowest fares, search 6–8 weeks ahead, compare multiple London airports, and stay flexible by a day or two on either side of your target dates.
The sweetest spot for value is usually April–June and September–October when temperatures are mild and crowds manageable. Weekend returns price higher; Tue–Thu departures and the first flight of the day often undercut other times. Keep an eye on sales — if you see dips on nearby routes like London → Athens or London → Rome, Istanbul promos frequently follow.
IST (Istanbul Airport) sits northwest of the centre. Express buses and metro lines connect to hubs like Taksim and Beşiktaş; ride-hailing and taxis are plentiful but can be slower at peak times. SAW (Sabiha Gökçen) lies on the Asian side; shuttle buses link Kadıköy and Taksim with frequent departures. If you’re staying on the Asian side, SAW can be faster overall despite the extra distance for European-side hotels.
Buy transport cards on arrival and top up as you go. If you’re landing late, hotel transfers can be worth the premium for a smooth first night.
First-timers love Sultanahmet for doorstep access to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace. For nightlife, dining and boutique hotels, Beyoğlu (Taksim, Cihangir, Galata) is ideal. On the Asian side, Kadıköy and Moda bring cool cafes, coastal promenades and a local vibe with easy ferries across the Bosphorus. Families often pick Beşiktaş for walkability and connections.
Book a cancellable rate early, then re-check the week before you fly. Rebooking a cheaper rate can shave a tidy % off your stay.
Plan by area (Historic Peninsula vs. Beyoğlu vs. Asian side) to cut transit time and see more with less stress.
Fuel your wander with simit (sesame bread rings), balık ekmek (fish sandwiches) by the water, and sizzling kebap varieties. Don’t miss meze spreads, creamy kaymak with honey at breakfast, and pistachio-rich baklava. Cafe culture is strong — try Turkish coffee or tea served in tulip-shaped glasses, and save space for stretchy dondurma ice cream.
Istanbul’s network of metros, trams, buses and ferries makes cross-city hops straightforward. Pick up an Istanbulkart for tap-in convenience. Ferries are scenic shortcuts between Karaköy, Eminönü, Kadıköy and Üsküdar — build them into your sightseeing for views and fresh air. Taxis are common; check the meter and avoid unmarked cars.
More planning help: How to Book Flights at the Lowest Prices · How to Save Money on Hotels