Overview
Istanbul is the enthralling city where Europe meets Asia across the Bosphorus — a place of imperial mosques, grand bazaars, Byzantine wonders and superb food. It is one of the most rewarding city breaks for UK travellers and a major global stopover hub linking Europe with Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Most flights now arrive into the vast, modern Istanbul Airport (IST), one of the largest airports in the world. Comparing fares in one place makes finding the right flight to Istanbul quick and simple.
Best time to fly to Istanbul
Istanbul is a year-round destination. Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer the most pleasant weather and are ideal for sightseeing, so fares run higher. Summers are hot and busy, while winters are cool and atmospheric with occasional snow — often the quietest and best-value time to visit. Check the price charts on this page for the cheapest dates.
Airlines and routes
Turkish Airlines, British Airways and Pegasus Airlines fly direct from London to Istanbul in around 4 hours, with Turkish Airlines also flying direct from Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and other UK airports. As Turkish Airlines' home hub, Istanbul offers excellent onward connections to a huge global network, making it a natural stopover point. Compare carriers for your exact dates to secure the lowest fare.
Things to do in Istanbul
Istanbul dazzles with layer upon layer of history and culture:
- Hagia Sophia: a breathtaking former cathedral and mosque, and one of the world's great buildings.
- Blue Mosque: the elegant Sultan Ahmed Mosque, famed for its cascading domes and blue tiles.
- Grand Bazaar: one of the oldest and largest covered markets, with thousands of shops.
- Topkapi Palace: the opulent former seat of the Ottoman sultans overlooking the Bosphorus.
- Bosphorus cruise: a scenic boat trip between the European and Asian shores.
At Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul Airport sits about 40 km northwest of the city centre, with vast duty-free shopping, currency exchange, ATMs, lounges and dining. The M11 metro line connects to the city network, while the HAVAIST airport buses, taxis and ride-hailing apps are also available. Its scale and connections make it a smooth and modern stopover hub.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Istanbul
- Book roughly 4–8 weeks ahead — fares to Istanbul rise close to departure.
- Avoid the spring, autumn and summer peaks; winter often brings noticeably lower prices.
- Be flexible with dates — midweek departures often beat weekend prices.
- Compare full-service and low-cost carriers, and direct versus one-stop options.
Travel essentials
- UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays in Türkiye of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- The local currency is the Turkish lira (TRY).
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques, covering shoulders and knees; women should carry a headscarf.
