Cheap flights from Istanbul to London

London's winter days are short and often grey, which keeps prices soft in November; spring brings longer daylight and firmer fares; July, August, school holidays and Christmas are the periods that usually tighten prices. Midweek departures tend to cost less than weekend ones, and the month and weekday on your ticket matter as much as the route. If your dates are flexible, start your search around November and avoid the school-holiday peaks.

The base fare is the wrong thing to compare until you know what it includes: low-cost carriers such as Easyjet, Pegasus, Ajet, Wizz Air, Wizz Air UK and Vueling Airlines usually price bags, seat choice and priority boarding separately, while British Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Air Serbia and Sky Express tend to bundle more into the ticket. Direct flights exist on this route, but not every fare or airline offers them, so read the itinerary before paying; some options connect. A cheaper fare can lose its advantage if it departs from the other Istanbul airport or lands at a far-out London airport, so compare the whole journey.

Getting into town depends on which airport you land at: London City is the closest to central London and links by light rail and the Underground; Heathrow has rail and Underground services from the west; Gatwick, Luton and Stansted sit further out with dedicated trains and coach links that take longer. Check the terminal and the last service before you book a late arrival, because a missed connection can turn a cheap fare into a long night. London's airports are not interchangeable, so allow extra time if your plans involve crossing the city.

Currency

GBP (£)

Power sockets

Type G · 230 V

Language

English

Emergency number

112, 999

Calling code

+44

Internet domain

.uk

Population of London

8.8 M (2021)

Time zone

UTC+00 (Europe/London)

Country facts: Wikidata

• Check which of the two Istanbul airports your ticket uses, because switching airports in Istanbul costs time and money.
• Check the baggage allowance on the low-cost fare, especially cabin bag size and any charge for a checked bag.
• Check whether the flight is nonstop or connected, and whether a connection is protected on one ticket.
• Check your passport validity and visa position for the United Kingdom before you pay, since rules depend on nationality.
• Check which London airport you arrive at, and how you will reach your accommodation late at night.
• Check the month and weekday against the price calendar, since November is the month named as cheapest.