Travelling from London International Airport (YXU) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Istanbul is seven hours ahead of London, where London International Airport is located. Istanbul observes the UTC+3 timezone.
Allow plenty of time to make your YXU to Istanbul flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Planning to travel during a peak period like school or public holidays? Expect longer lines at security and check-in. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
The journey from central London to YXU takes around 55 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 10 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a hassle-free start to your journey? Stay near YXU. Whether you're catching an early flight from London International Airport to Istanbul or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are a convenient choice:
Of the departures from London International Airport, 50.41% land on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from London International Airport (YXU) to Istanbul
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way London International Airport to Istanbul flight is 494 €. The cheapest price for a return flight is 928 €. Bear in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to land cheap flights from YXU to Istanbul if you book in advance. Airlines often have some amazing early bird deals.
If you can be flexible with your travel plans, check out the 'Whole month' tool. It'll give you the lowest price across every month when looking for your London International Airport to Istanbul ticket.
Picking up a cheap flight from YXU to Istanbul is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll notify you when a new discount appears.
Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from London International Airport to Istanbul by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to the centre of Istanbul takes about 50 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 48 kilometres away.
It takes around 1 hour 45 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from London International Airport to Istanbul, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these hotels near IST:
Pick up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and discover Istanbul and beyond with your own wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are top providers to choose from here.
Booking your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks in advance of your flight from YXU to Istanbul can help you lock in the lowest rate.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Central Istanbul is about 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). After your flight from London International Airport to Istanbul has hit the runway and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 55 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in around 1 hour 30 minutes.
You'll find some comfortable places to drop your things at near SAW. Unwind and get cosy after your YXU to Istanbul flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Forget about public transport timetables or slow-moving cab lines. Pick up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Compare rates and availability from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Get the lowest price by securing your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Visit Istanbul in peak season if you prefer a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are generally higher. Alternatively, book flights from London International Airport to Istanbul in the low season when prices are cheaper and it's less crowded.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC (68ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Lock in your London International Airport to Istanbul plane ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
Search for cheap tickets from YXU to Istanbul in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF) on average.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Istanbul right here. Check out these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from London International Airport to Istanbul:
Every great journey has to include a little sightseeing. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are must-do's during your Istanbul adventure.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Istanbul is always a good idea, but there are so many other corners of Türkiye (Turkey) just waiting to be discovered. About 354 kilometres east of Istanbul, a trip to Ankara will keep you on the go. Start with leading attractions like Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another essential stop in Türkiye (Turkey). No visit is complete without checking out Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.