Cheapest Flights from Istanbul to London: Complete 2025 Guide
AirHuntr Editorial
June 18, 2026
Flying from Istanbul to London doesn't have to cost a fortune. With the right strategy and timing, you can regularly find return tickets for under £120 — sometimes as low as £60 with budget carriers.
Flying from Istanbul to London doesn't have to cost a fortune. With the right strategy and timing, you can regularly find return tickets for under £120 — sometimes as low as £60 with budget carriers.
Which Airlines Fly Istanbul to London?
Several airlines compete on this route, which works in your favour as a traveller:
- Turkish Airlines (TK) flies to Heathrow (LHR) multiple times daily. Premium service, but prices reflect it.
- Pegasus Airlines (PC) flies to Stansted (STN) and occasionally Gatwick. Often the cheapest option by far.
- EasyJet operates London Gatwick (LGW) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW).
- British Airways flies Heathrow to Istanbul — rarely the cheapest, but good with Avios points.
Istanbul Airport vs Sabiha Gökçen
Istanbul has two major airports. Istanbul Airport (IST) is the newer, larger hub on the European side. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is on the Asian side — cheaper to reach from Kadıköy and Anatolian districts, but a long transfer from the European side.
Rule of thumb: If Pegasus or EasyJet is flying from SAW for significantly less, factor in the extra travel time and cost to the airport before comparing prices.
When Is the Cheapest Time to Fly?
- Cheapest months: November, February, and early March
- Most expensive: July, August, and the weeks around major Turkish holidays
- Best days to fly: Tuesday and Wednesday — avoid Friday and Sunday
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
For budget airlines like Pegasus, booking 6–10 weeks ahead tends to give the best prices. For Turkish Airlines, you can sometimes find good fares as early as 3–4 months out.
Tips to Get the Cheapest Fare
- Set price alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner for this route
- Use flexible dates — even shifting by 1 day can save £30–£50
- Check Pegasus directly at flypgs.com — they sometimes have exclusive web-only fares
- Book carry-on only to avoid checked bag fees that can double the price on budget airlines
- Compare SAW vs IST — the cheaper airport can be worth it depending on where you're staying
What to Expect on the Flight
Flight time is approximately 3 hours 40 minutes westbound. Most budget flights are direct. Turkish Airlines often offers better in-flight meals and legroom — worth comparing on longer trips or overnight flights.
Final Word
The Istanbul–London route is highly competitive. Pegasus regularly runs flash sales, especially in winter and shoulder season. With price alerts set up, finding sub-£100 return flights is realistic for flexible travellers.
✈ Live Deals Right Now
Verified promotions — updated daily
Never miss a flight deal
Get verified airline promotions and flash sales — updated daily.
More like this
See all Flight Deals →Flying to South Africa on a Budget: Complete Guide
South Africa is Africa's most visited country and offers extraordinary value once you arrive. Getting there doesn't have to be expensive either.
June 18, 2026
Cheap Flights to Cairo: How to Get There for Less
Cairo is the gateway to one of history's greatest civilisations, and it's more accessible by air than many travellers realise — especially from Istanbul and other regional hubs.
June 18, 2026
Istanbul to Riyadh: Best Airlines and Cheapest Fares
Saudi Arabia has opened up dramatically to international tourism in recent years, and direct flights from Istanbul make it an accessible destination.
June 18, 2026