Fly to Istanbul
Europe

Fly to Istanbul

Where two continents meet in style

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Flights from London

From £640

Guide fare, business class return. Actual prices vary by date.

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Airlines flying to Istanbul

Turkish AirlinesBritish AirwaysLufthansaEmirates

Premium Routes to Istanbul

Compare the best premium cabin fares

Why Visit Istanbul

Istanbul bridges Europe and Asia in spectacular fashion — Byzantine mosaics, Ottoman palaces, Bosphorus views, and a legendary food scene.

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Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque

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Grand Bazaar shopping experience

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Bosphorus cruise at sunset

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Rooftop dining with city panoramas

Top experiences in Istanbul

Handpicked experiences worth adding to your trip

No experiences found near Istanbul yet.

Best Time to Visit

Peak Season

April to June, September to November

Shoulder Season

March, December

Worth Noting

July–August: intense heat and very high tourist numbers; January–February: cold and rainy

Istanbul Tulip Festival — April (Emirgan Park)Istanbul Film Festival — AprilIstanbul Biennial (contemporary art) — September/October, odd years

Visa Information

UK Passporte-Visa required — 90 days, approximately $50 USD, apply at evisa.gov.tr
US Passporte-Visa required — 90 days, approximately $50 USD, apply at evisa.gov.tr
EU PassportVisa requirements vary by EU member state — many require e-Visa; check your specific nationality

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA/eVisa) required — apply online before travel.

Turkey e-Visa must be obtained before travel at evisa.gov.tr — avoid third-party sites. Istanbul is a two-continent city; most luxury hotels are on the European side

Recommended Luxury Hotels

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus

Beşiktaş, Bosphorus

Ottoman palace setting directly on the Bosphorus strait with one of Istanbul's most celebrated restaurants and waterfront terrace

Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

Beşiktaş, Bosphorus

Former Ottoman imperial palace with gilded interiors, the only Bosphorus-side outdoor pool in Istanbul, and 19th-century architecture

Raffles Istanbul

Zorlu Center, Beşiktaş

Contemporary luxury above the Bosphorus in the Zorlu Center — expansive Bamford spa, dramatic design, and the Arola restaurant

Miles & Points

Estimated Points from London

British Airways (LHR-IST) · Business Class

1,750

Executive Club (Avios)

Turkish Airlines (LHR-IST) · Business Class

1,550

Miles&Smiles (Miles)

Estimated earn for a return flight in the stated cabin. Actual earn varies by fare class and elite status.

Frequently Asked Questions about Istanbul

What is the best time to visit Istanbul?
The peak season for Istanbul is April to June, September to November. March, December July–August: intense heat and very high tourist numbers; January–February: cold and rainy
Which airlines fly from London to Istanbul?
Airlines currently serving London to Istanbul include Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates. Use our search to compare current fares across these carriers in all cabin classes.
Do UK passport holders need a visa for Istanbul?
UK passport holders: e-Visa required — 90 days, approximately $50 USD, apply at evisa.gov.tr. US passport holders: e-Visa required — 90 days, approximately $50 USD, apply at evisa.gov.tr. EU passport holders: Visa requirements vary by EU member state — many require e-Visa; check your specific nationality. Turkey e-Visa must be obtained before travel at evisa.gov.tr — avoid third-party sites. Istanbul is a two-continent city; most luxury hotels are on the European side
What is the best luxury hotel in Istanbul?
Istanbul's top luxury hotels include Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus (Beşiktaş, Bosphorus), Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul (Beşiktaş, Bosphorus), Raffles Istanbul (Zorlu Center, Beşiktaş). Each offers five-star service and is located in a prime area of the city.
How long does it take to fly to Istanbul from London?
Flight time from London to Istanbul (IST) varies by airline and routing. Business class fares start from approximately £640 return. Use our live search for current schedules and durations.
What are the top things to do in Istanbul?
Istanbul's top experiences include: Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque; Grand Bazaar shopping experience; Bosphorus cruise at sunset; Rooftop dining with city panoramas.
Is Istanbul safe to visit?
Istanbul is visited by millions of international tourists each year. As with any travel destination, follow standard precautions: be aware of your surroundings, keep copies of travel documents, and check your government's current travel advisory before departure. The UK Foreign Office provides up-to-date safety assessments at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
How much should I budget for a luxury trip to Istanbul?
A luxury trip to Istanbul typically involves flights (business class from £640 return), five-star accommodation (from around £350/night at top properties), dining (£80–£300 per head at Michelin-level restaurants), and private transfers and experiences. A 7-night trip for two in business class and a five-star hotel typically starts at £8,000–£15,000 all-in.

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