UK to Istanbul Flights Guide: Cheap Deals from Manchester & More
If you intend to plan a trip from the UK to Istanbul in 2025, buckle up for an incredible ride that will leave you with everlasting memories. However, we advise holding onto your vivid dreams about sipping Turkish tea by the Bosphorus and think about flights first. Before you get down to planning your trip, it is important to know about the right way to book the right flight for you. Because there are so many routes that connect UK cities to Istanbul, taking the time to look for the right flight at the right price can significantly improve your flight journey tenfold.
In this Woking Travel guide, we’ll dive deep into how to find and book the best deals on flights to Istanbul from cities in the UK like London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and more. Therefore, if you are looking for affordable return flights, flight and hotel packages, or simply trying to figure out which UK airport provides the quickest, most affordable route, Woking Travel has a solution for you.
Why Istanbul?
Istanbul isn’t just another destination to tick off on your bucket list; it’s an experience that travellers yearn for. Stepping into the city can feel like putting your foot in another dimension, one where diversity intertwines with the richness of the city’s culture. Sitting on the Bosphorus Strait, it is the magnificent confluence where Europe blends in with Asia. It is a place where its dense heritage and modernity of current times exist in a symbiosis, every nook and cranny whispering the tales of bygones. From the grand architecture of Hagia Sophia, compelling every passerby and visitor to marvel at its majestic magnificence, to the beaming exuberance of the evergreen Grand Bazaar, Istanbul is where every traveller is warmly received.
Therefore, if you’re planning to tick off Istanbul from your bucket list, we recommend planning ahead strategically — starting the travel planning with your flight.
Best UK Airports for Flights to Istanbul
1. Manchester to Istanbul Flights
Travellers can find some of the best deals on flights to Istanbul from the UK. Manchester Airport is one of the few airports which offers cheap flights to Istanbul, Turkey. Airlines like Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and easyJet often run cheap flights from Manchester to Istanbul, especially if you make sure to book 4–6 weeks in advance.
The flight time for the Manchester to Istanbul flight without any stopovers is around 4 hours. In addition, if you book a return flight during the off-peak season, your fare could come up to a total of about £120–£180.
2. London Gatwick to Istanbul
The London Gatwick airport is another popular alternative for travellers residing in the South of England. Passengers can find daily direct flights to Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) with adaptable schedules and multiple airline choices. IST is on the European side, while SAW is on the Asian side, each with further travel options available for passengers landing. Remember to check visa requirements and potential baggage fees before you book your flight. The flight time from London to Istanbul for a direct flight departing from Gatwick is around 3 to 4 hours. Moreover, the average return flight fare comes up to around £110–£200.
3. Birmingham, Edinburgh & Beyond
- Flights from Birmingham to Istanbul: Direct and connecting Birmingham flights to Istanbul are available with Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa.
- Flights from Edinburgh to Istanbul: Flying from Edinburgh is a great option for Scottish travellers since it comes with seasonal direct routes and affordable connecting flights.
- Flights from Bristol, Luton, and Newcastle: Bristol, Luton, and Newcastle have slightly smaller airports which may limit the extent to which passengers are facilitated in terms of amenities. However, these are great for finding last-minute deals.
When to Book for the Cheapest Flights
The key is to book at the right time; timing is everything when it comes to booking flights. For the cheapest flights to Istanbul from Manchester and other UK cities, travellers should try to book their flights 4–8 weeks ahead for mid-range airlines to ensure that they get a seat. Another tip for booking cheap flights is to travel mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) in order to find more affordable fares. Moreover, we advise against travelling during peak seasons like late July to early September, unless you book well in advance. The Woking Travel pro tip for this blog is to use fare alerts on booking websites and compare multiple platforms such as Skyscanner, Google Flights, and airline websites to ultimately find flash sales and any last-minute drops if you end up booking at the very last moment.
Bundle & Save: Flight and Hotel Packages
Do you want to book a short city break or a romantic getaway for a few days? Your options could include booking a flight and hotel package to Istanbul, Turkey. Booking a package is a great option since these bundles often save you 20–30% compared to booking each travel service independently. Moreover, packages can prove to be significantly useful if you’re traveling for 3–5 nights, you desire travel convenience (airport pickup, central hotels, etc.) and you’re looking for a group of travellers or a couple.
Planning to Explore More of Turkey?
Istanbul might be your first stop, but many travellers also head to:
- Cappadocia – famous for hot air balloons and cave hotels.
Flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia (Nevşehir or Kayseri) are short and affordable.
- Antalya – a coastal paradise perfect for beach lovers.
Istanbul to Antalya flights is frequent and often under £40 one-way.
Woking Travel’s Final Tips for Booking UK to Istanbul Flights
Booking with incognito mode or clearing cookies when browsing for flights can sometimes bring cheaper fares to you. This is because airline websites often track your searches and increase prices on the deals you are on a hunt for. Make sure you double-check baggage policies before booking. You may think booking with budget and low-cost airlines would significantly cut down the cost of air tickets, but they may charge extra for baggage. Lastly, passengers should consider flexible ticket options if their travel plans aren’t fixed or final. This maximises the possibility of finding cheap flight deals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re flying from Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, or London, there are plenty of cheap, reliable options to get you to Istanbul without draining your wallet dry. By booking early, comparing routes, making your schedule flexible and keeping an eye out for package deals that include flights with other travel requirements, you can make the most of your trip from the UK to Istanbul, Turkey.
Istanbul is calling and your perfect flight might just be a few clicks away!
FAQs
You’ve got several good options! Major UK cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and even Bristol offer direct flights to Istanbul.
A myriad of airlines serve this route, flying from the UK to Istanbul. You can book with Turkish Airlines, British Airways, or choose affordable options like Pegasus Airlines, EasyJet, or Wizz Air.
Yes, absolutely. Many travel sites offer bundled flight + hotel deals to Istanbul, which can save you both time and money. It’s worth checking platforms like Expedia or Lastminute.com. Moreover, you can book with Woking Travel to find the best deals including both, flights and hotels.
Definitely! Istanbul is Turkey’s main international hub, making it super easy to catch domestic flights to hotspots like Cappadocia, Antalya, Izmir, or Dalaman.
To score the best prices on UK to Istanbul flights, it’s smart to compare deals across websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak. You can also book with Woking Travel for cheap flights from Manchester, London, or anywhere in the UK to Istanbul.
Table of Contents
Share This!
Stay up-to-date on the latest real estate trends and insights by sharing our blog posts on social media
