Flights to Istanbul
Turkey’s largest city is also its biggest cultural and historical hub. Here you can observe the influences of the many empires that have ruled over Istanbul throughout the centuries. With leftovers from the Ottoman’s Old City, the Roman Hippodrome and the Byzantine Hagia Sofia, there are plenty of ancient sights to see alongside impressive skyscrapers, modern eateries and luxury boutiques.
Our cheapest flights to Istanbul
Discover the city’s rich culture
Fly to Istanbul with British Airways and enjoy a city full of vibrant cafes and trendy restaurants.
Explore the neighbourhoods – known locally as mahalles – that make up the city, and discover Sultanahmet’s holy sites, Nisantasi’s high fashion stores and Beyoglu’s 19th century European elegance.
Istanbul’s unique combination of East and West makes it easy to immerse yourself in the city’s contrast of history and modern life. No matter the reason for your Istanbul holiday, you’ll love this cultural melting pot.
Flight time
4 hrs 5mins
Time zone
GMT +3
Currency
Turkish Lira
Istanbul flight FAQs
Your flight time to Istanbul depends on where you’re flying from and which airport you’re landing in. A journey from New York to Istanbul will take just under twelve hours including a connection in London, while Los Angeles to Istanbul takes just over 16 hours with a connection.
Use our low fare finder to find the cheapest options as prices can change throughout the year. Summer is the most popular time to visit Istanbul, so book flights in the spring or autumn if you want to save but still enjoy pleasant weather.
Trips to Istanbul can easily align with your budget. Keep an eye out for historical sites that you can walk to and admire from the street, and cheap local eats – like kebabs made by street food vendors – that are found all across the city.
If you’re travelling from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport, it takes about an hour to reach the centre of the city via an airport shuttle bus or a taxi. It takes the same amount of time if you’re travelling from Istanbul Airport. At the airport you can also purchase a travel pass to use the city’s public transport system during your stay.
You can also hire a car with British Airways if you want to get out of the city and see more of what Turkey has to offer. You’ll receive great benefits, with all mandatory charges included and 24-hour customer support, plus you’ll collect Avios points on every rental.
Istanbul is the perfect mix of historic and modern. With so many sides of this magical city to uncover, it might feel like you’re visiting two different cities in one trip. Make sure to tick off beautiful historic architecture like the Blue Mosque and modern art establishments like the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art before you leave.
You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg – in addition to a handbag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. Read more about baggage allowances for children.
If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each. Read our baggage guide for full details.
Discover outstanding service from the moment you book. Fly with just hand baggage and you can carry two bags in the cabin free of charge. Choose our checked baggage option and you can travel with hand baggage and a 23kg bag checked into the hold, plus enjoy free seat selection 24 hours before you fly. On board you’ll find HEPA-filtered air, quality on-board catering, and a warm, uniquely British welcome.
Simply relax and let us take care of you, every step of the way.
Our cabins
All our cabins offer the same great – and uniquely British – experience. Choose your perfect way to fly, from economy to business.
Economy
Our Euro Traveller cabin offers all the touches you need to enjoy your flight at an affordable price.
Business
Work or relax in our Club Europe cabin and enjoy lounge access, a dedicated check-in area and more personal space.
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Terms and conditions
- Flight only prices are updated every 24 hours and are accurate when published. Flights at these prices are limited and may sell out quickly.
- Package holiday prices (flight + hotel or flight + car) prices are updated every 24 to 48 hours and are accurate when published and may vary upon reaching subsequent pages. Availability may be extremely limited particularly during peak periods.
- Return fares displayed are the lowest adult return prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges, based on a 7-day return journey.
- Each–way fares displayed are the lowest adult each-way prices in the cabin specified based on the lowest adult return prices for a 7 day travel period, including all taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
- One-way fares displayed are the lowest adult prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
- Package holiday prices (flight + hotel and flight + car) shown are in GBP per person based on 2 adults sharing one room or one car and prices include taxes, fees and carrier charges unless otherwise specified. Flight + car prices based on drivers aged 30-70 years.
- Additional charges will be applied for payments made using a corporate credit card.
- Advertised fares are available on ba.com. Additional charges may apply if purchased through British Airways outlets or travel agents.
- Combine and save on Holidays: Guaranteed savings are only available when booking a Flight + Hotel or Flight + Car booking including one land product, it does not apply to a ‘Customise your trip’ holiday including more than one hotel and / or car.
- Package holidays are protected under British Airways Holidays Ltd by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 5985.
- Standard British Airways terms and conditions apply