LHR → IST
London Heathrow to Istanbul
- Route
- LHR → IST
- Distance
- 1,546 miles
- Non-stop flying time
- around 3h 30m
- With one stop
- usually 6h 30m–8h 30m
- Arrive at
- Istanbul Airport
- Local time
- UTC+3
Leaving from London Heathrow
The UK’s busiest airport, about 15 miles west of central London, reached by the Elizabeth line, the Heathrow Express and the Piccadilly line. Heathrow has the widest choice of long-haul flights in the UK, including direct services on many routes and one-stop connections with every major Gulf carrier.
Arriving in Istanbul
Two continents, the Bosphorus, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia — and a giant connecting hub for onward flights.
Connections and timing
Typical connecting points on this route: Direct flights are common; others connect in Istanbul. Best time to go: april to June and September to November.
Fares on this route are usually lowest when booked well ahead and outside UK school holidays, Eid and Christmas. Being flexible by a day or two, or flying mid-week, often helps — your consultant will tell you what moves the price on your dates.
Other UK airports to Istanbul
Questions people ask
- How long is the flight from London Heathrow to Istanbul?
- The two airports are about 1,546 miles apart. A non-stop flight, where one operates, takes around 3h 30m. With one connection, most journeys take 6h 30m to 8h 30m door to gate, depending on the layover.
- Are there direct flights from London Heathrow to Istanbul?
- It depends on the season and the airline — non-stop services start, stop and change frequency through the year. Most travellers on this route connect via Direct flights are common; others connect in Istanbul. Call us and a consultant will check what is flying on your dates.
- Which airport will I land at?
- Istanbul Airport (IST).
- How can I get the cheapest fare?
- Book early, avoid peak holiday weeks, and be flexible by a day or two if you can. Send us your dates and we’ll compare fares across the airlines for you — or call 020 3137 8781, open 24/7.