Cheap flights to Istanbul: fares from London, Frankfurt, New York and more

Istanbul is one of the most popular city breaks: rich history, shopping and food, and a convenient transfer hub for flights across the world. Here is what flights really cost and how to plan the trip.

All prices are one-way fares in US dollars from HotTrip search data of October 31, 2026, for departures from November 2026 to March 2027. "Typical" is the median of the lowest fare for each departure date.

What it costs from five cities

• London: from $62 on December 3 (1 stop). Typical price $85. March is cheapest (median $81), February the most expensive ($89). A direct flight from $72 on November 5, with 73 direct dates and a fastest direct time of 3 hours 45 minutes.
• Frankfurt: from $70 direct on November 17. Typical price $81. November is cheapest (median $71), March the most expensive ($110). There are 105 direct dates, and the fastest direct time is 3 hours 5 minutes.
• New York: from $300 on January 25 (1 stop). Typical price $399. February is cheapest (median $357), December the most expensive ($452).
• Dubai: from $115 direct on November 12. Typical price $153. November is cheapest (median $134), March the most expensive ($165). There are 71 direct dates, and the fastest direct time is 4 hours 40 minutes.
• Singapore: from $269 on March 26 (1 stop). Typical price $338. A direct flight from $323 on November 4, 16 dates, with a fastest direct time of about 11 hours 35 minutes.

From Europe and Dubai there are many direct dates, which keeps prices close to each other through the winter.

Which airport to choose

Istanbul has two main airports:

• Istanbul (IST) is the largest hub, on the European side and far from the center.
• Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) is on the Asian side, often used by low-cost carriers and not rarely cheaper.

Before you buy, check which airport your flight lands at, and allow time for the road to the center by metro, bus or taxi. See Istanbul: which area to stay in and how to get from the airports.

When to fly

• Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) have comfortable weather for walking, with no heat.
• Summer is warm but hot and crowded, with higher prices for tickets and hotels.
• Winter is cool and damp, but prices are lower and there are fewer tourists, a good time for shopping and sales.

For holiday dates book early: when to book cheap flights and New Year flights.

How to find cheaper tickets

1. Compare dates. The price calendar in the HotTrip flight search shows the best departure days.
2. Check both airports. Tickets to SAW are sometimes cheaper, but it is harder to reach the center.
3. Look at flights with a connection, sometimes cheaper than direct: flights with a layover.
4. Count baggage: cheap fares often do not include it: no-baggage fares.
5. Catch hot deals and compare prices: airline sales.

Before you go

Check the entry rules for your passport before you buy: stay limits and conditions depend on citizenship and change. Check your passport's validity and take out travel insurance.

What to see in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, a Bosphorus walk and the Galata district. If you fly for several days, set aside time for the Asian side (Kadikoy) and the islands. See Istanbul in 3 days.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a flight to Istanbul from London?

From $62 one way in the November to March window, with a typical price of $85. Direct flights from $72.

Which Istanbul airport is better?

IST for most travelers because of the number of flights. Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) can be cheaper and is closer to the Asian side. Compare price and the time to your hotel.

When is it cheaper to fly to Istanbul?

Usually outside the peaks: late autumn, winter (except holidays) and early spring. Find exact dates in the price calendar.

Is there a direct flight from Frankfurt?

Yes: from $70 on November 17, with 105 direct dates in the window and about 3 hours 5 minutes at the fastest.

Cover: photo by Nastya Korenkova on Pexels