How to travel from İstanbul to London, United Kingdom
The distance between İstanbul and London is around 2,500km (1,553 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 4h 35m.
8 routes found
We've found 8 different ways to get from İstanbul to London by plane, train, bus, ferry and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out London → İstanbul if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Istanbul (IST) to London Heathrow (LHR).
- Duration4h 35m
- Flight time4hrs
- Typical cost£540($640)
Turkish Airlines
+ 5 others3 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Veliko Tarnovo then take a ferry to London Victoria Station.
- Duration1 day 20h
- Departstwice a week
- Typical cost£130($155)
Multiple operators
Bus
Take the bus to Sofia and then to London Victoria Green Line Station.
- Duration2 days 11h
- Departstwice daily
- Typical cost£115($135)
Multiple bus operators
Bus and Train
Take the bus to Salzburg then take the train to München Hbf then Paris Est and then to London St Pancras Intl.
- Duration1 day 6h
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical cost£510($605)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Dunkirk then take a ferry to Dover then drive to London.
- Duration1 day 5h
- Departsevery 2 hours
- Typical cost£530($630)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between İstanbul and London
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from İstanbul to London by plane, train, bus, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around £115 ($135) and will take around 2 days 11h. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 4h 35m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £540 ($640).
The distance between İstanbul and London is around 2,500km (1,553 miles).
It takes around 4h 35m to get from İstanbul and London by plane.
The quickest way to get from İstanbul to London is to fly which takes around 4h 35m and will set you back approx £540 ($640).
The cheapest way to travel between İstanbul and London is to take the bus which will typically cost around £115 ($135) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between İstanbul and London. We recommend that you fly from Istanbul (IST) to London Heathrow (LHR). instead which will take 4h 35m.
Bus travel
Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from İstanbul and London. It typically takes around 2 days 11h and departs twice daily.
There are no direct bus services that runs from İstanbul to London. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Otogar and Sofia. These services run twice daily and will take a minimum of 2 days 11h.
MetroTurizm and Union Ivkoni run regular bus services between İstanbul and London. Buses run twice daily and take around 2 days 11h on average but will vary depending on you book with.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from İstanbul and London. Flights depart from Istanbul (IST) and arrive at London Heathrow (LHR). The flight takes around 4hrs.
Yes there is a direct flight between İstanbul and London with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 4hrs.
Turkish Airlines, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, LOT and Aegean Airlines fly between İstanbul and London. Flights depart from Istanbul (IST) and and arrive into London Heathrow (LHR). These flights usually take around 4hrs.
The flight from İstanbul to London typically takes around 4hrs. Flights depart from Istanbul (IST) and and arrive into London Heathrow (LHR).
The closest major airport to London is London City Airport (LCY) (LCY) which is approximately 12km (8 miles) from London. Heathrow Airport (LHR) (LHR) and Gatwick Airport (LGW) (LGW) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Drive yourself
No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from İstanbul to London. We recommend that you fly from Istanbul (IST) to London Heathrow (LHR). instead which will take 4h 35m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from İstanbul to London is to fly which takes, on average, 4h 35m and will usually cost around £540 ($640).
Compare travel optionsbetween İstanbul and London
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 3 similar | 4h 35m | £540($640) | every 15 mins | 2,541km (1,579 miles) |
| Fly to London City (LCY) | 5h 25m | £435($515) | every 15 mins | 2,500km (1,553 miles) |
| Plane and Train | 4h 60m | £345($410) | every 15 mins | 2,532km (1,573 miles) |
| Fly to Birmingham (BHX), Train | 5h 60m | £565($670) | hourly | 2,801km (1,740 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 1 day 20h | £130($155) | twice a week | 3,291km (2,045 miles) |
Bus | 2 days 11h | £115($135) | twice daily | 3,492km (2,170 miles) |
Bus and Train | 1 day 6h | £510($605) | 3 times a week | 3,234km (2,010 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 1 day 5h | £530($630) | every 2 hours | 2,983km (1,853 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between İstanbul and London
Train operators
Southern Service
Gatwick Express
London Midland
Airlines
Turkish Airlines
LOT
Bus companies
Alpar Turizm
Huntur
MetroTurizm
Union Ivkoni
Ferry operators
Balkan Horn
DFDS Seaways
Airports near London
The following major airports near London offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.
London City Airport (LCY)
- Distance
- 12km (8 miles) from London
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- Distance
- 23km (14 miles) from London
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
- Distance
- 40km (25 miles) from London