Flying from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Istanbul: what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from London Gatwick Airport to Istanbul is 4 hours 15 minutes.
London Gatwick Airport is located in London. Following the UTC+3 timezone, Istanbul is three hours ahead of London.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most traveled route, with 33 flights a week to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from LGW to IST is with Wizz Air UK at 21:50. Go for the first departure operated by Turkish Airlines at 05:20 if you want to get on your way earlier.
To avoid missing your LGW to Istanbul flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Longer lines at security and check-in are likely if you're jetting off during high season, so allow some extra breathing room. A good rule of thumb for peak times? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Start your journey at LGW and travel nonstop to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). That's where you can expect to touch down when searching for London Gatwick Airport to Istanbul tickets.
Turkish Airlines is a popular airline that offers direct flights from London Gatwick Airport to Istanbul.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to take a break from traveling and perhaps even explore a different city. When searching for flight tickets from LGW to Istanbul, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Traveling from central London to LGW takes around 30 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a cab, you'll cover the 40 kilometers in 1 hour 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a leisurely start to your vacation? Stay near LGW. Whether you're taking an early flight from London Gatwick Airport to Istanbul or just don't like being rushed, these hotels put convenience first:
When it comes to London Gatwick Airport's on-time performance, 69.26% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Istanbul
The lowest price we've found for a one-way London Gatwick Airport to Istanbul flight is $44. The cheapest price for a return flight is $80. Bear in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Get cheap flights from LGW to Istanbul by booking two months ahead. According to our research, that's the best time for picking up a bargain.
Organize your trip for June. That's the best month for landing an awesome deal on London Gatwick Airport to Istanbul tickets. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to access the cheapest price across each month.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from LGW to Istanbul by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Snag an affordable flight from London Gatwick Airport to Istanbul with the help of our filters. Select your ideal duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul takes around 50 minutes by car. The center is roughly 48 kilometers away.
When traveling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from London Gatwick Airport to Istanbul. Book one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Begin your adventure by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and explore beyond Istanbul's usual tourist stops.
Booking your vehicle from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks ahead of your flight from LGW to Istanbul can help you lock in the best possible rate.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is about 48 kilometers from the center of Istanbul. Following your flight from London Gatwick Airport to Istanbul, it'll take you around 55 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
Traveling by public transport will take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
There are some comfortable places to rest your head close to SAW. Tuck yourself in and get cozy after your LGW to Istanbul flight at one of these perfectly located options:
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Essence, Eren Rent a Car or 724 Rent and hit the road in a heartbeat.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Booking your ride four weeks before your arrival at SAW can help you lock in a better rate.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Visit Istanbul during peak season if you prefer a busy atmosphere, but remember that prices tend to be higher. Alternatively, book your flights from London Gatwick Airport to Istanbul during the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
Lock in a London Gatwick Airport to Istanbul flight ticket with a departure in August if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Search for a cheap ticket from LGW to Istanbul around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from London Gatwick Airport to Istanbul, check out our range of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be tricky to know where to start. The Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are top attractions which should feature on any good Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've done Istanbul, now it's time to discover other corners of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel about 354 kilometers east to Ankara to tick off its leading sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Izmir is another well-known destination in Türkiye (Turkey) and is around 322 kilometers south-west of Istanbul. No journey is complete without experiencing Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.