Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your October journey
The LOND city code covers multiple London airports — London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), London City (LCY), London Stansted (STN), and London Luton (LTN). In October, many carriers operate seasonal and year-round services to Istanbul's airports from one or more of these hubs, so check departure airport details when booking.
Yes — October often brings lower fares after the peak summer season, with competitive deals from full-service and low-cost carriers. Use fare comparison tools, set price alerts for London to Istanbul routes, and book 3–8 weeks in advance to maximize savings on October departures.
Public transit options include the London Underground (Heathrow and City connections), Gatwick Express, Stansted Express and National Express coaches; taxis and ride-shares remain widely available. In October, factor in weekday commuting patterns and occasional autumn roadworks — leave extra time for early morning or evening departures.
Some carriers schedule additional frequencies in October to match demand for autumn city breaks and cultural events in Istanbul. Check airline announcements and week-by-week schedules — local holidays or conferences can influence frequency, so monitor carriers like Turkish Airlines and British Airways for route adjustments.
Verify each airline's baggage allowance as low-cost carriers often charge for checked luggage and larger carry-ons; allowances can vary by fare class. Also check current UK and Turkey entry requirements — passport validity, visas, and any health advisories — and confirm documentation before you fly in October.
Travelers often connect to London from nearby cities like Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Birmingham and Manchester to catch international flights. In October, consider overnight stays near your London departure airport if arriving late or dealing with busy travel days to avoid missed connections.
ISTA represents all Istanbul airports; the main international entry points are Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side. For October city-center access, IST is generally faster by highway or metro, while SAW may be better for eastern Anatolia connections or budget carriers.
Options include metro and HAVABUS/Havaist express shuttles, taxis, ride-shares and private transfers. In October, traffic is usually lighter than summer but can be impacted by conferences or national holidays — an airport metro from IST offers predictable travel times to central districts.
October brings mild, comfortable temperatures (typically 12–22°C) and a chance of rain; pack a light waterproof jacket, layered clothing, and comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets. Evening temperatures can be cool near the Bosphorus, so include a warm layer for night activities.
Most travelers from the UK can enter Turkey with an e-Visa or visa-free depending on nationality; verify passport validity and current entry rules before departure. Health advisories vary, so check official Turkish Republic visa and public health pages for the latest October-specific guidance.
Popular onward destinations include Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Antalya and Cappadocia. October is ideal for multi-city itineraries — domestic flights and high-speed trains run frequently and can be booked in advance to secure better prices.
October in Istanbul features art exhibitions, film festivals, and seasonal food events that attract visitors after the summer crowds decline. Highlights often include local contemporary art fairs, classical music concerts at historic venues, and culinary festivals showcasing Turkish cuisine. These events can influence flight demand on certain weekends, so check event calendars and book flights early if your travel dates overlap with major festivals.
October is a shoulder-season sweet spot: pleasant weather in Istanbul, fewer tourists, and more attractive fares than summer. The best days to fly for value are typically midweek (Tuesday–Thursday), and early morning flights often yield higher on-time performance. For the best prices, start monitoring fares 6–8 weeks ahead and book once you see a dip; consider flexible return dates to capture weekend-return premiums.
Direct flights are faster (around 3h45m–4h10m) and more convenient for most travelers, often operating from Heathrow and Gatwick. Connecting flights via European hubs can be cheaper, especially on low-cost or promotional fares, but add transit time and potential disruption risk. In October, weigh the cost savings of a connection against extra travel time; for short trips where time on the ground is limited, direct flights usually provide the best value.
Major carriers on London–Istanbul routes include Turkish Airlines (full-service, higher frequency to IST), British Airways (full-service from LHR/LGW), and Pegasus (budget options often from STN/LTN to SAW). Turkish Airlines typically offers direct flights with generous baggage allowances and onboard service, while Pegasus and other low-cost airlines may offer the lowest base fares but charge extras for checked luggage and seat selection.
October is ideal for exploring Istanbul with thinner crowds and comfortable weather. Pack light layers and a compact umbrella, and plan outdoor activities earlier in the day to avoid occasional autumn showers. Allow additional transit time at London airports during weekday peaks, and consider travel insurance that covers delays and missed connections. Book popular attractions in advance to secure timed entry during festival weekends.
Nonstop flight time from London to Istanbul typically ranges from 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes depending on route and winds. In October, airlines maintain daily direct services from Heathrow and Gatwick, with additional flights from Stansted and Luton by low-cost carriers. Expect morning and evening peak departures to accommodate business travelers and weekend breakers; connecting itineraries via major European hubs can add 2–6 hours including layover.
To secure cheap London to Istanbul flights in October, compare all LOND airports and use flexible dates. Midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) often offer lower fares; book 3–8 weeks ahead for the best balance of price and availability. Monitor low-cost carriers at Stansted and Luton for flash sales, but check total trip cost including baggage and transfers. Consider one-stop itineraries with short layovers for deeper discounts and set multiple price alerts (Google Flights, Skyscanner) for ISTA routes.