Cheap flights to Istanbul from

When visiting Istanbul, you should wear clothing suitable for the weather, the activities you plan to do, and cultural sensitivity.

• Weather: Summers are hot and humid, so lightweight and breathable fabrics are best. Winters are cold and rainy, so bring a waterproof jacket and layers to stay warm.
• Activities: If you plan to visit religious sites like mosques, make sure to dress modestly with clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Women should also bring a scarf to cover their heads.
• Cultural Sensitivity: While Istanbul is a cosmopolitan city and you’ll see people wearing a range of dress styles, it’s still a good idea to avoid overly revealing clothing to respect the local culture.

Overall, aim for comfort, practicality, and cultural respect when packing your clothes for a trip to Istanbul.

Istanbul Airport provides several facilities to enhance the passenger experience. These include comfortable lounges for relaxation, free Wi-Fi, ample charging stations, and nearby airport hotels for convenient accommodation.

Transportation to and from Istanbul Airport is very accessible. Options include public transportation, shuttle buses, taxis, and car rentals. The metro offers the most affordable means of travel.

An orange taxi would cost around 350 TRY (roughly £10*). The distance from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet Square is about 50km and would take roughly an hour (depending on traffic). 

There are three types of taxis in Istanbul, each offering a different level of service. The orange "C" type taxis are small, economical vehicles, such as the Fiat Aegea or Renault Clio. These are a great option if you're looking for a budget-friendly ride. The blue "D" type taxis are medium-value cars that offer more comfort, with options like the Opel Insignia. For a more luxurious experience, you can opt for the black "E" type taxis, which provide premium services and vehicles.

“D” type taxis are roughly 15-20% more expensive than “C” types, and “E” type taxis can be as much as 80% more expensive. 

But remember, traffic can affect the cost. If you get stuck in one of Istanbul’s infamous rush-hour traffic jams, you might end up paying more than the estimated fare.

*Please check the current exchange rates as they may have changed significantly since writing. 

You can fly to Istanbul from most parts of the UK in under 4 hours- making it a destination that feels faraway, but is still doable for a long weekend!

Istanbul hosts two major airports. The first  is Istanbul Airport, which opened in 2018 and is located on the European side of the city. It's a significant hub in global aviation, connecting the East and the West, and handles millions of passengers each year. Istanbul Airport is also home to all current easyJet flights to Istanbul. The second airport is Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, situated on the Asian side of Istanbul. This airport, not served by easyJet, also accommodates a substantial number of passengers and offers various international and domestic flights.

Typically, the cheapest month to fly to Istanbul is January. High season is considered to be June, July and August, so avoid these months if you're hoping to save money!

We'd recommend giving Istanbul at least 3 days to be able to see the city's greatest hits- but you could happily spend weeks exploring.

UK residents can travel as tourists to Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180 day period (check Gov.UK for the most up-to-date information, as these requirements can fluctuate).

Istanbul is a fairly budget-friendly destination, especially when compared to other major cities in Europe. 

Accommodation, food, and transportation are all relatively affordable, and there are plenty of free or low-cost attractions to enjoy. But like any popular tourist destination, there are also plenty of opportunities to spend money, such as high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, and shopping in tourist areas. The cost of your trip will largely depend on your personal preferences and travel style. 

To save money, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons(April to May or September to October), using public transportation, and eating at local restaurants instead of touristy spots.