Cheap Flights to Istanbul (IST)

Istanbul is a city at the very border of Asia and Europe, and was the capital of a staggering four empires thanks to this location. Whilst the Latin, the Roman and the Byzantine Empires each left their mark, it is the Ottoman Empire which really transformed it into the city you see today, and created many of the reasons that flight to Istanbul are enduringly popular.

It was the European Capital of Culture in 2010, and this has once more opened up the eyes of many tourists to the city's charms, added to again by appearing in the James Bond film 'Skyfall'. This ancient city still boasts impressive mosques and historic buildings but a new generation of attractions is on the rise too, with fashion and culture forming the cornerstones.

All this means that the popularity of cheap Istanbul flights is set to carry on increasing in 2013 and into 2014. We regularly see offers to this beautiful city appear in our Top 20 Deals of the week thanks to cheap Istanbul flight deals, so it's time to get in on the action!

Flights To Istanbul

Nowhere is the popularity of flights to Istanbul more apparent than in the sheer number of UK airports which offer this route. Many of these will be one-stop flights though, so it can be worth travelling a little more in the UK to save time in the air. These are available from all the major air hubs, and thanks to low-cost airlines taking up the route it is now even cheaper than ever to catch a flight to Istanbul from the UK.

Direct flights into Istanbul take around four hours to arrive from the UK, depending on where exactly you are departing from. All flights arrive into Istanbul Ataturk Airport which lies just outside the city itself, so expect to be dropping your bags off at your Istanbul hotel in next to no time.

There are a choice of ways to travel onwards once your Istanbul flight arrives, with a range of options depending on your budget. You could also get car hire if you're planning on making day trips, although within the city it may prove unnecessary.

Taxi - There is a flat rate fee from the airport into the city centre, which does not chance by day or night, so although this is the most expensive method you know what you will be paying beforehand. You could even see if you can find someone to share the cost with during your flight to Istanbul!

Express Bus - Offers a service direct into several stops in the city every half hour, apart from a few hours in the middle of the night when there is no service. If you are arriving late, check the up to date timetables!

Local Bus - This is one of the cheapest way of arriving, also usually taking the longest, there are fewer departures now thanks to the express bus, so expect a wait if you want to save.

Metro - Follow the signs to the light rail from the arrivals hall and in around 10 minutes you will find the metro station. A journey time of 45 minutes will be extended if you want to get to the Old City, and your fare will be doubled as you have to pay again to transfer to the tram network.

Getting Around Istanbul

The public transport system in Istanbul can seem pretty complicated, with maps fairly hard to come by, and a complicated token system. You can buy these from kiosks and you will need a new token for each change of metro line, or change of transport mode. If you are going to be travelling a lot in Istanbul or are staying for longer than a few days, buying an Istanbulkart is a good idea - you only need one for two people as you can use it multiple times in one go. This is good because it gets you discounted fares on transfers, but you won't get your deposit back so you need to make sure it will be worth it. Public transport options include buses, the metro and trams, all of which add up to a fairly comprehensive coverage of the city.

Taxis are always on hand too, although you will need to make sure that the meter is running. These are a cheap way of getting around, particularly if it helps you avoid several changes on public transport, and if there is a group of you to share. To share with even more people, look out for the yellow Dolmus buses, although be aware they will only move once full! For an unusual way to travel on a city break then look no further than the boat that can take you between the European and Asian sides of the city! There are four routes, but beware that services are due to be curtailed thanks to a new metro line offering a faster service, although without the same amazing view.

If you're sightseeing though the best way to get around smaller area is to go on foot, as there are plenty of treasures to uncover.

What To See In Istanbul

Top attractions in Istanbul include the Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet mosques, the Grand Bazaar and the Topkapi Palace. The Galata Tower and the Istiklal Avenue are both worth exploring, and if you want a view on the cheap then head to Çamlica Hill. You can also get a great perspective on a Bosphorus Night Cruise. One thing's for sure - a flight to Istanbul will surely open your mind more than a magic carpet ride!

For more information and Istanbul tips, try our Istanbul guide.