Free tool

Flight time from Istanbul to London

About 3 hours and 35 minutes non-stop, 2,488 km (1,546 miles), with your local arrival time and the time difference.

Estimated flight time3h 35mnon-stop
Distance2,488 km1,546 miles · 1,344 nm
Time difference−3hLondon vs Istanbul
Local time now15:54 / 12:54Istanbul / London

Estimate for a direct flight from Istanbul (IST, Istanbul Airport) to London (LHR, Heathrow). Change the departure time below to see your local arrival time.

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How long is the flight from Istanbul to London?

A non-stop flight from Istanbul to London takes about 3 hours and 35 minutes. The two cities are 2,488 km (1,546 miles) apart in a straight line, measured between Istanbul Airport (IST) and Heathrow (LHR).

The estimate assumes an average speed of about 830 km/h plus around 35 minutes for taxiing, take-off and landing. Real schedules vary with the airline, aircraft, route and winds – heading west into the jet stream, flights often take a little longer than this. Check your booking for the exact time.

Time difference and arrival time

London is 3 hours behind Istanbul right now. A flight leaving Istanbul at 10:00 local time lands at about 10:35 local time in London. With a 3h shift, expect some jet lag: as a rough guide the body adjusts by about an hour a day, and flying west (as on this trip) is usually easier than the other way.

Why arrival times look strange

Airline schedules always show local times: departure in the departure city’s time and arrival in the arrival city’s time. Fly east and you “lose” hours – a 7-hour flight from New York to London leaving at 19:00 lands at 07:00 the next morning. Fly west and you gain them, which is how you can land in Los Angeles almost at the same clock time you left Tokyo. This calculator handles the time zones and daylight saving time for you.

How the flight time estimate works

In estimate mode the calculator measures the great-circle distance between the two cities – the shortest route over the Earth’s surface – and assumes an average speed of about 830 km/h (515 mph), plus around 35 minutes for taxiing, take-off and landing. That gives a good guide for a non-stop flight. Real schedules vary with the airline, aircraft, winds and route: flights heading east with the jet stream are often quicker than the same trip heading west, so always check your booking for the exact time.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from Istanbul to London?

A direct flight from Istanbul to London takes about 3 hours and 35 minutes. This is an estimate based on the distance; airline schedules can be shorter or longer depending on the route and winds.

How far is London from Istanbul?

The straight-line (great-circle) distance between Istanbul and London is about 2,488 km, or 1,546 miles.

What is the time difference between Istanbul and London?

London is 3 hours behind Istanbul at the moment.

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