Why You Should Take a Flight to Turkey

Travel to Turkey’s cosmopolitan capital Ankara, or kick back on the coast at the Black Sea or the Mediterranean. Straddling the border between Europe and the Arabian Peninsula, Turkey was once major a merchant hub, but today is a top tourist destination. Its fantastic mix of palaces, mosques and modern marvels has been winning the hearts of visitors for centuries.

When to Book Cheap Flights to Turkey

As a large country with a moderate climate, Turkey tends to be popular throughout the year. The coastal areas attract most visitors from June to September thanks to the fine weather and the chance to indulge in some watersports. Meanwhile, cities such as Istanbul can be a little too hot for comfort at these times of year.

The best time to book a cheap flight to Turkey will therefore depend on where you are going and when you want to travel. That said, it’s always best to avoid mid to late June (which marks celebrations for the end of Ramadan) and late August (when the Islamic festival of Eid Al-Adha takes place across the country).

How to Find the Best Deals to Turkey

When searching for tickets to Turkey, it helps to book your flights as far as possible in advance. In addition, flying directly from London will usually offer cheaper and more direct flights. Be sure to select ‘All London Airports’ to return a broader range of options from across the capital.

When searching, you should also browse tickets to different Turkish destinations. Besides offering flights to Istanbul, you can also fly to the cities of Antalya, Bodrum and Ankara, to name a few.

UK Departures to Turkey

The majority of direct flights from London to Turkey land in Istanbul, with an average flight time of four hours. Before booking, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for indirect flights. Despite taking longer, due the connections, they can sometimes cheaper.

Optimal travel times from London to various Turkish destinations are as follows:

• London to Istanbul – 3 hours 50 minutes
• London to Antalya – 6 hours 25 minutes (no direct flights)
• London to Bodrum – 4 hours
• London to Ankara – 5 hours 20 minutes (no direct flights)

Main Airports in Turkey

The largest airport in Turkey is Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul. With over 60 million passengers each year, the airport is one of the busiest aviation hubs in the world.

Among other destinations, you can also book flights with Expedia to Antalya Airport, Milas-Bodrum Airport and Esenboga International Airport in the country’s capital, Ankara.

Which UK Airlines Fly to Turkey?

Air carriers serving Turkey from the UK include:

• Lufthansa
• KLM
• Turkish Airlines
• British Airways
• Aegean
• Air France
• Pegasus Airways
• Alitalia

How to Get Around Turkey

Turkey’s size, history as a world centre of trade and current position as a worldwide travel hub means it offers excellent transport options. From its reliable coach network to regular domestic flights and ferries, you’ll find getting around is relatively straightforward. The train system is a little slow and unreliable, but this is currently being modernised.

Alternatively, you may wish to consider hiring a car in Turkey. This is an effective way of travelling from city to city or for enjoying the extensive mountain landscapes.

What Are the Must-Sees in Turkey?

Turkey’s Aegean coast is a splendid beach destination, popular with sun seekers and scuba divers looking to explore beneath the crystal waters. A necklace of islands strings its way along the coast, alongside many fascinating heritage sites and towns such as Bodrum.

In central Turkey, the capital city of Ankara is a particularly cosmopolitan hotspot. Blending a trendy modern vibe with ancient sites of historic interest, it is backdropped by Turkey’s stark and haunting Cappadocia landscape.

And don’t miss Istanbul. Housing relics from the Ottoman and Byzantine empires, such as the colossal Hagia Sophia, this city definitely tops the visitor list.

Tips for Travelling in Turkey

Before entering Turkey you will need a visa. You can easily purchase this online before you travel. Should you forget, you will also be able purchase one at the airport. The risk of terrorism and the volatile situation following Turkey’s attempted coup in 2016 means the country remains on high security alert. Therefore, be sure to carry your passport with you at all times, since the police are known to conduct spot checks.