Flight Routes from Edinburgh to Istanbul

Compare cheap outbound and return flights from Edinburgh (EDI) to Istanbul (IST) and find the best offer from numerous airlines and travel agencies.

Trip type
Cheapest roundtrip flight
from€129
Fastest outbound flight
Fastest inbound flight
non-stop flights
9x / week
Flight distance
2,861 km
Time difference
Most popular airlines
  1. Turkish AirlinesTurkish Airlines

Flight schedule from Edinburgh (EDI) to Istanbul (IST)

Select a travel date in the flight schedule for the route from Edinburgh (EDI) to Istanbul (IST) and compare affordable flight deals.

offers
Active filtersnone
Matching outbound flightsEDI–IST · 4 of 4
fromto
dep.arr.
durationstopovers
  1. 21 – 27 September 2026
  2. 28 Sept – 4 Oct 2026
  3. 5 – 11 October 2026
    1. EDIIST
      1 stopover
      1. British Airways
    2. EDIIST
      1 stopover
      1. easyJet
      2. Wizz Air UK
    3. EDIIST
      non-stop
      1. Turkish Airlines
    4. EDIIST
      non-stop
      1. Turkish Airlines

      Tips and tricks to help you find cheap flights from Edinburgh to Istanbul

      Favourite airline: Turkish Airlines
      The favourite airline for flights from Edinburgh to Istanbul is Turkish Airlines.
      Turkish Airlines
      38 %
      easyJet
      31 %
      KLM
      23 %
      Direct flights are more expensive
      Compared to flights with a stopover, direct flights are £156.00 more expensive on this route.
      non stop flight
      1 stop
      04h 35min
      10h 25min
      333 £
      177 £
      The favourite connection is non-stop
      Direct flights are especially popular on this route. 56 % of travellers will book a non-stop flight.
      Route
      bookings
      Direct flights
      04h 35min, from 333 £
      56 %
      1 stopover London Stansted London Gatwick
      11h 05min, from 196 £
      33 %
      1 stopover London Gatwick London Luton
      10h 25min, from 177 £
      11 %

      Useful information about the flight from Edinburgh to Istanbul

      Magical, historical Istanbul, a tale of two continents. 

      Sitting on the tip of the East, with western Europe just a stone's throw across the water, Istanbul is a city that has been through many cultural and religious changes, but has a truly modern, 21st century feel. However, it is still one of the world's best cities for amazing history, buildings and romantic tales, and somehow the atmosphere remains romantic and almost mystical. 

      The best time to see Istanbul

      With a Mediterranean climate, the best months to visit are between May and October, and although it can get very hot in the Summer, the waters of the Black Sea and the Bosphorus keep it pleasant. Try a visit in spring, and get swept up in the celebrations on the 19th May, for the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day. Or perhaps leave it until October and join in Ramadan or Eid, and finish off with the republic day on the 29th of October.

      Things to do before you travel 

      Turkey is on GMT+2 hours, and British nationals need a visa, but it's available online. Also, passports should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entering Turkey. Check these vaccinations are up to date: Hepatitis A, Typhus, Tetanus and Diphtheria. There are some fabulous markets, like the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Bazaar, but goods are often overpriced, because haggling is a tradition, and usual, so get some practice in first perhaps. Food wise, Istanbul is a fast food paradise, with street vendors and wonderful eastern European and middle Eastern dishes. Snacks are available from 2 TRY, kebabs from 8 TRY. Fish is expensive, and beer costs from 6 TRY.

      Local information on transport, getting about, and accommodation.

      To reach the central city head to -2 floor at the airport terminal and take a shuttle bus operated by HAVATA or IETT for the price of 50 TRY or so. Taxis will be more expensive at approx. 200 TRY. Plan around 40 minutes for the journey and longer during rush hour traffic.

      Good, cheap public transport network: bus, metro, minibus, ferry, metrobus, tram. Istanbulkart: rechargeable and valid for all public transport. Taxis are more expensive than public transport but cheaper than in the UK. Accommodation starts from 1 night in a Hostel/Guesthouse from 30 TRY. Wide choice of accommodation in the districts: Eminönü (Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar) & Beyoğlu (Taksim Square,  İstiklâl Caddesi). Finally, 'The Prince Islands' are worth visiting: car free only horse drawn carriages are allowed.

      Important flight information

      Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

      How long is the flight from Edinburgh to Istanbul?
      A direct flight from Edinburgh to Istanbul typically takes around 5 hours 20 minutes. If you choose a connecting flight, you should allow more time. Typical one-stop journeys take around 10 hours 5 minutes. For the quickest journey, a direct flight is usually the most comfortable choice.
      Are there direct flights from Edinburgh to Istanbul?
      Yes, there are direct flights from Edinburgh to Istanbul, although not necessarily every day. On average, around 9 to 10 flights per week are available. If you have flexibility with your travel dates, you will find it easier to secure a suitable direct connection.
      Which airlines fly from Edinburgh to Istanbul?
      Direct flights from Edinburgh to Istanbul are operated by, among others, Turkish Airlines. There are also connecting flights with one stop, for example with Lufthansa (via Frankfurt, Munich), SAS (via Copenhagen) and British Airways (via London Heathrow). If a short travel time matters to you, a direct flight is usually the most convenient option. Connecting flights often give you more choice of departure times and airlines.
      On which days are there direct flights from Edinburgh to Istanbul?
      Direct flights from Edinburgh to Istanbul operate daily. The schedule may vary by season, so it is worth comparing several travel dates. If your preferred day has no direct service, nearby departure days or short connecting flights may be a good alternative.
      How many flights are there per day from Edinburgh to Istanbul?
      On the route from Edinburgh to Istanbul there are on average around 1 to 2 flights per day. The number of services can vary by day of the week and season. If you are flexible with your dates, it is worth comparing several departure days.
      How many flights per week are there from Edinburgh to Istanbul?
      On the route from Edinburgh to Istanbul there are around 9 to 10 flights per week. The number of services can vary depending on the season and day of the week. If you have flexibility, it is worth looking at several departure days to find the best option.
      When does the first flight from Edinburgh to Istanbul depart?
      The earliest direct flight from Edinburgh to Istanbul usually departs at 10:40. The exact departure time may vary by day of the week and airline. Early flights are particularly useful if you want to make the most of your arrival day in Istanbul.
      When does the last flight from Edinburgh to Istanbul depart?
      The last direct flight from Edinburgh to Istanbul usually departs at 16:55. Late flights can be convenient if you want to travel after work or in the evening. Do check whether it is a direct flight, as a connecting service could push the arrival time significantly later.
      From which airports are there cheap flights to Istanbul?
      Cheap flights to Istanbul are often available from London Gatwick, London Heathrow and Manchester. Prices vary depending on the departure airport, travel date and available connection. If you are flexible about getting to the airport, comparing several departure airports can be worthwhile.
      Which airports near Edinburgh are frequently used for flights to Istanbul?
      As well as Edinburgh airport, users also frequently search for flights from Aberdeen to Istanbul. Alternative departure airports can offer more choice of flight times, airlines or prices. Do also check how accessible each airport is for you.

      Discover more flights around Edinburgh and Istanbul

      Departure airport Airport Edinburgh (EDI)
      Arrival airport Airport Istanbul (IST)
      Destination country Flights to Turkey
      Departure airport - Destination country Edinburgh - Turkey
      Alternative routes to Turkey
      Alternative flights to Istanbul
      Popular destinations for onward travel
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