- Must visit
Topkapı Palace
Former imperial residence with courtyards, treasury displays and pavilions that reveal Ottoman court life over several centuries.
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Compare prices and tickets London to Istanbul by flight
Compare flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from London to Istanbul
United Kingdom
Turkey
Take a train from London to Istanbul and enjoy the approximately 2498 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £59
Distance 2498 km |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £59
Complete guide to Istanbul
Things to do in Istanbul
Discover the best of Istanbul — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Istanbul trip today.
- Must visit
Basilica Cistern
Underground Byzantine cistern with forest-like columns, atmospheric lighting and raised walkways near Hagia Sophia.
- Recommended
Istanbul Modern
Leading modern art museum on the Bosphorus showing Turkish and international contemporary works in a striking waterfront building.
- Must visit
İstiklal Avenue
Lively historic avenue linking Taksim and Galata, lined with shops, arcades, consulates and landmarks, ideal for an urban walk.
- Must visit
Sultanahmet Square
Historic square beside major monuments, ideal for walking between monumental sites, gardens and fountains in the old city.
- Recommended
Kadıköy
Colourful waterfront quarter with ferry views, street life, markets and an easy local feel on Istanbul’s Asian side.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Simit
A sesame-crusted bread ring sold by street vendors. It is an everyday Istanbul snack, especially popular at breakfast and with tea.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Kumpir
Baked potatoes filled with butter, cheese and varied toppings. This hearty street food is closely associated with the Ortaköy area of Istanbul.
Döner
Thin slices of lamb or beef cooked on a vertical spit and served in bread or on a plate. A defining fast food of Istanbul and wider Turkey.
Matbah Restaurant
Historic Sultanahmet restaurant known for Ottoman and Turkish dishes in a traditional setting near major old-city sights.
Tarihi Sarıyer Muhallebicisi
Traditional pudding shop in Fatih famed for sütlaç, kazandibi and other classic Turkish milk desserts in a simple historic venue.
Kıyı Restaurant
Well-known meyhane-style venue by the Bosphorus, popular for meze, seafood and rakı in a lively waterside setting.
Turkish lira (₺)
Moderate for a major city: hotels vary widely, meals can be cheap, and public transport is low-cost compared with many European city breaks.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- ₺250-450 for street food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- ₺500-1,000 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- ₺1,500+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- ₺90-160 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tip 5-10% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. In cafés, leaving small change is customary but not essential.
FAQs: London to Istanbul train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London to Istanbul by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Istanbul, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The train distance from London to Istanbul is 2498 km.
To travel from London to Istanbul, you can take a flight.
There is no night train service from London to Istanbul.
The cheapest way to get from London to Istanbul is by flight, costing approximately £59.
Booking trains from London to Istanbul in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from London to Istanbul is quite scenic, especially as it passes through diverse landscapes across Europe. Travellers can enjoy picturesque views of the English countryside, the rolling hills of France, the beautiful Rhine Valley in Germany, and the stunning Carpathian Mountains in Romania, offering a memorable visual experience before reaching the vibrant cityscape of Istanbul.
In Istanbul, you can explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets, or take a Bosphorus Cruise for scenic views of the city's skyline and historic landmarks. Visit the Spice Bazaar for exotic spices and local delicacies, or relax in a traditional Turkish Bath. Discover Istiklal Avenue, a lively street for shopping and entertainment. For sightseeing, don't miss the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Galata Tower for a mix of history, architecture, and stunning views.
Three to four days in Istanbul is ideal to explore its rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
Currently, there is no direct train service available from London to Istanbul.
More options for your journey from London to Istanbul
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Istanbul and London
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