Flights to Istanbul

Location, location, location... It's the reason why flights to Istanbul are so plentiful and reasonably priced, and it's the main reason why the city is so well worth visiting. Back in the days when sea travel was the only way to get from one country to the next, Istanbul was a busy port, thanks to its strategic position between Europe and Asia . The city thrived from its position in the centre of the trade routes, and now the air routes have been designed to meet visitor demand. Flights usually clock in at an undemanding four hours or so, putting Istanbul within easy reach for short holidays.

For a return flight to Istanbul from the UK , prices start at about £160, including taxes and other charges. However, if you're shopping around for rock-bottom prices, be warned that the pricing for Istanbul flights is fairly consistent across most airlines, so dirt-cheap deals aren't a regular feature. KLM and Turkish Airlines are both good for cheaper flights to Istanbul , weighing in at less than £160 for an economy return, but if you want anything under £150, you'll have to look hard for it.

Perhaps if EasyJet enters the Istanbul market, flight prices will plummet, but for now, bargain-hunters will have to find another way. Scouring the Internet for last-minute deals is a tried-and-tested method, but you may also cut costs by going via another country. However, always compare prices before booking a two-stage flight. For example, Czech Airlines and Austrian Airlines both run flights to Istanbul from the UK , going via Prague and Vienna respectively, but neither of these actually work out any cheaper than most direct flights from other carriers. Remember, too, that stopovers add another hour or two to your journey.

If you're travelling to Istanbul from the UK , you'll probably end up at Ataturk International Airport . Visitors to Istanbul say good things about the brand new International Terminal, although some complain that the food is expensive. Ataturk International is probably Turkey 's busiest and best-known airport, and as such it is well served for transport. There is a metro train that stops right at the airport, taking you to Zeytinburnu, where you can board a tram for Sultanahment Square , the Galata Bridge and other destinations.

If you're going to Sirkeci Station from the airport, you can take a taxi and then a train. Take a ten-minute taxi ride to Yesilyurt Tren Istasyonu (no prizes for guessing what "tren istasyonu" means in Turkish), then board the train for a one-hour journey.

Transport prices in Turkey are very cheap by British standards. The metro/tram option mentioned above will cost you less than £2, while the taxi/train trip will probably cost less than £10.

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