Planning a trip to Turkey from the UK? It’s important to know all the details beforehand to ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about travelling to Turkey from the UK, including visa requirements, flight details, travel time, and ticket prices. There are few places on earth more diverse or beautiful than Turkey, so whether you’re heading there for medical tourism or simply to enjoy the culture, you’re sure to have a wonderful time. The good news is that there are a number of travel options from the UK to Turkey, so you can plan your trip in whatever way suits you best. If you’re looking for advice on how to do so, you’ll find all the details here.
Turkey offers a perfect blend of ancient culture and modern amenities. From stunning beaches to historic sites and delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone. If you’re planning to travel from the UK, there are a few things to know before booking your tickets.
Do You Need a Visa for Turkey from the UK?
British citizens travelling to Turkey for tourism or business can travel without a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
How Much Money Can You Bring to Turkey from the UK?
There is no limit on the amount of money you can bring to Turkey from the UK. However, if you’re carrying more than €10,000 (or the equivalent), you need to declare it at customs.
Does Antalya Have Direct Flights from the UK?
Yes — there are several direct flights from the UK to Antalya, a popular tourist destination in Turkey. Airlines like Turkish Airlines, Jet2, and easyJet offer direct flights from London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
How Long Is the Flight from the UK to Turkey?
The flight time from the UK to Turkey depends on your destination. On average, it takes around 4–5 hours, though this can vary depending on the airline, route, and any layovers.
Are Flights to Turkey from the UK Affordable?
Yes — you can find affordable tickets to Turkey from the UK if you book in advance. Prices vary depending on the time of year and the airline, but you can expect to pay around £100–£200 for a one-way ticket. Our all-inclusive Turkey teeth packages can also be a great addition to your travel plans if you’re looking to enhance your smile while abroad — many patients combine a beautiful new smile with an unforgettable trip.
| Departure City | Average Flight Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| London (Gatwick/Stansted) | 4h 15m – 4h 25m | Most frequent daily departures. |
| Birmingham | 4h 25m – 4h 35m | Very consistent flight path. |
| Bristol | 4h 20m – 4h 30m | Surprisingly quick for a western hub. |
| Manchester | 4h 30m – 4h 40m | The most popular northern route. |
| Newcastle | 4h 35m – 4h 45m | Expect slightly longer due to the northern latitude. |
| Edinburgh | 4h 45m – 4h 55m | One of the longest direct routes from the UK. |
| Glasgow | 4h 50m – 5h 00m | Often crosses the 5-hour mark with headwinds. |
| Belfast | 4h 45m – 4h 55m | Similar to the Scottish routes. |
Air Travel
As you can imagine, the most direct way to travel from the UK to Turkey is by air. Believe it or not, Turkey has 55 major airports, 35 of which are dedicated to international travel — so you should have no trouble flying in and out of the country. Let’s look at some of the more popular airports.
During the summer season, Jet2, Ryanair, TUI, Wizz Air, easyJet, and Turkish Airlines all run direct flights to Antalya.
Antalya Airport
It’s estimated that this airport sees over 27 million passengers pass through its terminals each year, with foreign visitor numbers rising considerably during the summer. There are a few reasons it’s one of the country’s more popular airports. For one thing, it’s the third-largest airport in Turkey and more than capable of handling all its visitors.
For another, there are plenty of direct flights from the UK to Antalya, allowing for a much shorter trip. Once you’re out of the airport, getting around the city is a breeze, as the airport is just 13 km from the city centre — and moving to other parts of the region is just as easy.
Turkish Airlines flies to Antalya directly every day of the year, and from around March, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, and TUI add direct flights too. Antalya is also home to one of the most visited cities in Europe.
Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the main international airport in the country, with tens of millions of travellers moving through its terminals each year. You should have no trouble finding a flight into this airport from anywhere in the UK. It is some distance from Istanbul’s city centre, so allow time for the transfer after you land. Istanbul Airport has been hailed as one of the top airports in the world, offering comfort and safety, and is a favourite among international travellers.
Ankara Airport
If you’re headed to Ankara, the capital of Turkey, then flying into Ankara Esenboğa Airport is the easiest and safest route. This airport is home to around 20 different airlines, and around 12 million people pass through it every year. Another advantage of landing here is the many travel options to other parts of the city — bus lines and shuttles help you reach your destination easily and at low cost, even if you’re visiting for the first time.
Izmir Airport (Adnan Menderes Airport)
As the name suggests, Izmir Airport is located in the city of Izmir, around 18 km from the city centre. Its main perk is that it provides seasonal and chartered flights for international travellers, so if you want to travel during some of the busier months, this airport will serve you well.
Adana Airport (Şakirpaşa Airport)
Adana Airport is estimated to be the 6th-busiest in the country — not surprising, given it has flights to and from around 23 destinations across Europe and Asia, with over 5 million passengers each year. One of the top reasons it’s so popular is that it sits close to the historical city centre, just 2.5 km from the main area, making onward travel incredibly easy.
Dalaman Airport
Dalaman Airport is another international airport that remains extremely popular, because it provides travel options for a large number of international flights — in fact, it offers flights to and from over 120 destinations.
Trabzon Airport
The main draw of Trabzon Airport is that it offers slightly different options for European travellers, with both charter and seasonal flights. As a result, it isn’t nearly as busy as some of the others, accommodating around 3 million people each year.
Other Modes of Transport
The quickest way to get from the UK to Turkey is to fly, but it isn’t the only option — it’s also possible to take a train or bus. As you can imagine, though, this journey is longer and requires a few transfers along the way.
If you want to use public transport, the bus is often the easiest way. If you’re travelling from Northern Ireland or Scotland, you’ll first have to travel to London Victoria Station, from where you can travel to the Bulgarian city of Sofia, and then on to Istanbul.
In total, you can expect this trip to take between two and three days. Travelling from London to Turkey by bus may be cheaper than flying — but if your starting point is Scotland or Ireland, it will actually cost less to travel by air.
Best Time to Travel to Turkey
Turkey is a great destination all year round, but certain times of year are particularly good for travelling. If you want to visit Istanbul or the European part of Turkey, consider going during the spring or autumn months.
Spring runs from April to May, while autumn runs from September to mid-November. During these periods, temperatures are moderate and most cities enjoy clear skies. If you’d like warm summers or mild winters, head to the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts.
Bear in mind that the further east you travel in Turkey, the more extreme the climate can become — summers are very hot and winters fairly cold, and it isn’t uncommon to see snow during winter in these regions.
Tips for Travelling to Turkey
To make your trip even better, follow the tips below when booking:
Check Visa Requirements
If you’re a UK or British national, you don’t need a visa to enter Turkey for tourism — you can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Travellers from some other countries may still need an e-visa, which can be applied for online up to three months before travel and is typically valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. When in doubt, always check the latest official visa requirements before you fly.
Book Ahead During Busy Times
As mentioned, there are certain times of year when Turkey is flooded with visitors. If you’d like to visit during this period, plan well ahead and make all your travel arrangements in advance. To avoid any hassle when you arrive, you should also book your accommodation beforehand.
Know the National Holidays and Observances
Another thing to be aware of is the holidays and observances practised in Turkey. Cities can be less crowded during these times — but that may be because businesses are closed or operating limited hours, so you may not want to travel during such days, as there will be fewer things to do.
Learn Some Turkish
It’s a good idea to learn at least a few words and phrases in Turkish before you land — you’re sure to enjoy your stay more, as you’ll be able to interact with locals more easily and find your way around. You don’t have to be fluent, but it helps to memorise a few important phrases, and you may want to download a translator app to carry with you for directions or ordering at a restaurant.
Be Ready with Currency
The local currency is the Turkish lira. It’s worth having some lira on hand, as there’s a good chance you’ll need to pay for certain things immediately. You’ll find ATMs easily enough once you’ve arrived, but don’t rely on them alone — if you’re travelling to a different region, it’s best to keep small amounts of cash with you. Travellers’ cheques may be more trouble than they’re worth, as they aren’t readily accepted and often mean long waits at a bank, so it’s best to rely on cash or card.
Be Aware of Social Customs
For the most part, Turkey is a fairly liberal country, but it helps to be aware of local customs. You’ll feel more comfortable dressing modestly in most cities, and if you’d like to avoid unnecessary attention, it’s best to cover up. You should also do some research before visiting places of religious significance — visitors are expected to follow certain rules, so it’s best to be prepared. For instance, women need to cover their head before entering a mosque, and it’s considered very disrespectful to pass in front of anyone who is praying.
Be Prepared to Haggle
One of the main reasons people visit Turkey is to shop, which you can do in virtually any city. Shopping here may be a little different from what you’re used to, though — you’re expected to haggle. It isn’t uncommon for tourists to be quoted much higher prices than locals, so you’ll often need to bargain to bring prices down. To know how far to haggle, ask locals what you should expect to pay for certain items, so you’ll know when someone is trying to take advantage.
Combining Your Trip with Dental Treatment?
Many of our patients turn their treatment into a proper Mediterranean break in Antalya. Start a free online dental consultation before you fly, and we’ll have your personalised plan ready for when you arrive.
Uğur Gültekinler D.D.S. graduated with his dental degree from the Faculty of Dentistry in Izmir, Turkey, in 2003. With over two decades of experience, he has developed a deep passion for cosmetic dentistry, using only the finest techniques and most advanced materials to create beautiful smiles.
Co-founder of Smile Dental, one of Turkey’s most advanced dental clinics, Uğur Gültekinler D.D.S. is our lead smile designer — combining years of hands-on expertise with cutting-edge digital smile design technology. Working closely with each patient, he tailors treatments to individual goals using his extensive knowledge in dental crowns and veneers.
Uğur Gültekinler D.D.S. is fluent in Turkish and English.
