Cheap Flights from London to Ankara (ESB)

Find the Best Cheap Flights from London to Ankara (ESB)

Ankara, the political and administrative capital of Turkey, is an increasingly popular destination for travelers from the UK. Whether you’re visiting for business, government meetings, family travel, education, or simply exploring a more authentic and less tourist-heavy part of Turkey, Ankara offers a unique blend of culture, history, and modern city life.

While most international visitors to Turkey fly into Istanbul, many continue onward to Ankara for its universities, embassies, ministries, historical landmarks, and thriving business sector. Because there are no nonstop flights from London to Ankara, travelers rely on smooth 1-stop connections operated by top airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, Lufthansa, and Austrian Airlines.

FlyToDash AI continuously scans fares from London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), and Stansted (STN), comparing all carriers and routing combinations to help you find the cheapest, fastest, and most reliable flight options to Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB).

✔ Which London Airports Fly to Ankara?

Flights to Ankara operate from these main London airports:

• London Heathrow (LHR) — Best for Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines.
• London Gatwick (LGW) — Often cheaper for Pegasus connections.
• London Stansted (STN) — The most budget-friendly; great for Pegasus + Wizz itineraries.

Stansted generally offers the lowest prices, especially for travelers who don’t mind flying with low-cost carriers or taking mixed-airline itineraries.

✔ How Long Are Flights from London to Ankara?

• LHR/LGW/STN → Ankara (ESB): 6.5 to 10 hours total with a layover.
• Most connections pass through:
  • Istanbul IST (Turkish Airlines)
  • Sabiha Gökçen SAW (Pegasus Airlines)
  • Frankfurt or Munich (Lufthansa)
  • Vienna (Austrian Airlines)
  • Bucharest, Warsaw, Belgrade (occasional alternates)

If you want the quickest total travel time, choose Turkish Airlines at LHR → IST → ESB, which usually offers the smoothest transit experience.

✔ Typical Flight Prices from London to Ankara

Round-trip price ranges:

• Low season: £140 – £230 (mostly Pegasus & mixed airlines)
• Average season: £180 – £320
• High season: £280 – £450
• Peak dates: £400 – £600+ (especially around holidays and summers)

FlyToDash AI identifies the cheapest travel dates by comparing fare spikes and dips across multiple booking sites, saving travelers £60–£200 depending on the route.

✔ Best Airlines for London → Ankara

These airlines offer the most reliable 1-stop flights to ESB:

• Turkish Airlines: Fastest connections via Istanbul Airport (IST)
• Pegasus Airlines: Cheapest prices via Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)
• Lufthansa: Premium connections via Frankfurt (FRA) or Munich (MUC)
• Austrian Airlines: Smooth routing via Vienna (VIE)
• Wizz Air: Very low-cost options (usually 2-leg or mixed itineraries)

For the most comfortable journey, Turkish Airlines is the top choice. For the cheapest option, Pegasus or sometimes Wizz Air are unbeatable.

✔ Cheapest Months to Travel from London to Ankara

Flight prices vary by season, but these months consistently offer the lowest fares:

• January – Very cheap after the holiday rush
• February – Off-peak and budget-friendly
• November – Prices drop significantly
• Early December – Great savings before Christmas week

Summer months (June–August) and Turkish holiday periods tend to be more expensive.

✔ Baggage Allowances by Airline

• Turkish Airlines: 23–30 kg checked bag depending on fare
• Pegasus Airlines: 20 kg checked bag (extra for hand luggage on some fares)
• Lufthansa: 23 kg checked bag
• Austrian Airlines: 23 kg checked bag
• Wizz Air: No free cabin bag unless “Wizz Priority” is purchased

Low-cost carriers may display cheaper fares but charge for bags, so FlyToDash AI helps you compare true final prices before booking.

✔ Why Visit Ankara?

Ankara is Turkey’s second-largest city and holds major cultural, political, and modern attractions. Many travelers visit for official matters, but the city also offers deep history, great cuisine, and calm urban life compared to Istanbul.

Top things to do in Ankara:

• Anıtkabir – The Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
• Ankara Castle – Historic fortress with panoramic views
• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations – UNESCO-recognized collection
• Kızılay Square – Shopping, cafes, nightlife
• Hamamönü – Restored Ottoman houses and markets
• Atakule Tower – Amazing views of the city

Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, the city offers a more peaceful and organized atmosphere compared to Istanbul, with excellent value for hotels and dining.

✔ Travel Tips for London → Ankara Flights

• Check Istanbul layover times — avoid layovers under 1 hour or over 10 hours.
• Use FlyToDash AI to compare price differences across all airlines.
• Flexible dates can reduce your total price by £80–£150.
• Stansted + Pegasus often gives the cheapest combination.
• Book 6–10 weeks ahead for the best pricing.
• Flying mid-week (Tue–Wed) is often £30–£60 cheaper.

✔ Family Travel Tips

• Choose Turkish Airlines for the smoothest transit with kids.
• Pegasus offers great value but check baggage rules before booking.
• Ankara Airport (ESB) is extremely clean and easy to navigate.

✔ Business Travel Tips

• Turkish Airlines + IST Lounge is ideal for a premium experience.
• Lufthansa + FRA/MUC offers the most reliable connections.
• Austrian Airlines via Vienna is extremely punctual.

✔ Multi-City Travel Ideas for Turkey

If you're planning a broader Turkey itinerary, these are ideal combinations:

• London → Istanbul → Ankara → London
• London → Ankara → Cappadocia → Istanbul → London
• London → Izmir → Ankara → Antalya → London
• London → Istanbul → Antalya → Ankara → London

✔ More Flights to Turkey

Whether you're traveling for work or planning a cultural getaway, FlyToDash AI makes finding cheap flights from London to Ankara (ESB) faster and easier. Compare all airlines, check the best travel dates, and book confidently with real-time fare search.