San Francisco (SFO) → Istanbul (IST)
About San Francisco to Istanbul Flights
Discover the best flights from San Francisco to Istanbul, covering 10,765 km in approximately 13h 57m. San Francisco (SFO) to Istanbul (IST) is one of the major long-haul routes connecting United States and Turkey. With 7 major airlines operating this route, travelers have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, our comprehensive guide helps you find the best deals, understand seasonal price variations, and choose the right airline for your journey from San Francisco to Istanbul.
12-Month Price History
Flight prices from San Francisco to Istanbul vary significantly throughout the year. February typically offers the best deals with average prices around $1926, while July sees the highest prices, averaging $3245. Savvy travelers can save up to 41% by choosing their travel dates wisely.
Best Time to Fly
Cheapest Month
February
Save up to 40% on average
Most Expensive
July
Peak season pricing
Book in Advance
125 days
For best prices
Booking Tips
For the best prices on San Francisco to Istanbul flights, we recommend booking 95 days in advance. International flights typically see price increases as the departure date approaches, so early booking is advisable. Tuesday and Wednesday departures often offer the lowest fares, while Friday and Sunday flights tend to be more expensive due to business and leisure travel demand. Consider flying early morning or late evening for additional savings, as these off-peak times usually have lower demand.
Airlines Serving This Route
| Airline | Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|
Alaska Airlines AS | $2100 | $9280 | $11990 |
United Airlines UA | $2180 | $6810 | $13020 |
British Airways BA | $2240 | $8350 | $15820 |
Delta Air Lines DL | $2460 | $9170 | $14730 |
American Airlines AA | $2490 | $7300 | $13380 |
Air France AF | $2590 | $8360 | $12920 |
Turkish Airlines TK | $2600 | $8370 | $10820 |
Alaska Airlines
AS
Economy
$2100
Business
$9280
First
$11990
United Airlines
UA
Economy
$2180
Business
$6810
First
$13020
British Airways
BA
Economy
$2240
Business
$8350
First
$15820
Delta Air Lines
DL
Economy
$2460
Business
$9170
First
$14730
American Airlines
AA
Economy
$2490
Business
$7300
First
$13380
Air France
AF
Economy
$2590
Business
$8360
First
$12920
Turkish Airlines
TK
Economy
$2600
Business
$8370
First
$10820
Prices shown are estimates based on historical data. Actual prices may vary based on dates, availability, and current promotions.
Alternative Flight Options
San Jose → Istanbul
San Jose International (SJC) to Istanbul (IST)
Distance: 10,777 km
Average price: $2232
Oakland → Istanbul
Oakland International (OAK) to Istanbul (IST)
Distance: 10,749 km
Average price: $2226
Sacramento → Istanbul
Sacramento International (SMF) to Istanbul (IST)
Distance: 10,628 km
Average price: $2202
San Jose → Istanbul
San Jose International (SJC) to Istanbul (IST)
Distance: 10,777 km
Average price: $2232
Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Found your flight? Protect your trip with SafetyWing's comprehensive travel insurance. Perfect for trips to Istanbul, Turkey.
- Medical coverage up to $250,000
- Trip interruption & delays covered
- Lost luggage protection included
From just $45/month • Works in 180+ countries • COVID-19 coverage included
Trusted by 100,000+ travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Istanbul?
The flight time from San Francisco (SFO) to Istanbul (IST) is approximately 13 hours and 57 minutes. This duration is for direct flights and may vary depending on aircraft type, weather conditions, and air traffic.
What is the distance between San Francisco and Istanbul?
The aerial distance between San Francisco and Istanbul is 10,765 kilometers (6,689 miles). This is the straight-line distance, which is used to calculate flight times.
Which airlines fly from San Francisco to Istanbul?
Several airlines operate flights between San Francisco and Istanbul, including United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Turkish Airlines and 4 more airlines. Most flights on this route include one or more stops.
What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Istanbul?
Based on historical data, February typically offers the lowest airfares for flights from San Francisco to Istanbul. However, prices can vary based on holidays, events, and airline promotions. We recommend checking our price calendar for the most up-to-date information.
How far in advance should I book my flight to Istanbul?
For the best prices on San Francisco to Istanbul flights, we recommend booking 82 days in advance. International flights generally require earlier booking than domestic routes.
Do I need a visa to travel from San Francisco to Istanbul?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of United States traveling to Turkey should check the latest visa requirements. Visit our partner site visarequirements.io for detailed visa information.
What is the time difference between San Francisco and Istanbul?
San Francisco operates on America/Los_Angeles time zone, while Istanbul is in the Europe/Istanbul time zone. For current time differences and to plan your schedule, visit our partner site timezig.com for accurate timezone conversions.