Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Istanbul Starting at $302
Helping travelers to find the best flight offers
Cheapest flights from San Francisco to Istanbul
Fly from San Francisco to Istanbul with confidence — our search scans over 700 airlines, more than 50 travel agencies and 5+ top booking systems to surface the best prices, schedules and ticket conditions for your trip. Compare nonstop and connecting options, pick the flights that fit your plans, and book quickly to lock in the ideal balance of value and convenience.
Remember that on average the ideal time to book flights is 2 months before departure!
Fly nonstop from San Francisco to Istanbul for the fastest, most convenient way to bridge the Pacific and the Bosphorus — arrive sooner and start exploring without the hassle of plane changes. While connecting itineraries can sometimes be cheaper, a direct flight saves hours and delivers a more comfortable, stress-free travel experience worth considering when planning your trip.
Schedule of direct flights from San Francisco to Istanbul
A direct flight is the easiest way to get to your destination. The following airlines operate non-stop flights from San Francisco to Istanbul:
San Francisco airports overview
•
•
•
Istanbul airports overview
•
•
•
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Answers to questions about the route that travelers are most interested in.
Special offers and sales on air tickets from San Francisco to Istanbul
We keep tight track on airlines' pre-holidays sales and other special offers occurences all the time to let you save maximum amount of funds while traveling to your family or just going out on vacation.
Alternative routes
•••••••••••••••••••
February 2026
Lowest price
on average:
$304
July 2026
Highest price
on average:
$592
Avg Price
The route San Francisco — Istanbul is served by many carriers — 12 in total, including Turkish Airlines, Westjet, Flair Airlines Ltd., Frontier Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, TAP Portugal, British Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Aer Lingus, French Blue, and American Airlines. This gives passengers wide opportunities: from finding the lowest fare (from $302) to selecting flights by schedule or service class. Our service aggregates data from multiple booking systems so you can compare offers in one place. This saves time and money: no need to check dozens of sites — just pick the right option and book online.
San Francisco International (SFO) is the region’s primary international hub, handling a mix of long-haul carriers, major U.S. airlines and several international partners; low-cost airlines also operate some routes. Located about 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, travel typically takes 20–35 minutes by BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) or 20–40 minutes by car depending on traffic. BART fares to downtown generally range from modest to mid-level while airport shuttles and rideshares can be more variable. Pros: extensive international connections, multiple terminal amenities and reliable public transit; cons: busy peak periods, potential for traffic and occasional delays during check-in and security.
The distance between San Francisco and Istanbul is 10782km (6685 miles). The average flight duration is 17h 12m. There are 11 direct flights from San Francisco to Istanbul. The time difference between San Francisco and Istanbul is 11h. Flights from San Francisco begin at 1:10 PM. The latest flight from San Francisco departs at 7:50 PM
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the city's primary international hub and is typically the first choice for long-haul and many European services, hosting national flag carriers and full-service airlines alongside several global carriers. Located about 35–45 km northwest of the historic center, journey times to Taksim or Sultanahmet can be around 40–60 minutes by car depending on traffic; airport shuttles and taxis are widely available, while the Havaist and municipal buses offer budget options with fares usually in a modest range and the M11 metro line providing faster connections. Pros include modern facilities, plentiful lounges and many flight choices; cons can be longer transfer distances and occasional heavy traffic at peak times.
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) functions as Istanbul’s major budget and secondary international airport, commonly serving low-cost carriers and regional flights along with some full-service operators. Positioned on the city’s Asian side, it lies roughly 35–45 km from central Sultanahmet and often takes around 45–75 minutes by road depending on congestion; E-10 shuttle buses, municipal buses, private transfers and taxis provide links, and recent metro extensions have improved rail access. Typical travelers find generally lower fares on many routes and a simpler, more budget-oriented experience, while downsides can include longer surface travel times to European-side destinations and fewer long-haul flight options.
How much is the cheapest flight ticket from San Francisco to Istanbul?
The cheapest flight ticket from San Francisco to Istanbul according to data for the last 48 hours costs $302
When is the best time to buy air tickets on the route San Francisco — Istanbul?
Often the best time to buy tickets from San Francisco to Istanbul is 2 months before departure.
When is the cheapest time of year to fly from San Francisco to Istanbul?
Based on statistics over the past years, the lowest prices for flights from San Francisco to Istanbul can be found flying in these months: February, January, March.
How long does it take to fly from San Francisco to Istanbul?
The fastest flights from San Francisco to Istanbul start from 16 hours 5 minutes in the air.
Which airline can fly direct from San Francisco to Istanbul?
The following airlines operate direct flights on the route San Francisco — Istanbul: Turkish Airlines
In different months, ticket prices from San Francisco to Istanbul vary: minimum — $304 (February 2026), maximum — $592 (July 2026). Typically, the flight costs $411–$422.
