Traveling from Istanbul to San Francisco International Airport (SFO): What you need to know
There are a couple of airports to jet off from in Istanbul. Check out your options leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when booking your flight from Istanbul to San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Expect to be traveling for 13 hours 40 minutes. On average, that's the time it takes for a direct Istanbul to San Francisco International Airport flight.
San Francisco is ten hours behind Istanbul. San Francisco International Airport is located in San Francisco, which operates on the UTC-7 timezone.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the most popular route. There are 12 direct weekly departures to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, hop on the last flight with Turkish Airlines at 1:50pm. Opt for the first IST to SFO departure operated by Turkish Airlines at 7:10am if getting there sooner works for you.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are golden rules for hassle-free flying. Be at the airport on time to catch your flight from Istanbul to SFO.
During peak travel periods, expect longer wait times and be there earlier. Aim for at least two hours ahead for domestic flights and as much as four hours for international trips.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Fly without interruptions from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Nonstop flights from Istanbul to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) operate from here.
You'll find a direct flight from Istanbul to San Francisco International Airport with Turkish Airlines. This popular carrier operates services from IST.
The majority of travelers prefer to fly with Turkish Airlines from IST to SFO.
Think about adding a stopover to find cheap flights from Istanbul to SFO. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Break up your trip (and maybe get a better deal) by stopping at one of these popular options:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
The journey from central Istanbul to IST takes about 1 hour 45 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a cab, you'll cover the 48 kilometers in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a hassle-free start to your travels? Stay near Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Istanbul to San Francisco International Airport or prefer not to feel hurried, these hotels are the ideal choice:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Break up your flight from Istanbul to San Francisco International Airport with a stop so you can stretch your legs or cross another place off your list. Popular stopovers between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and SFO are:
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
You can get to SAW from the center of Istanbul in approximately 55 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to travel the 48 kilometers or so.
Got an early start? Think about checking in to one of these hotels near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport the day before your Istanbul to SFO flight:
When it comes to keeping flights punctual, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 76.93%.
About San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
If you're coming in on a late flight from Istanbul to San Francisco International Airport, nothing tops the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your luggage at baggage claim and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these hotels near SFO:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up a San Francisco International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Hertz and experience the lesser-explored corners of San Francisco and beyond.
Booking your vehicle around one week in advance of your Istanbul to San Francisco International Airport flight can help you get the lowest rate.
Getting from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to central San Francisco
San Francisco International Airport is about 18 kilometers from central San Francisco. How long it takes to get there in a car rental or cab will depend on the time of day. Do some research before you go.
It takes roughly 45 minutes if you're traveling by public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to San Francisco International Airport is AED 1,310. For a return flight on this route, the best price is AED 2,041. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares could change.
To find cheap flights from Istanbul to SFO, book ahead. Airlines generally offer lower prices when flights first go on sale.
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price in every month when searching for your Istanbul to San Francisco International Airport ticket.
Never miss a deal on flight tickets from Istanbul to SFO by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Find the best deal on a flight from Istanbul to San Francisco International Airport with the help of the filters. Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
The best time to fly from Istanbul to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
August is the most popular month for flights from Istanbul to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Plan your visit to San Francisco in February for a more low-key escape.
Lock in an Istanbul to SFO flight ticket departing in September if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in San Francisco to range from 12ºC (54ºF) to 22ºC (72ºF).
Look for cheap tickets from Istanbul to San Francisco International Airport in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 6ºC (43ºF) and 16ºC (61ºF).
More about San Francisco
Start your San Francisco trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Istanbul to San Francisco International Airport, browse our range of hotels including:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Golden Gate Bridge, Painted Ladies - Alamo Square and Alcatraz Island are must-visits when exploring San Francisco.
Explore more of the United States
San Francisco is always a good idea, but there are so many other corners of the United States waiting to be explored. Around 257 kilometers east of San Francisco, a trip to Fresno will keep you busy. Start with leading attractions like Forestiere Underground Gardens, Shinzen Japanese Garden and Fresno Chaffee Zoo.
Sacramento is another sought-after destination in the United States and is around 129 kilometers north-east of San Francisco. No trip is complete without visiting Old Sacramento Waterfront, Fright Planet - America's Haunted Theme Park and California State Railroad Museum.