SFO - IST

$462 Find Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$898
Typical prices: $945-$1,387
Lufthansa
Sun 1/7Tue 1/23
SFO - IST • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$927
Typical prices: $952-$1,412
Turkish Airlines
Fri 3/2Sun 3/11
SFO - IST • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with Turkish Airlines. Average duration is 13h 06m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 89% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 17 weeks in advance save around 30% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 29% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $704 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 17h 09m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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Flight Deals
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Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Istanbul (SFO-IST)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from San Francisco to Istanbul

Thu, Jan 7 - Sat, Jan 23
Lufthansa Logo
2:45 pm - 10:45 pmSFO  San Francisco-IST Istanbul
21h 00m1 stop Frankfurt am Main
Lufthansa Logo
6:30 am - 12:35 pmIST  Istanbul-SFO San Francisco
17h 05m1 stop Frankfurt am Main
$898Lufthansa
Sat, Jan 9 - Sat, Jan 16
Lufthansa Logo
2:45 pm - 10:45 pmSFO  San Francisco-IST Istanbul
21h 00m1 stop Frankfurt am Main
Lufthansa Logo
6:30 am - 12:35 pmIST  Istanbul-SFO San Francisco
17h 05m1 stop Frankfurt am Main
$898Lufthansa
Wed, Nov 25 - Tue, Dec 1
British Airways Logo
4:00 pm - 5:40 pmSFO  San Francisco-IST Istanbul
38h 40m2 stops Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl London Heathrow
British Airways Logo
6:35 pm - 8:35 pmIST  Istanbul-SFO San Francisco
37h 00m2 stops London Heathrow Los Angeles
$898British Airways
Tue, Jan 5 - Mon, Jan 11
British Airways Logo
3:44 pm - 1:05 amSFO  San Francisco-IST Istanbul
22h 21m2 stops Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl London Heathrow
British Airways Logo
6:30 pm - 2:55 pmIST  Istanbul-SFO San Francisco
31h 25m1 stop London Heathrow
$898British Airways
Sat, Dec 12 - Thu, Dec 17
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:32 pm - 4:30 pmSFO  San Francisco-IST Istanbul
32h 58m3 stops Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl Los Angeles Casablanca Mohamed V
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:10 pm - 4:44 pmIST  Istanbul-SFO San Francisco
33h 34m3 stops Casablanca Mohamed V Los Angeles Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
$899Multiple Airlines
Thu, Dec 3 - Wed, Dec 9
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:37 am - 6:10 pmSFO  San Francisco-IST Istanbul
22h 33m2 stops Calgary Frankfurt am Main
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:05 pm - 9:33 pmIST  Istanbul-SFO San Francisco
37h 28m2 stops Frankfurt am Main Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl
$899Multiple Airlines
Thu, Nov 19 - Thu, Nov 26
United Airlines Logo
8:25 am - 10:45 pmSFO  San Francisco-IST Istanbul
27h 20m2 stops Toronto Pearson Intl Frankfurt am Main
United Airlines Logo
6:30 am - 7:48 amIST  Istanbul-SFO San Francisco
36h 18m2 stops Frankfurt am Main Denver Intl
$900United Airlines
Thu, Dec 3 - Tue, Dec 22
United Airlines Logo
7:15 am - 6:10 pmSFO  San Francisco-IST Istanbul
23h 55m2 stops Seattle/Tacoma Intl Frankfurt am Main
United Airlines Logo
7:05 pm - 12:35 pmIST  Istanbul-SFO San Francisco
28h 30m1 stop Frankfurt am Main
$900United Airlines
Fri, Dec 25 - Tue, Mar 23
KLM Logo
1:50 pm - 4:55 pmSFO  San Francisco-IST Istanbul
16h 05m1 stop Amsterdam Schiphol
KLM Logo
7:15 am - 1:55 pmIST  Istanbul-SFO San Francisco
16h 40m1 stop Paris Charles de Gaulle
$904KLM
Thu, Nov 26 - Sat, Dec 5
KLM Logo
1:50 pm - 4:55 pmSFO  San Francisco-IST Istanbul
16h 05m1 stop Amsterdam Schiphol
KLM Logo
7:15 am - 12:55 pmIST  Istanbul-SFO San Francisco
16h 40m1 stop Paris Charles de Gaulle
$907KLM
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for San Francisco to Istanbul Airport flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

How much is a round-trip flight from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport?

Round-trip flights from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport typically range from $945 to $1,387. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $898, on Lufthansa.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport?

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport. It’s 6% cheaper than the average day, while Friday is the most expensive, with prices 5% higher.

What’s the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport?

•February is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport at $814 round-trip.
•June ($1,478) and July ($1,376) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 81% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport the cheapest?

Flights from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport are cheapest 17 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 30% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Key details for San Francisco to Istanbul Airport flights

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$462
Beat the crowds with an average 29% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 41% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport

When to book flights from San Francisco to Istanbul

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San Francisco to Istanbul based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Flights from San Francisco to Istanbul: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from San Francisco to Istanbul 
Verified travelerFlew with Turkish Airlines-May 2026
Be sure your layover time in Istanbul is long enough to get on the next flight.
benedictFlew with Turkish Airlines-Mar 2024
Polaris lounge is located in the G gate and Turkish flies from A gate. Go to G gate first if you want to hang out at the lounge

Your San Francisco to Istanbul Airport flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking tips.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport:

    • Earliest: departs at 6:35 pm and lands at 7:41 am
    • Latest: departs at 7:35 pm and lands at 8:41 am.

    The flight takes about 13h 06m.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport?

    Three cabin classes are available on flights from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport:

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class

  • How long is a flight from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport?

    A nonstop flight from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport takes 13h 06m, covering 6,684 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport?

    Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a San Francisco to Istanbul Airport flight?

    Round-trip flights from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport range from $945 to $1,387, with an average of $1,139 over the past 12 months. Anything below $945 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute San Francisco to Istanbul Airport flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 10% above the $1,139 route average. Book 17 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $704 round-trip via Kastrup Copenhagen (CPH), compared to $1,154 for nonstop.

  • How does on-time performance compare across airlines flying from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport?

    Turkish Airlines is the only airline operating San Francisco to Istanbul Airport flights. 89% of its flights are on time.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $70–$100 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite-status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • Which aircraft model is used most often on flights from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport?

    The Airbus A350-900 family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by Turkish Airlines. Other aircraft seen on the route include Boeing 777-300ER variants.

  • How are flight departures from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport spread across the day?

    Evening is the busiest departure period on San Francisco to Istanbul Airport flights, with 100% of flights leaving in that window. Morning departures account for 0%, afternoon flights for 0%, and night flights for 0%.

  • How are flight prices from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport looking right now?

    One-way fares from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport are currently higher than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $860, which is 19% above the typical average for this route.

  • What car rental options are available at Istanbul Airport (IST)?

    Istanbul Airport (IST) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $10 for economy cars. Top options include:

    • CIRCULAR
    • Avec Car Rental
    • Ok Mobility
    • Alamo
    • Autounion Car Rental

  • Which airports can I use when flying from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport?

    Flights from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport usually depart from San Francisco (SFO) and arrive at Istanbul (IST).

  • What time of day has the fewest delays on flights from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport?

    Evening flights have the fewest delays on this route, while afternoon departures tend to have the most.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the San Francisco to Istanbul Airport route, 11% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 2h 10m.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport pass through?

    One-stop flights from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport most commonly connect through:

    • Frankfurt am Main (FRA) - 44% of one-stop connections
    • Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) - 10% of one-stop connections
    • London Heathrow (LHR) - 9% of one-stop connections
    • Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) - 9% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 11% on flights from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport. Wednesday is the cheapest departure day at $1,075 round-trip on average, while Friday is the most expensive at $1,200, a difference of $125.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • What airlines fly from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport?

    Only Turkish Airlines operates flights between San Francisco and Istanbul Airport.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport?

    Flying via Frankfurt am Main (FRA) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 17h 09m, compared with 18h 36m via London Heathrow (LHR) and 18h 40m via Warsaw Frederic Chopin (WAW).

  • What is the time difference between San Francisco and Istanbul Airport?

    Istanbul Airport is 10 hours ahead of San Francisco (Turkey Time vs Pacific Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What popular places can I visit in Istanbul Airport?

    Some of the most popular sights in Istanbul Airport are Taksim Square, Sultan Ahmet Camii and Beyazit Meydani. These are among the most viewed places in Istanbul Airport on KAYAK.

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on San Francisco to Istanbul Airport flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • Turkish Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • IndiGo: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Business Class
    • Pakistan International Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Business Class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route and airline, so always check the fare details before booking.

  • Does IST have a storage facility where I can store some of my luggage?

    If you’d like to leave some of your luggage at IST, you’ll be able to do just that, as the airport boasts Öztürk Luggage Storage, a reliable storage company. This storage company has its lockers in the arrivals area of the airport’s International Terminal. As it offers its services at affordable rates, you need not worry about incurring a massive bill if you use some of its lockers.

  • Can I enjoy spa services at IST?

    At IST, you can enjoy spa services at The Ambassador Spa & Beauty Salon, situated in Terminal 1, adjacent to the IGA lounge. Some of the spa services you can enjoy at this spa include full spa treatments, steaming services, and shower packages. Given that it also has comfortable beds, you can have a short nap at this spa before proceeding with your journey.

  • Where can I comfortably work at SFO?

    If you’d like to do some work while waiting for your flight to Istanbul at SFO, you should visit the airport’s business center. Situated in the Main Hall of the International Terminal, this establishment features personal workspaces, a strong internet connection, as well as photocopying, faxing, and printing machines.

  • Does SFO have baby care facilities?

    If you’re searching for a room where you can privately breastfeed your baby at SFO, you’re in luck, as the airport is home to at least four nursing rooms. Terminals 1 and 3 both feature one nursing room, while Terminal 2 features two.

Your guide to booking San Francisco to Istanbul Airport flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Wednesday departure and avoid flying on Friday. On this route, Wednesday flights average $1,075, about $125 less than Friday fares (10% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 17 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 30% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your San Francisco to Istanbul Airport trip for February. Fares historically average $814 round-trip in that month - typically $664 less than the most expensive month, which is June (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Kastrup Copenhagen Airport (CPH) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $704 round-trip on this route - about $450 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you intend to travel aboard an early morning flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Istanbul, you should consider spending the night before at Grand Hyatt at SFO. From this hotel, you’ll be able to easily get to your departure terminal, given that it is within the grounds of the airport.
  • To get to SFO from San Francisco’s city center, you can do so by bus, train, or taxi. Among the three, it’s in your best interest to travel by train, as the trains that serve this route are just as cheap as the buses and as quick as the taxis.
  • SFO boasts onsite and off-site parking facilities. If you’d like to park your car at this airport for the duration of your trip, consider parking it at one of the airport’s off-site parking garages, as these garages are cheaper than those present within the airport’s grounds. Given that off-site garages at this airport usually feature airport shuttle services, if you park at any, you need not worry about struggling to get to the airport once you leave your car.
  • Istanbul has two airports, Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW). Of the two, only IST serves flights from SFO. Thus, in this city, you’ll disembark from your flight at IST.
  • At IST, prayer rooms can be found in each concourse. In total, there are 22 prayer rooms available for men and 22 others available for women. Given that these prayer rooms are always open if you’d like to pray once you alight at this airport, you’ll have multiple prayer rooms to choose from.

Prefer to fly direct from San Francisco to Istanbul Airport?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from San Francisco Airport to Istanbul Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

San Francisco to Istanbul

Monday

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines

Tuesday

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines

Wednesday

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines

Thursday

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines

Friday

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines

Saturday

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines

Sunday

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Istanbul to San Francisco

Monday

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines

Tuesday

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines

Wednesday

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines

Thursday

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines

Friday

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines

Saturday

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines

Sunday

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from San Francisco to Istanbul

Complete your trip to Istanbul with a hotel stay or car rental