$374 Cheap Flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Istanbul (IST)

Los Angeles (LAX) to Istanbul (IST) at a glance

Embark on your journey from Los Angeles (LAX) to Istanbul (IST) with a range of airlines providing options for your long-haul flight. Explore various itineraries from full-service carriers that cater to your budget and schedule, ensuring you make the most of your time in Istanbul's iconic neighborhoods and attractions. Discover essential information about flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Istanbul Airport (IST) as you plan your adventure.

• Fastest flight duration: around 13h 15m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 6,900 miles (11,100 km)
• Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $340–$1025, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Istanbul Airport (IST)

According to the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Los Angeles to Istanbul, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Common layover points include Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) with a layover of about 2 hours and 15 minutes, Heathrow Airport (LHR) at roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes, and Schiphol Airport (AMS), also around 2 hours and 30 minutes. This variety allows you to customize your travel experience based on price, total journey time, and cabin class for the best itinerary.

• Turkish Airlines: As a comprehensive airline, it provides non-stop flights, boasting one-way fares that generally fall between $405 and $2870. This carrier handles about 66% of departures along this route, with a total travel duration of 13 hours and 15 minutes.
• Lufthansa: This full-service airline offers both one-stop and multi-stop options, with one-way ticket prices typically ranging from $340 to $875. It accounts for around 11% of the route's departures, featuring an in-flight time of 14 hours and a total journey time of approximately 16 hours and 15 minutes.
• British Airways: Another full-service choice, British Airways provides one-stop flights, with one-way fares generally between $340 and $1000. It represents about 6% of departures on this route, with 14 hours spent in the air and a total journey time close to 16 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
• United: Operating as a full-service airline, United offers both one-stop and multi-stop journeys, with one-way prices typically ranging from $345 to $2000. This airline covers roughly 5% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 14 hours and a total journey duration of around 16 hours and 15 minutes.
• KLM: KLM is a full-service carrier providing one-stop flights, with one-way fares generally between $390 and $955. It accounts for approximately 3% of the departures along this route, with an in-flight duration of 14 hours and a total travel time of roughly 16 hours and 15 minutes, including layover periods.

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from Los Angeles to Istanbul by upgrading to business class, available through both Turkish Airlines and United Airlines for this route.

Best time to fly from Los Angeles (LAX) to Istanbul (IST)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Los Angeles to Istanbul are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Istanbul reach up to 54.3°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 57.2°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $629). Flight availability peaks in June, with approximately 20 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January and February have the fewest flights, with approximately 13 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: November usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $629, roughly 24% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: March typically offers an average one-way fare of around $676.
• Most flight options: June has the highest number of flights from Los Angeles to Istanbul, with approximately 20 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative route from Los Angeles (LAX) to Istanbul (IST)

• Los Angeles to Istanbul (LAX-SAW): Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is located approximately 38 miles from Istanbul Airport (IST). One-way economy prices for this route generally fall between $330 and $790, influenced by the season and how far in advance you book. Travelers can choose from both one-stop and multi-stop flights, with common layover points including Schiphol Airport (AMS) and Hamad International Airport (DOH). Major airlines on this route consist of KLM and Delta.

How to find the best prices for flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Istanbul (IST)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Los Angeles to Istanbul is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers typically book two to eight weeks ahead. Evening departures (6 PM to 12 AM) tend to be less expensive, while afternoon flights (12 PM to 6 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday often yields lower prices, whereas Saturday remains the busiest travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Istanbul Airport from Los Angeles International Airport

Istanbul welcomes travelers from Los Angeles with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Istanbul city center is approximately a 20-minute drive (covering about 16 miles) from Istanbul Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Istanbul efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Istanbul, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Istanbul Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Istanbul Airport on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Los Angeles to Istanbul Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Los Angeles to Istanbul

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Los Angeles to Istanbul are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to Istanbul with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Los Angeles to Istanbul

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Los Angeles to Istanbul: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Los Angeles to Istanbul

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Los Angeles to Istanbul in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $374 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Los Angeles to Istanbul flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Los Angeles to Istanbul airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.