$375 Cheap Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Istanbul (IST)

San Francisco (SFO) to Istanbul (IST) at a glance

Travel from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Istanbul Airport (IST) with a selection of airlines on this international long-haul route. Compare flight prices and explore options for cheap flights from San Francisco to Istanbul, allowing you to find an itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule. As you plan your journey, get ready to discover the rich sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Istanbul.

• Fastest flight duration: around 13 hours non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 6,700 miles (10,780 km)
• Flights per week: around 12 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $370–$1030, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Istanbul Airport (IST)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines flying from San Francisco to Istanbul, favored for both non-stop and one-stop flights. Common layover options include Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) and Schiphol Airport (AMS), each with a layover of about 2 hours and 30 minutes. These choices allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the perfect itinerary for your journey.

• Turkish Airlines: As a comprehensive airline, it provides non-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $430 and $2670. This carrier operates around 67% of the flights on this route, with an overall travel time of 13 hours.
• United: This full-service airline offers both one-stop and multi-stop options, with one-way fares typically ranging from $375 to $1205. United makes up about 11% of the departures on this route, featuring a flight time of 14 hours for one stop and a total journey duration of approximately 16 hours and 15 minutes.
• Lufthansa: Known for its one-stop services, Lufthansa's one-way fares usually range from $370 to $940. It constitutes roughly 10% of the departures for this route, with an in-flight duration of 14 hours and a total travel time of around 16 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
• KLM: This full-service carrier offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically between $370 and $705. KLM accounts for about 5% of the flights on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 14 hours and a total journey time of approximately 16 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
• British Airways: Providing one-stop and multi-stop services, British Airways has one-way fares generally ranging from $380 to $770. This airline represents around 2% of departures on this route, with an expected in-flight time of 14 hours and a total journey time of about 16 hours and 15 minutes.

Travelers flying from San Francisco to Istanbul have the option to upgrade their experience, with business class service available from both Turkish Airlines and United for this route.

Best time to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Istanbul (IST)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Francisco to Istanbul are March, April, and June, when peak temperatures in Istanbul reach up to 72.5°F in June. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 72.3°F. For better deals, February usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $693. Flight availability peaks in June, with approximately 19 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. October has the fewest flights, with approximately 9 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: February usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $693, roughly 16% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: March, September, and January typically offer average one-way fares of around $722.
• Most flight options: June has the highest number of flights from San Francisco to Istanbul, with approximately 19 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 routes from San Francisco (SFO) to Istanbul (IST)

• Oakland to Istanbul (OAK-IST): Located about 12 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK) serves as a convenient departure point for flights to Istanbul.
• San Francisco to Istanbul (SFO-SAW): Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), situated roughly 38 miles from Istanbul Airport (IST), provides an alternative for travelers flying from San Francisco.
• Oakland to Istanbul (OAK-SAW): Departing from Oakland International Airport (OAK), which is approximately 12 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), flights can reach Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), located about 38 miles from Istanbul Airport (IST).

How to find the best prices for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Istanbul (IST)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Francisco 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 found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures (5 am-12 pm) often offer lower prices, although afternoon flights (12 pm-6 pm) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally provides cheaper options, while 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 San Francisco International Airport

Istanbul welcomes travelers from San Francisco 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.

San Francisco to Istanbul Flights

The cheapest times to fly from San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Istanbul are during the month of April. You can find some of the cheapest flights from San Francisco to Istanbul with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from San Francisco to Istanbul

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Istanbul in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $375 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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.