Shortest Flight
LOT Polish Airlines
14 Oct, Wed
San Francisco – Istanbul
15h
1 stop
SFO–IST
Search Flights from San Francisco to Istanbul
Quick Flight Summary from San Francisco to Istanbul
- Lowest recent price $484
- Direct flight duration 12 hour 55 min
- Arrival airports SAW / IST
- Best days to book Sunday, Monday
- Average over the last 30 days $517
Cheapest flights from San Francisco to Istanbul
Lufthansa
20 Oct, Tue
San Francisco – Istanbul
19h
1 stop
SFO–IST
Air Canada
29 Nov, Sun
San Francisco – Istanbul
1d 40m
2 stop
SFO–IST
Lufthansa
1 Nov, Sun
San Francisco – Istanbul
16h 25m
1 stop
SFO–IST
Air Canada
17 Oct, Sat
San Francisco – Istanbul
1d 11h 30m
2 stop
SFO–IST
Air Canada
21 Oct, Wed
San Francisco – Istanbul
18h 40m
2 stop
SFO–IST
Air Canada
2 Nov, Mon
San Francisco – Istanbul
1d 14h 15m
2 stop
SFO–IST
Air Canada
26 Oct, Mon
San Francisco – Istanbul
1d 1h 40m
2 stop
SFO–IST
Air Canada
27 Oct, Tue
San Francisco – Istanbul
1d 1h 40m
2 stop
SFO–IST
Last update: 14 October 2026 05:18
Estimated Prices for San Francisco to Istanbul Flights
Cheapest Day14 October Wednesday
Best Price
$484
Average Price
$657
$744
$484
Key Features of the Airlines
- Budget Turkish Flights
- Domestic Focus
- Turkish Airlines Partner
- Best LCC Middle East
- Flexible Rebooking
- Wide Domestic Network
- Turkey's LCC Leader
- Digital-First Airline
- Wide Turkish Network
- Star Alliance Member
- Complimentary Meals
- 2x23kg Baggage
- Lowest Fares
- Hajj & Umrah Specialist
- Easy Mobile Booking
Information compiled by AI. For the most up-to-date information, contact the airline.
Transportation to Airport from San Francisco City Center
San Francisco Intl. Airport
Located 21 km from the city center, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a major transit center for passengers, particularly those traveling from Asia. San Francisco International is the second busiest airport in California, following Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Every year SFO handles a significant number of both domestic and international flights. There are a variety of transportation alternatives passengers can utilize to get to and from the airport.
San Francisco International Airport stands out for the comfortable and exceptional services it offers. The airport features services aimed at meeting your every need, from comfortable passenger lounges, to restaurants that offer a wide variety of cuisines and a vibrant array of stores where you can go shopping.
San Francisco International Airport is accessible by taxi, bus, train, rental car, and personal car as the airport contains parking lots that offer short-term and long-term parking options.
Train
There are two rail systems that you can use to get to San Francisco International Airport from the city center. The first is the rapid-rail system, the BART. The BART starts running in the early hours of the morning, providing easy and fast transportation between SFO and the northern and southern parts of the city.
The other rail system that you can use to get to SFO is the CalTrain. This train departs on the hour, every hour, every day of the week, until 10 pm. This train provides transportation between San Francisco and San Jose and SFO.
Taxi
One of the most convenient and fastest transportation alternatives to get to SFO from the city center is by taxi. Taxi fares are calculated based on the kilometers traveled. A taxi from downtown San Francisco can cost between 42 and 62 dollars and takes about 20 minutes. For more information on taxi companies and their contact information please visit San Francisco International Airport’s website.
Bus
SamTrans buses provide transportation between the San Francisco city center and the airport. These public buses are operated by San Mateo County and run between San Mateo, various parts of San Francisco and San Francisco International Airport. SamTrans lines KX, 292, 397, and 398 run directly to the airport terminals. Buses stop at the arrivals and baggage claim level of Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 and at Level 1 of the International Terminal.
Rental Car
Renting a car is another transportation alternative to get to the airport. There are many rental car companies located in the city. You can drop off your rental vehicle at the Rental Car Center before your departure. From the Rental Car Center the AirTrain Blue Line provides access to the airport terminals and it operates 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Rental car companies that you can choose from include Alamo, Dollar, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, National, Budget, Fox and Thrifty.
Bike
San Francisco International Airport contains bike assembly stations and parking areas for those who want to access the airport by bike. The BART and SamTrans rapid rail systems provide passengers with bike/transit options and the airport features marked bicycle routes. Bike lovers can easily access the airport by bicycle.
Airport Information
San Francisco International Airport is located 21 km from the city center. The airport covers an expansive area and operates domestic and international flights out of 4 terminals, Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal. The AirTrain automated system provides free transportation between each terminal, as well as the Rental Car Center and BART station. The AirTrain Red Line links all terminals, terminal garages and the BART Station. The AirTrain Blue Line links the Rental Car Center with all terminals, terminal garages, and the BART Station. SFO also contains a variety of services and amenities to meet passengers’ pre-flight and post-flight needs.
The airport features health services in the terminals, rental car offices, banks, a lost and found, wireless internet, charging stations, clothing stores where you can go shopping, restaurants and cafes, the Aviation Museum & Library, rotating exhibitions, spa services, children’s play areas, free yoga rooms, a market, and much more.
Transportation to Istanbul City Center from Airport
Sabiha Gökçen Intl. Airport
Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located in Pendik, on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul. From the airport, you can get to the city center by metro, municipal bus, Havabus, public transport with a Marmaray transfer, taxi, car rental, or transfer service.
Metro- The airport is the terminus of the M4 Kadıköy–Sabiha Gökçen Airport metro line. The line takes about 50 minutes to get from the airport to Kadıköy.
- You can transfer to Marmaray at Ayrılık Çeşmesi station and to the Metrobus at Ünalan station.
- Timetables and weekend night services vary according to the current IBB (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality) schedule. For up-to-date information, you can check Metro Istanbul's announcements.
- You board the metro with an Istanbulkart. To buy a card, you can use the ticket machines at the stations.
- With Havabus services, you can reach Taksim and Kadıköy without transfers.
- The Taksim line follows the Kavacık and Zincirlikuyu route. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
- The Kadıköy line also stops at Yenisahra. The journey to Kadıköy takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic.
- For current timetables and fares, you can check Havabus's official website.
- E10: Kadıköy via Kurtköy
- E3: 4. Levent Metro (European Side)
- 16S: Uzunçayır Metrobus
- MR60: Pendik YHT (Marmaray)
- Routes and schedules may change. For up-to-date information, you can check the official IETT website or mobile app.
- With Marmaray, you can reach many parts of the city by transferring.
- You can take the MR60 bus to Pendik YHT station and transfer to Marmaray.
- You can also take the M4 metro to Ayrılık Çeşmesi station and switch to Marmaray.
- You can take a taxi from the airport to anywhere in the city.
- Bridge and tunnel tolls are paid by the passenger.
- There are offices of international and local car rental companies at the airport.
- If you make a reservation in advance, you can pick up your car without waiting in line.
- You can travel comfortably from the airport to different parts of the city with a private transfer service.
- It is recommended to book your transfer at least one day in advance.
Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport is located on the European Side. From the airport, which is in the Arnavutköy district, you can get to the city center by bus, Havaist, metro, taxi, car rental, or transfer service.
Bus- From Istanbul Airport, you can reach different parts of the city center, such as Mecidiyeköy, Mahmutbey, Sultangazi, Sarıyer, and Halkalı, on the H-1, H-2, H-3, H-6, and H-8 buses.
- The journey takes 1 hour 40 minutes to Mecidiyeköy, 1 hour 45 minutes to Halkalı, 1 hour 30 minutes to Mahmutbey, 1 hour 25 minutes to Sultangazi, and 1 hour 50 minutes to Sarıyer. Travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions.
- You can buy bus tickets at the ticket booths or machines on the airport platforms, or online.
- You can get from the airport to the city center on the M11 Gayrettepe - Istanbul Airport metro line.
- The metro provides direct access to the Arnavutköy, İhsaniye, Göktürk, Kemerburgaz, Hasdal, Kağıthane, and Gayrettepe areas of the city center.
- After getting off at Gayrettepe station, you can also transfer to the metrobus, buses, and the M1 Hacıosman - Yenikapı metro line.
- The metro operates between 06:00 and 00:00.
- The journey takes about 45 minutes on average.
- Havaist services take you to Aksaray, Esenler Bus Terminal, Arnavutköy, Halkalı-Başakşehir, Silivri - Çatalca, Beylikdüzü, Avcılar - Bahçeşehir, Bakırköy, Kadıköy, Taksim, and Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
- You can pay the Havaist fare online, at the ticket booths on the platforms, or by card on the bus. Istanbulkart is accepted on some Havaist buses.
- The Havaist fare varies depending on the route you take.
- Orange, turquoise, and black taxis run from Istanbul Airport to the city center.
- A fixed fare applies from the airport to certain points in the city center.
- Bridge crossings, bus terminal exit fees, and toll roads are paid by the passenger.
- You can rent a car from Avec, Sixt, Hertz, Rent Go, Budget, Europcar, Enterprise, Garenta, and many other companies at the airport and drive to the city center.
- If you make a reservation before
Istanbul Weather
5-Day Forecast • Min / Max Temperature
Today
Wednesday
14 Oct
18°15°
Thursday
15 Oct
15°14°
Friday
16 Oct
14°11°
Saturday
17 Oct
13°12°
Sunday
18 Oct
16°9°
Alternative Flights San Francisco Istanbul
Flights with Alternative Departure Locations San Francisco Istanbul
More Information About Istanbul
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Wingie offer the cheapest San Francisco-Istanbul flights?
How does Wingie offer the cheapest San Francisco-Istanbul flights?
When you search for San Francisco-Istanbul flights, Wingie directly gathers and compares instant data from all airlines. You can see all San Francisco-Istanbul flights together for the date you are looking for and choose the most suitable flight.
Which airports can I use for San Francisco-Istanbul flights?
Which airports can I use for San Francisco-Istanbul flights?
For San Francisco-Istanbul flights, you can use Embarkader Airport, San Francisco Intl. Airport as departure airport, and Sabiha Gökçen Intl. Airport, Istanbul Airport for arrival.
How many kilometers is the flight distance from San Francisco-Istanbul and how long does the flight take?
How many kilometers is the flight distance from San Francisco-Istanbul and how long does the flight take?
The flight distance between San Francisco-Istanbul is 10767 kilometers in total. The flight between the two cities takes 13 hour 20 minutes.
Which day is the most convenient for San Francisco-Istanbul flights?
Which day is the most convenient for San Francisco-Istanbul flights?
When the average prices are examined, the most suitable day for San Francisco-Istanbul flights is Wednesday.
Which airlines offer direct flights between San Francisco-Istanbul?
Which airlines offer direct flights between San Francisco-Istanbul?
LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air France, Delta Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways organizes direct flights between San Francisco-Istanbul.
San Francisco-Istanbul: which airline is better value on this route?
San Francisco-Istanbul: which airline is better value on this route?
On this route, low-cost airlines typically offer fares that include only cabin and hand baggage. Full-service airlines may include baggage and refreshment fees in the base price. The best option varies according to baggage needs. Based on current data, the lowest fare on this route with British Airways starts from approximately $375.
| Airline | Price | Standard inclusions |
|---|---|---|
 LOT Polish Airlines | $464 | Penalty-Free Change (up to 48 hours) / No Refund / 1 piece X 8 kg cabin baggage / 1 piece X 23 kg checked baggage / Complimentary Refreshments |
 Turkish Airlines | $687 | 1 piece X 8 kg cabin baggage / Complimentary Refreshments |
 Air Canada | $609 | No changes allowed / No Refund / 1 piece X 8 kg cabin baggage / Complimentary Refreshments |
 Lufthansa | $418 | Paid Change (up to 48 hours) / 1 piece cabin baggage / Complimentary Refreshments |
 British Airways | $375 | Paid Change (up to 48 hours) / 1 piece cabin baggage / Complimentary Refreshments |
 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | $715 | Penalty-Free Change (up to 48 hours) / 1 piece cabin baggage / 1 piece checked baggage |
 United Airlines | $694 | — |
 American Airlines | $382 | 1 piece cabin baggage |
Last update: 30.09.2026
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