Best Price
Lufthansa
28 Oct, Wed
San Francisco – Istanbul
21h
1 stop
SFO–IST
Search Flights from San Francisco to Istanbul
Quick Flight Summary from San Francisco to Istanbul
- Lowest recent price $515
- Direct flight duration 15 hour 45 min
- Arrival airports SAW / IST
- Best days to book Wednesday, Sunday
- Average over the last 30 days $558
Cheapest flights from San Francisco to Istanbul
Lufthansa
3 Nov, Tue
San Francisco – Istanbul
16h 25m
1 stop
SFO–IST
Lufthansa
16 Nov, Mon
San Francisco – Istanbul
16h 25m
1 stop
SFO–IST
Lufthansa
9 Nov, Mon
San Francisco – Istanbul
16h 25m
1 stop
SFO–IST
Air Canada
26 Oct, Mon
San Francisco – Istanbul
1d 1h 40m
2 stop
SFO–IST
Shortest Flight
Air France
11 Nov, Wed
San Francisco – Istanbul
15h 45m
1 stop
SFO–IST
Air France
1 Dec, Tue
San Francisco – Istanbul
15h 45m
1 stop
SFO–IST
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
9 Dec, Wed
San Francisco – Istanbul
15h 45m
1 stop
SFO–IST
Air Canada
1 Nov, Sun
San Francisco – Istanbul
22h 33m
2 stop
SFO–IST
Last update: 26 October 2026 13:58
Estimated Prices for San Francisco to Istanbul Flights
Cheapest Day28 October Wednesday
Best Price
$515
Average Price
$644
$1,186
$515
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
You can reach the city by metro, bus, Havaist shuttle, taxi, rental car, or private transfer. Public transportation may require an additional connection.
MetroThe M11 metro line connects Gayrettepe, Istanbul Airport, and Halkalı, with 15 stations along its 69-kilometer route. The trip between the airport and Gayrettepe takes about 30 minutes. Check the TCDD Taşımacılık timetable for current service hours, especially for late-night or early-morning trips.
- Stops between the airport and Gayrettepe: İhsaniye, Göktürk, Kemerburgaz, Üniversite-Hasdal, and Kağıthane
- Transfer at Gayrettepe: M2 Hacıosman – Yenikapı metro line (for Taksim) and the Metrobus at Zincirlikuyu
- Transfer at Halkalı: Marmaray
İETT runs five bus lines from the airport to destinations across the city, including Mahmutbey, Mecidiyeköy, Halkalı, Arnavutköy, and Sarıyer. Bus trips take longer than the metro and depend on traffic.
- Lines: H-1, H-2, H-3, H-6, and H-8
Havaist runs shuttles from the airport to more than 10 destinations across the city. The Taksim shuttle stops at Beşiktaş on the way. Fares and accepted payment methods depend on the route, so check the Havaist website or app for current details.
- Destinations include Sultanahmet, Taksim, Aksaray, Kadıköy, Bakırköy, Esenler Bus Terminal, Beylikdüzü, Avcılar–Bahçeşehir, Halkalı–Başakşehir, Silivri, Arnavutköy, and Sabiha Gökçen Airport
Yellow, turquoise, and black taxis serve the airport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All taxis charge by meter, and you pay any bridge crossings, bus terminal exit fees, and toll roads on top of the fare. Turquoise and black taxis cost more than yellow taxis (currently about 15% and 70% more).
Car RentalSeveral car rental companies have desks at the airport. A rental car gives you flexibility to visit the Historic Peninsula, Taksim, Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Florya, Polonezköy, Çatalca, and Şile. Book before you arrive to speed up pickup.
TransferA private transfer takes you from the airport to your chosen destination in Istanbul. It generally costs more than public transportation, but you travel door to door in comfort. Booking in advance is recommended.
Istanbul Weather
5-Day Forecast • Min / Max Temperature
Today
Monday
26 Oct
17°15°
Tuesday
27 Oct
15°10°
Wednesday
28 Oct
17°10°
Thursday
29 Oct
16°14°
Friday
30 Oct
14°13°
Flights with Alternative Departure Locations San Francisco Istanbul
Popular Flights to 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 Tuesday.
Which airlines offer direct flights between San Francisco-Istanbul?
Which airlines offer direct flights between San Francisco-Istanbul?
Lufthansa, Air Canada, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Turkish 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 Air Canada starts from approximately $359.
| Airline | Price | Standard inclusions |
|---|---|---|
 Air Canada | $359 | — |
 Lufthansa | $487 | Paid Change (up to 48 hours) / 1 piece cabin baggage / Complimentary Refreshments |
 British Airways | $648 | Paid Change (up to 48 hours) / 1 piece cabin baggage / Complimentary Refreshments |
 Air France | $569 | Penalty-Free Change (up to 48 hours) / 1 piece cabin baggage / 1 piece checked baggage |
 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | $575 | Penalty-Free Change (up to 48 hours) / 1 piece cabin baggage / 1 piece checked baggage |
 Turkish Airlines | $688 | 1 piece X 8 kg cabin baggage / Complimentary Refreshments |
Last update: 21.10.2026
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