£281 Cheap Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Istanbul (IST)

You can find one-way and return flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Istanbul (IST) with Expedia. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see our cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when SFO to IST ticket fares go up or down.

The cheapest months to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Istanbul (IST) are typically during off-peak season when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you are able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.

Only one airline offers direct flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Istanbul (IST). Turkish Airlines operates 11 direct flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Istanbul (IST) every week.

To find a cheap flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Istanbul (IST), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.

The best airline to fly with from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Istanbul (IST) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Turkish Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Turkish Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. United offers the most daily flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Istanbul (IST), which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.

The best time to fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Istanbul (IST) is typically September. This month offers a great balance—prices are reasonable, with an average return flight costing around £816, and you'll have plenty of flight options. While May is also a popular month for travel, September provides a good combination of more affordable fares and a wide selection of flights. If you're flexible, September gives you both good value and excellent flight schedules to work with.

The earliest flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Istanbul (IST) typically departs around 12:10 AM local time. This service is seasonal, active only in March, and is operated by Delta and KLM. An early departure like this can help you make the most of your time at your destination. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.

A direct flight from San Francisco Intl. (SFO) to Istanbul (IST) typically takes around 13 hours. This journey covers a distance of approximately 10,768 kilometres (6,691 miles). If you opt for a flight with one stop, your travel time will be longer, usually around 18 hours 30 minutes. Flights with two or more stops generally take even longer, averaging about 22 hours 30 minutes. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to factors like wind patterns and air traffic, so it's always a good idea to allow for some extra time when planning your trip.

Select the "Business class" and "First class" filters when looking for San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Istanbul (IST) flights on Expedia. This is the easiest way to compare prices, routes and flight times for your trip.

It's easy to earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Istanbul (IST) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

If you're planning to travel to Istanbul from San Francisco Intl. (SFO), you can fly directly into Istanbul Airport (IST). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Vancouver Intl. (YVR), O'Hare Intl. (ORD), or Los Angeles Intl. (LAX) before reaching Istanbul. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.

Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Istanbul (IST) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.

Securing a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Istanbul (IST) flight and hotel package is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.

If you booked your San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Istanbul (IST) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.