Cheap Flights from Istanbul (IST) to San Diego (SAN)

Flights from Istanbul to San Diego

Istanbul in Turkey and San Diego in southern California are two geographically distant cities located on different continents. Istanbul has a long history and vibrant culture, while San Diego is known for its pleasant climate and beaches all year round. While flights connecting these two cities may seem unusual, they provide an important travel link. Myholidays will provide you with some of the best deals over the internet for your Istanbul to San Diego flights.

Istanbul to San Diego Flights Connectivity

There are currently no airlines offering nonstop flights from Istanbul Airport to San Diego. There are several connecting flights available on this route. The average flight distance is approximately 6,904 mi (11,112 km). The flight time can vary from 17 hours to even 37 hours depending on the route and number of stopovers. Return flights from San Diego to Istanbul are also available on this routing.

Flight Schedule from Istanbul to San Diego

Though there are no direct flights from Istanbul to San Diego, connecting flights provide a convenient option for travelers from Turkey to Europe looking to experience Southern California with single-stop stops. Some of the top airlines that offer flights on this route include Turkish Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, and many more. The very daily first flights are operated by Lufthansa and United Airlines which depart at 06:10 AM in the morning. The last flights are operated by Qatar Airways and Alaska Airlines which depart daily at 08:05 PM in the evening. Timings may vary slightly during departures and times change seasonally.

San Diego: Uncover The Treasures of the Coast

San Diego is the second largest city in California known for its mild year-round climate and more than 60 miles of coastline. Top attractions include beautiful beaches like Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Coronado Island, and La Jolla Cove. Balboa Park houses multiple gardens, museums, and the famous San Diego Zoo. Downtown offers the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, PETCO Park baseball stadium, and Seaport Village for shopping. Public transport like Coaster, Trolleys, and buses connect most areas but a car is best to access coastal suburbs and sights beyond the core.

Istanbul: The City of Minarets and Markets

As Turkey's most dynamic city, Istanbul has an intriguing mix of ancient history, vibrant culture, and European flair. Many visitors come to see iconic sites like Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the striking views along the Bosphorus Strait separating Europe and Asia. Many travelers choose to fly from Istanbul to San Diego to visit friends/relatives in Southern California, participate in seaside activities like swimming, surfing, and camping unavailable back home, or leverage it as a convenient entry point into the USA from Europe and Asia. The direct TK flight facilitates this conveniently.

Airport Details

Istanbul International Airport (IST)

Address: Tayakadin Mahallesi, Terminal Caddesi No:1, 34283 Arnavutköy/Istanbul, Turkey

Contact: +90 212 463 3000

Facilities: Duty-free shops, currency exchange, lounges, Wi-Fi

How to reach Istanbul Airport: Istanbul Airport (IST) is about 40 miles east of the city. Transportation options include a 24/7 bus service that connects major areas like Taksim, and Kadiköy to the airport. The Airport M9 metro line provides a quick 30-45 min ride to transfer points like Zeytinburnu (Green Line) and Kadiköy (T4 Line) from the terminals. Licensed airport taxis are also available. Economy vehicles are easily available for a fixed price per day. Drive directly on the fast E5 & TEM motorways to enter Istanbul.

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Address: N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

Contact: +1 619-400-2404

Facilities: Accessibility, Airport Information Booths, ATM, Baggage Carts, Baggage Wrap, Battery Charging, Chapel, etc.

How to reach the city from the SAN airport: SAN Airport is located around 10 miles/16 km from downtown. There are several transportation options available to reach the city. Taxis take around 20-30 min ride to most central areas like Gaslamp Quarter. Services like Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis on average to access hotels and attractions downtown. Renting a car and driving is considered the most convenient option for self-driven touring.

Travel Tips for Flying between Istanbul and San Diego

All you need to know is how you can make your long-haul flight more convenient as well as comfortable. Here are some tips that you can follow to do so:

Check-in at least 3 hours in advance as flights require extensive procedures
Pack light snacks, entertainment, and proper clothing considering the long flight
Inform the airline in advance about special in-flight meals
Set phone/watch to destination time zone before landing
Carry some US cash aside from credit/debit cards as not all areas accept foreign transactions

Best Accommodation Near San Diego International Airport

After your long Istanbul to San Diego flight, all you need is a room where you can rest and have your meals as well. Here are the best hotels that you can stay:

4* Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina – 0.8 mi (1.28 km)
3* Wyndham San Diego Bayside – 1.5 mi (2.41 km)
4* Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego – 2.3 mi (3.70 km)
3* Wyndham Garden San Diego – 3.4 mi (5.47 km)
3* Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle – 5.6 mi (9.01 km)

Places to Visit in San Diego

Plan your travel itinerary before boarding your IST to SAN flight as the city of San Diego has so much to offer you such as:

La Jolla Cove: Scenic marine reserve to spot sea lions and experience calm turquoise waters for snorkeling.
Balboa Park: Iconic urban oasis ranked among the top 10 US parks housing museums, gardens, and a world-famous zoo.
Coronado Island: Upscale beach community over Coronado Bay connected via ferry with white sand beaches and Hotel del Coronado.
Seaport Village: Charming waterfront shopping and dining destination located by San Diego Harbor.
Old Town San Diego: Historic first European settlement recreated as an outdoor museum showcasing Californio/Mexican culture.

Tips for San Diego Visitors

As visiting a new city can be challenging and you can face potential difficulties here is a small guide for you to make your trip more convenient and easier:

Walk or rent a bike, or scooter to access popular coastal areas and beaches
Wear sun protection, comfortable shoes, and beach attire considering the climate
Try authentic California-Mexican and Asian-Pacific dishes
Check event calendars for events, festivals, and concerts in the city
Buy discounted tickets for top attractions in San Diego

Flights from Istanbul to San Diego FAQs

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