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Istanbul and San Francisco are two great cities located on opposite sides of the globe. Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, serves as an important cultural and economic hub between Europe and Asia. San Francisco, located on the west coast of the United States, is a popular tourist destination known for its hilly terrain, iconic bridges, and trendy neighborhoods. While these cities may seem quite far apart geographically, they are in fact well-connected by non-stop international flights. For the best deals on your Istanbul to San Francisco flights Myholidays is one of the best options over the internet.
There are several options for direct flights from Istanbul to San Francisco per week. The only major airline that is currently offering these services is Turkish Airlines. Other major airlines offer connecting flights on this route including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, etc. This level of connectivity makes it convenient for travelers from Turkey, Europe, or Asia to directly reach Northern California without any stops. Return flights from San Francisco to Istanbul are also available daily on these airlines.
The typical flight distance for IST to SFO flights is around 6,701 miles (10,784 km) and the total flight time ranges from 13 to 14 hours for direct flights. Depending on the number of stopovers connecting flights can take around 16 to 40 hours. Asiana Airlines operates the daily first flight on this route which departs at 01:50 AM. Emirates operates the daily last flight which departs at 11:20 PM. Flight schedules may vary slightly on different days of the week but generally, there is at least one late evening departure and afternoon arrival option daily.
San Francisco is one of the most popular and beautiful cities in the United States, located on the northern tip of a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. It has hilly topography, iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island, colorful Victorian homes, and world-class galleries, museums, and performance venues. Some top things to see and do as a visitor include exploring Golden Gate Park, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Ferry Building Marketplace, strolling across the Golden Gate Bridge, visiting Alcatraz Island or taking a cruise under it, seeing the cable cars in action, and marveling at the city views from Telegraph Hill. San Francisco also has a thriving food scene and nightlife in neighborhoods like North Beach, the Mission, Castro, and Nob Hill. Traveling around the compact and walkable downtown areas is easily managed on foot, but the famous cable cars, streetcars, and buses also provide public transport options. Renting a car is usually not necessary.
As Turkey's cultural and commercial epicenter, Istanbul is a fascinating city straddling two continents - Europe and Asia. It has over 2,000 years of history visible through architectural treasures like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. Istanbul also offers beautiful natural scenery along the Bosphorus Strait which divides the European and Asian sides connected by bridges. Many travelers flying from Istanbul to San Francisco may have friends or family in Northern California or come for technology and business conferences since the Bay Area is a major global tech hub. Others make the long journey for leisure - to experience a completely different culture on the west coast of North America with an urban environment, geography, and climate unlike anything found in Turkey or Europe. Visiting both cities therefore allows visitors to gain exposure to different parts of the world within one trip.
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 IST Airport: Istanbul Airport (IST) is located 45-60 minutes away from Istanbul city center. The M9 metro line connects directly between the airport and Istanbul's metro system. HAVAS buses run around the clock between the airport and major locations in Istanbul like Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, etc. Taxis/cabs and rental cars are also widely available.
Address: San Francisco, CA 94128, United States
Contact: +1 650-821-8211
Facilities: Wi-Fi, Facilities for Currency Exchange, hotel desks, prayer rooms, meet and greet, lost and found, and many more.
How to reach the city from the SFO airport: SFO is located approximately 20-30 minutes south of downtown San Francisco. After your IST to SFO flights the fastest and most affordable public transport is BART. Take the BART's Orange Line from the airport to downtown SF. Other options include airport shuttles, taxis & ride-shares, and rental cars. Public transport using BART is highly recommended for its frequency, reliability, and value.
Here are some useful travel tips for San Francisco flights from Istanbul:
Here are the best hotels that you can stay in after your long San Francisco flight from Istanbul:
Here are some of the top places worth visiting in San Francisco:
Golden Gate Bridge: Iconic orange bridge for stunning photos and views of the bay area. Can also bike across it.
Union Square: Bustling downtown plaza surrounded by high-end stores, cafes, and performance venues. Start cable car rides here.
Lombard Street: Infamously crooked block known as the "world's most crooked street". It's fun to walk or drive down.
Marina District: Upscale residential neighborhood along the bay with cafes and views of Golden Gate Bridge.
Mission District: Lively Latin neighborhood with affordable ethnic eats and vintage boutiques along Valencia Street.
Here are some tips to make the most of your visit to San Francisco:
The flight distance between Istanbul Airport (IST) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is around 6,701 miles (10,784 km).
The average direct flight duration is 13-14 hours depending on winds for the long transatlantic journey. Connecting flights can take 16 to 40 hours depending on the stopovers.
Turkish Airlines is only among the major carriers offering nonstop flight services between IST and SFO.
The routing normally goes over Eastern Europe, Central Europe, North America, and then the Pacific Ocean before landing in Northern California. No stops or plane changes are involved.
Generally, the months of January-February and November witness lower average fares on the Istanbul to San Francisco route due to off-season travel. High-season fares are in the summer.
Monitor airline websites and search engines like Google Flights or Skyscanner frequently for promo fare alerts. Book 2-3 months in advance if possible for the lowest rates.
Last-minute tickets under 2 weeks can still be available but fares are likely to be far higher than early bookings, sometimes even double the standard rates. Advance purchase is recommended.
There is a 10-hour time difference between Istanbul, Turkey, and San Francisco, USA. When it is 10:00 am in Istanbul, it is only 12:00 midnight in San Francisco.
A valid passport and Visa/ESTA authorization are necessary for Turkish citizens visiting the USA. Likewise, USA passport holders need an e-visa to enter Turkey. No other documents are required for direct flights.
Most airlines offer lower infant fares for children under 2 years with no separate seat required. Senior discounts may also apply depending on the carrier and booking fare types for ages 60-80 years typically.