1 airline flies nonstop from San Francisco to Istanbul.
Checking today’s fares with the airlines.
| Airline | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Turkish Airlines | SFO San Francisco International Airport | IST Istanbul Airport |
Nonstop service as of October 2026. Airlines change schedules seasonally.
25 miles (40 km) from the city centre. 84.5 million passengers in 2025
| How | Route | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Metro | M11 metro from the airport to Gayrettepe, then M2 to Taksim | about 38m |
| Bus | Havaist airport bus to Taksim and other central districts | about 1h 15m |
US citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in Turkey, but the passport must be valid for at least six months after arrival.
Istanbul is 11 hours ahead of San Francisco in January and 10 hours ahead of it in July, because the two observe daylight saving time differently. Istanbul uses the Turkish lira (TRY).
Read the Istanbul guide: when to go, weather, airports and tips
Nonstop flight times vary by airline and season; flights with a connection take longer.
As of October 2026, Turkish Airlines flies this route nonstop.
About 6,701 miles (10,784 km), measured between the city centres.
Istanbul is 11 hours ahead of San Francisco in January and 10 hours ahead of it in July, because the two observe daylight saving time differently.
US citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in Turkey, but the passport must be valid for at least six months after arrival.
M11 metro from the airport to Gayrettepe, then M2 to Taksim, about 38 minutes.
Information checked in October 2026. Schedules, fares and entry rules change, so confirm with the airline or the official source before you travel.