Direct (nonstop) flights from San Francisco to Istanbul
1 airline flys nonstop from San Francisco International (SFO) to Istanbul Airport (IST). It's 6,705 miles (10,791 km), about 13h 3m in the air. Operated by Turkish Airlines.
Turkish Airlines
Route data last updated: May 27, 2026
Airlines with non-stop flights
TK
Turkish Airlines
Alternative Routes
Other ways to fly from San Francisco to Istanbul with one stop · direct emits 1025 kg CO₂ per passenger
Looking for the return flight?
IST → SFO: Flights from Istanbul to San FranciscoOther direct flights from San Francisco
Direct flights from Istanbul (IST)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the direct flight from San Francisco to Istanbul?
A nonstop flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Istanbul (IST) takes approximately 13 hours and 3 minutes. The distance is 6,705 miles (10,791 km).
Which airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco to Istanbul?
Just Turkish Airlines.
Is there a nonstop flight from San Francisco to Istanbul?
Yes. 1 airline: Turkish Airlines.
How far is San Francisco from Istanbul?
The flight distance from San Francisco to Istanbul is 6,705 miles (10,791 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as London to Tokyo.
What is the time difference between San Francisco and Istanbul?
Istanbul is 10 hours ahead of San Francisco. (America/Los_Angeles vs Europe/Istanbul.)
Will I experience jet lag flying from San Francisco to Istanbul?
Probably — 10-hour time difference means significant jet lag. Expect about 1 day of adjustment per hour of shift. Flying eastward is generally harder to adjust to.
What type of aircraft flies from San Francisco to Istanbul?
At 13h 3m, this route typically uses wide-body aircraft — Boeing 777, 787, or Airbus A330/A350. Varies by airline.
Do I need a visa to travel from USA to Turkiye?
Depends on your passport. Check with the Turkiye embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.
What is the carbon footprint of a flight from San Francisco to Istanbul?
Roughly 1025 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 5,125 km.
Is the return flight from Istanbul to San Francisco also nonstop?
Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.
When is the cheapest time to fly from San Francisco to Istanbul?
Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. For long-haul, booking 2-3 months out tends to help. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.
How early should I arrive at San Francisco International for this flight?
3 hours before departure for international flights. You need time for check-in, security, and immigration.