What airlines fly to Istanbul?

Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa and British Airways are the top three most popular airlines that fly to Istanbul from California according to our data. Turkish Airlines is the first choice among our users, with 82% of people opting to fly with this airline when traveling to Istanbul. Keep in mind that there are 15 different airlines that fly to Istanbul on a routine basis, so you have a few additional options to choose from.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from California to Istanbul?

United Airlines, Lufthansa, and British Airways are the most popular carriers operating from California to Istanbul

How many flights depart from California to Istanbul on average per week?

109 flights are operational weekly from California to Istanbul as of January 2026. The most popular departure day for this route is Tue, with 16% of flights per week taking off on this day.

How long does it take to fly to Istanbul?

On average, it takes 12h 50m to fly from California to Istanbul if you fly out of San Francisco (the most popular airport in California) and into Istanbul Airport (the most popular airport in Istanbul). If you’re flying out of Los Angeles and into Istanbul Airport, then the flight time is around 13h 05m.

How many flights depart from California to Istanbul on average per day?

As of January 2026, there are 15 flights per day flying from California to Istanbul. The most common time of day flights depart is 6:00PM, with 57% of flights taking off in the evening.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from California to Istanbul?

Prices for flights from California to Istanbul are refreshed on a daily basis.

How many operators does momondo search for flights from California to Istanbul?

As of January 2026, there are 15 operators available to choose from for flights from California to Istanbul.

How old do you have to be to fly from California to Istanbul?

The minimum age a child must be to fly alone is five but airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service will have their own age restrictions, including rules around flight length, timings, and stopovers. We always recommend checking with the individual airline you are booking with to travel from California to Istanbul.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Istanbul?

The required travel and health documents for your Istanbul trip may vary depending on your itinerary and personal circumstances. As a general rule, you should carry multiple documents, including a national ID card or driver's license and a passport valid for six months after your intended arrival at Istanbul. We recommend that you seek guidance from your airline or a reliable third party such as IATA.

$384 Cheap Flights from California to Istanbul in 2026

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Find the cheapest flights from California to Istanbul

Round-trip

One-way

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Cheap round-trip flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

4:23 pm - 1:45 pm

SNA

IST

34h 22m

2 stops

7:35 am - 8:33 am

IST

SNA

35h 58m

2 stops

$530British Airways

Mon, Feb 9 - Wed, Feb 18

3:30 pm - 12:25 am

LAX

IST

21h 55m

1 stop

6:40 pm - 1:30 pm

IST

LAX

29h 50m

1 stop

$540British Airways

Wed, Feb 25 - Thu, Mar 5

3:00 pm - 10:45 pm

LAX

IST

20h 45m

1 stop

6:30 am - 10:55 pm

IST

LAX

27h 25m

2 stops

$542United Airlines

Sun, Feb 22 - Wed, Mar 4

12:15 pm - 9:15 pm

LAX

IST

47h 00m

2 stops

1:55 pm - 10:24 am

IST

LAX

30h 29m

2 stops

$543United Airlines

Mon, Apr 13 - Tue, Apr 28

10:56 am - 1:00 am

ONT

IST

27h 04m

2 stops

8:10 am - 11:59 pm

IST

ONT

26h 49m

2 stops

$545American Airlines

Tue, Feb 24 - Fri, Mar 6

8:50 am - 5:45 pm

LAX

IST

21h 55m

2 stops

7:35 am - 6:30 pm

IST

LAX

21h 55m

2 stops

$545American Airlines

Tue, Feb 3 - Wed, Feb 11

10:20 pm - 9:05 pm

LAX

SAW

35h 45m

2 stops

11:25 am - 10:54 pm

SAW

LAX

46h 29m

2 stops

$547Iberia

Mon, Feb 9 - Wed, Feb 18

7:30 am - 6:05 pm

LAX

IST

23h 35m

2 stops

6:30 am - 8:41 pm

IST

LAX

25h 11m

2 stops

$548Lufthansa

Wed, Feb 18 - Sat, Feb 28

3:30 pm - 2:05 am

LAX

IST

24h 35m

2 stops

1:55 pm - 11:59 pm

IST

LAX

20h 04m

2 stops

$549Lufthansa

Tue, Apr 28 - Wed, May 13

7:00 am - 6:55 pm

LAX

SAW

24h 55m

2 stops

9:15 am - 8:37 am

SAW

LAX

34h 22m

2 stops

$584Iberia

Wed, Feb 18 - Wed, Feb 25

British Airways flights from California to Istanbul

Our best British Airways deals on California to Istanbul flight tickets

British Airways

Feb 25

LAX3:30 pmLos Angeles

21h 55m

1 stop

IST12:25 amIstanbul

Mar 5

IST6:40 pmIstanbul

29h 50m

1 stop

LAX1:30 pmLos Angeles

$540

British Airways

Feb 19

LAX12:59 pmLos Angeles

25h 11m

2 stops

IST1:10 amIstanbul

Feb 23

IST6:40 pmIstanbul

32h 10m

1 stop

LAX3:50 pmLos Angeles

$541

British Airways

Feb 1

LAX1:40 pmLos Angeles

24h 10m

2 stops

IST12:50 amIstanbul

Feb 19

IST7:35 amIstanbul

25h 19m

2 stops

LAX9:54 pmLos Angeles

$546

American Airlines flights from California to Istanbul

Our best American Airlines deals on California to Istanbul flight tickets

American Airlines

Feb 3

LAX8:50 amLos Angeles

21h 55m

2 stops

IST5:45 pmIstanbul

Mar 4

IST7:35 amIstanbul

22h 01m

2 stops

LAX6:36 pmLos Angeles

$544

American Airlines

Feb 24

ONT10:56 amOntario

27h 04m

2 stops

IST1:00 amIstanbul

Mar 6

IST8:10 amIstanbul

26h 49m

2 stops

ONT11:59 pmOntario

$545

American Airlines

Feb 19

LAX10:30 amLos Angeles

20h 00m

2 stops

IST5:30 pmIstanbul

Feb 28

IST7:35 amIstanbul

18h 45m

1 stop

LAX3:20 pmLos Angeles

$564

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Santa AnaIstanbul

SNA - IST

SNAIST

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Mon 2/9

4:23 pm-1:45 pm

2 stops34h 22m

Istanbul

Wed 2/18

7:35 am-8:33 am

2 stops35h 58m

$530

Los AngelesIstanbul

LAX - IST

LAXIST

Los Angeles

Wed 2/25

3:30 pm-12:25 am

1 stop21h 55m

Istanbul

Thu 3/5

6:40 pm-1:30 pm

1 stop29h 50m

$540

Los AngelesIstanbul

LAX - IST

LAXIST

Los Angeles

Sun 2/22

3:00 pm-10:45 pm

1 stop20h 45m

Istanbul

Wed 3/4

6:30 am-10:55 pm

2 stops27h 25m

$542

Los AngelesIstanbul

LAX - IST

LAXIST

Los Angeles

Mon 4/13

12:15 pm-9:15 pm

2 stops47h 00m

Istanbul

Tue 4/28

1:55 pm-10:24 am

2 stops30h 29m

$543

OntarioIstanbul

ONT - IST

ONTIST

Ontario

Tue 2/24

10:56 am-1:00 am

2 stops27h 04m

Istanbul

Fri 3/6

8:10 am-11:59 pm

2 stops26h 49m

$545

Los AngelesIstanbul

LAX - IST

LAXIST

Los Angeles

Tue 2/3

8:50 am-5:45 pm

2 stops21h 55m

Istanbul

Wed 2/11

7:35 am-6:30 pm

2 stops21h 55m

$545

Los AngelesIstanbul

LAX - SAW

LAXSAW

Los Angeles

Mon 2/9

10:20 pm-9:05 pm

2 stops35h 45m

Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen

Wed 2/18

11:25 am-10:54 pm

2 stops46h 29m

$547

Los AngelesIstanbul

LAX - IST

LAXIST

Los Angeles

Wed 2/18

7:30 am-6:05 pm

2 stops23h 35m

Istanbul

Sat 2/28

6:30 am-8:41 pm

2 stops25h 11m

$548

Los AngelesIstanbul

LAX - IST

LAXIST

Los Angeles

Tue 4/28

3:30 pm-2:05 am

2 stops24h 35m

Istanbul

Wed 5/13

1:55 pm-11:59 pm

2 stops20h 04m

$549

Los AngelesIstanbul

LAX - SAW

LAXSAW

Los Angeles

Wed 2/18

7:00 am-6:55 pm

2 stops24h 55m

Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen

Wed 2/25

9:15 am-8:37 am

2 stops34h 22m

$584

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Showing 1-10 of 20 resultsSorted by cheapest first

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from California to Istanbul

Look no further. We've gone through all the searches for this route on momondo so you have the important information and insights to find the cheapest flight ticket for your trip

Prices

Airlines

Other information

What is the cheapest month to fly to Istanbul?

In general, January is the cheapest month to fly from California to Istanbul. Due to it being the ‘off-season’ during this time, you can expect flight prices to be around $750. If you aren’t able to travel to Istanbul during the month of January, then flying in February is also cheap. Prices for this month can be found on momondo for an average of $778.

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Istanbul?

The cheapest day to depart from California to Istanbul is on a Tuesday when prices can be found for as low as $905. Be sure to avoid booking your departure on a Friday as prices are generally higher than usual. According to our data, the average ticket price to Istanbul on Friday is $1,071.

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Istanbul?

Our most recent data shows that the best time of day to fly to Istanbul is in the morning. Flights from California to Istanbul during this time can be as low as $822. If you have a flexible travel schedule, then try to avoid flying in the evening when prices are $1,044 on average. Flights to Istanbul from California in the evening are generally more expensive because this time of day is more convenient for travelers’ schedules.

What is the cheapest California to Istanbul flight route?

Fly from San Francisco to Istanbul for the best California - Istanbul flight prices

How far in advance should I book a flight to Istanbul?

You are more likely to see cheaper flights to Istanbul from California when booking weeks ahead of your departure date. In general, you can expect to find flights to Istanbul for around $1,010 when searching weeks out. However, flight prices might be lower outside of this timeframe. For example, people recently found flights to Istanbul from California for as low as $897 on momondo.

What cabin class options are available on California to Istanbul flights?

There are 3 cabin classes available to choose from on California to Istanbul flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

Cheap California to Istanbul flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from California to Istanbul

Fastest flight time	12h 50m
Direct flights	Every day
Airports in Istanbul	2 airports

The fastest flight from California to Istanbul takes 12h 50m

Direct flights go from California to Istanbul every day.

There are 2 airports in Istanbul. From California there are direct flights to Istanbul (IST).

Search flight deals

When did momondo last update prices for flights from California to Istanbul?
Prices for flights from California to Istanbul are refreshed on a daily basis.
How many operators does momondo search for flights from California to Istanbul?
As of January 2026, there are 15 operators available to choose from for flights from California to Istanbul.
How old do you have to be to fly from California to Istanbul?
The minimum age a child must be to fly alone is five but airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service will have their own age restrictions, including rules around flight length, timings, and stopovers. We always recommend checking with the individual airline you are booking with to travel from California to Istanbul.
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Istanbul?
The required travel and health documents for your Istanbul trip may vary depending on your itinerary and personal circumstances. As a general rule, you should carry multiple documents, including a national ID card or driver's license and a passport valid for six months after your intended arrival at Istanbul. We recommend that you seek guidance from your airline or a reliable third party such as IATA.

Best airlines flying from California to Istanbul

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from California to Istanbul with momondo

Airline	Rating	Free Cancellation	Price
LOT	PriceFrom $513	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.5 1,174 reviews	Search LOT flights
Lufthansa	PriceFrom $519	Free Cancellation	Rating 6.8 7,738 reviews	Search Lufthansa flights
American Airlines	PriceFrom $530	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.2 11,174 reviews	Search American Airlines flights
Air Canada	PriceFrom $556	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.1 10,646 reviews	Search Air Canada flights
British Airways	PriceFrom $559	Free Cancellation	Rating 6.7 7,689 reviews	Search British Airways flights
United Airlines	PriceFrom $561	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.4 9,191 reviews	Search United Airlines flights
IndiGo	PriceFrom $567	Free Cancellation	Rating 6.8 527 reviews	Search IndiGo flights
Delta	PriceFrom $594	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.9 8,088 reviews	Search Delta flights
Scandinavian Airlines	PriceFrom $604	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.3 1,660 reviews	Search Scandinavian Airlines flights
KLM	PriceFrom $614	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.7 1,442 reviews	Search KLM flights

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from California to Istanbul?

Finding the right flight to Istanbul from California is quick and easy when you have a range of options in front of you, from reputable agents and recognisable airlines. Options that can then be filtered down to find the best fit. That is what momondo does. We make finding flights to Istanbul quick and easy, saving you time and money.

Can I find flights from California to Istanbul with flexible booking policies on momondo?

Yes. momondo allows you to filter the results for California to Istanbul flights to just show those with flexible booking policies.

How can momondo help me find flights from California to Istanbul?

Once you have performed a search for California to Istanbul flights, momondo helps you find the right one by offering useful filters to narrow down your flight selection. Flights can be filtered by multiple factors such as airline, airport and price; but also by other criteria like aircraft type and payment method.

I’m not ready to book a flight from California to Istanbul right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

Yes momondo offers price alerts on flights to Istanbul from California. After performing a search on this page you should be able to see the price alert set up feature. Simply provide a valid email address and momondo will instantly alert you when prices change.

An easier way to manage your Istanbul trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organize and travel with friends or family. Trips is free — and available to use no matter where you book.

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Cheap flights from California to Istanbul from $384

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from California to Istanbul departing on 5/5. Fares may change, and may not be available for all flights or travel dates. Click the price to refresh the search for this deal.

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Find the cheapest flights from California to Istanbul

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British Airways flights from California to Istanbul

Our best British Airways deals on California to Istanbul flight tickets

American Airlines flights from California to Istanbul

Our best American Airlines deals on California to Istanbul flight tickets

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See travel insights to Istanbul from

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from California to Istanbul

What is the cheapest month to fly to Istanbul?

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Istanbul?

The cheapest day to depart from California to Istanbul is on a Tuesday when prices can be found for as low as $905. Be sure to avoid booking your departure on a Friday as prices are generally higher than usual. According to our data, the average ticket price to Istanbul on Friday is $1,071.

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Istanbul?

What is the cheapest California to Istanbul flight route?

Fly from San Francisco to Istanbul for the best California - Istanbul flight prices

How far in advance should I book a flight to Istanbul?

What cabin class options are available on California to Istanbul flights?

There are 3 cabin classes available to choose from on California to Istanbul flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from California to Istanbul?

United Airlines, Lufthansa, and British Airways are the most popular carriers operating from California to Istanbul

What airlines fly to Istanbul?

How many flights depart from California to Istanbul on average per day?

As of January 2026, there are 15 flights per day flying from California to Istanbul. The most common time of day flights depart is 6:00PM, with 57% of flights taking off in the evening.

How many flights depart from California to Istanbul on average per week?

109 flights are operational weekly from California to Istanbul as of January 2026. The most popular departure day for this route is Tue, with 16% of flights per week taking off on this day.

How long does it take to fly to Istanbul?

Cheap California to Istanbul flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from California to Istanbul

Fastest flight time

Direct flights

Airports in Istanbul

When did momondo last update prices for flights from California to Istanbul?

How many operators does momondo search for flights from California to Istanbul?

How old do you have to be to fly from California to Istanbul?

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Istanbul?

Best airlines flying from California to Istanbul

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from California to Istanbul with momondo

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from California to Istanbul?

Can I find flights from California to Istanbul with flexible booking policies on momondo?

How can momondo help me find flights from California to Istanbul?

I’m not ready to book a flight from California to Istanbul right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

An easier way to manage your Istanbul trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organize and travel with friends or family. Trips is free — and available to use no matter where you book.

Get notified when prices go down

Daily price changes in your inbox - only with Price Alerts.

Find better results for your trip to Turkey

Fly into one of these airports located in Istanbul

Airports listed have a maximum distance of 20.9 mi from Istanbul