Flying from Istanbul to Los Angeles: what you need to know
Istanbul has two main airports where you can kick off your travels. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Istanbul to Los Angeles departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY) are Los Angeles's major gateways.
Around 13 hours 55 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct Istanbul to Los Angeles flight.
Los Angeles's timezone is UTC-7, which makes Los Angeles ten hours behind Istanbul.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 15 departures a week to pick from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from Istanbul to Los Angeles is with Turkish Airlines at 13:50. Choose the first IST to LAX departure with Turkish Airlines at 08:00 to fit in more activities on your first day in Los Angeles.
Give yourself plenty of time to make your Istanbul to Los Angeles flight. Generally, it's best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months such as April, it's best to get to the airport earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight when you travel during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Los Angeles
Book three months before you want to fly. Research into pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap Istanbul to Los Angeles flights.
Schedule your trip for June. That's the best month for landing cheap plane tickets from Istanbul to Los Angeles. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest price across every month.
Save time looking for cheap flights from Istanbul to Los Angeles by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' Istanbul to Los Angeles flights.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Set out from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) on a nonstop flight from Istanbul to Los Angeles. From IST, you can fly directly to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Turkish Airlines is a popular carrier that offers direct Istanbul to Los Angeles plane tickets from IST.
We make it a cinch to find an Istanbul to Los Angeles flight with a stopover. To see the options departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight offering a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Some popular stopovers include:
Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
IST is around 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Istanbul to Los Angeles? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these hotels close to Istanbul Ataturk Airport:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Split up your Istanbul to Los Angeles flight with a stop so you can stretch your legs or tick a new place off your list. Top stopovers between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Los Angeles include:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)
Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL)
You can reach SAW from central Istanbul in about 55 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to travel the 31 kilometres or so.
It's your holiday, so why not enjoy an extra night away from home? Consider staying at one of these hotels near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport the day before your flight from Istanbul to Los Angeles:
Looking at how often flights stay on schedule, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 76.93%.
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately 19 kilometres from the centre of Los Angeles. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 30 minutes.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 55 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Istanbul to Los Angeles, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these hotels near LAX:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up a Los Angeles International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Hertz and experience the lesser-explored corners of Los Angeles and beyond.
Booking your ride from Los Angeles International Airport around one week in advance gives you the best chance of locking in a great deal.
You'll find LAX at One World Way.
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
After your flight from Istanbul to Los Angeles has landed, you can get to the city centre in around 35 minutes by car. Central Los Angeles is roughly 29 kilometres from Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
The trip will take roughly 1 hour 40 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some comfortable places ready to welcome you near VNY. Tuck yourself in after your Istanbul to Los Angeles flight at any of these well-located options:
Budget, Dollar and Hertz make collecting a Van Nuys Airport rental car quick and easy. These providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Usually, the sooner you book, the bigger the savings and variety of vehicles. Lock in your ride from VNY once your travel dates are set.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
May is the quietest month for flights from Istanbul to Los Angeles, while July is the most popular. Choose the ideal time to go to Los Angeles based on whether you like a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
When booking your Istanbul to Los Angeles tickets, consider what kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in Los Angeles, with temperatures ranging from 16ºC (61ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
February has average temperatures of between 6ºC (43ºF) and 26ºC (79ºF). Search for cheap flights from Istanbul to Los Angeles around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Los Angeles
Start your Los Angeles trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Los Angeles, browse our range of hotels including:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Griffith Observatory, The Broad and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum are major attractions which should feature on every Los Angeles itinerary.
Explore more of United States
You've seen Los Angeles, now it's time to explore more of United States. Travel about 177 kilometres south-east to San Diego to tick off its popular sights. From San Diego Zoo to USS Midway Museum and SeaWorld San Diego, your itinerary will be busy.
San Jose is another favourite destination in United States and is around 499 kilometres north-west of Los Angeles. No journey is complete without visiting Winchester Mystery House, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and San Jose Museum of Art.
