Flying from Istanbul to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): what you need to know
Istanbul is home to a couple of airports where you can kick off your travels. Explore your options for booking a flight from Istanbul to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
The average duration of a direct flight from Istanbul to Los Angeles International Airport is 13 hours 58 minutes.
Los Angeles International Airport is located in Los Angeles. The city operates in the UTC-7 timezone and is 10 hours behind Istanbul.
With 20 direct weekly flights between the two airports, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the most popular route. Turkish Airlines operates the earliest flight at 08:00. If you'd like to make the most of your day before jetting off, the last flight from IST to LAX is with Turkish Airlines at 13:50.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are travel rules to live by. Show up at the airport on time to board your flight from Istanbul to LAX.
Popular months like August or other peak seasons mean longer lines and possible delays. Stick to your schedule by getting to the airport even earlier. Aim for at least four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Fly without interruptions from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Nonstop flights from Istanbul to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are available from here.
Turkish Airlines is a popular carrier that offers direct flights from Istanbul to Los Angeles International Airport taking off from IST.
We make it a piece of cake to plan a flight from Istanbul to LAX with a stopover. To see your options departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST), deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, select a flight with a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. Popular stopovers between IST and LAX include:
Oslo Airport Gardermoen Airport (OSL)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
IST is approximately 48 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul. To help work out how to get there, use Google Maps. This essential travel app will show you the quickest route and available public transport options.
Catching an early flight from Istanbul to Los Angeles International Airport? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by picking one of these hotels close to Istanbul Ataturk Airport:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Want more options for a direct flight from Istanbul to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)? Check out the fares departing from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
Break up your flight from Istanbul to Los Angeles International Airport with a stop so you can recharge or cross another place off your list. Top stopovers between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and LAX are:
Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
You can reach SAW from the centre of Istanbul in approximately 57 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The journey by public transport takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to cover the 48 kilometres or so.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Istanbul to LAX? Check in to a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your holiday officially begins. Stay at one of these accommodation options:
About Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Consider staying in a hotel near LAX if you have a late flight from Istanbul to Los Angeles International Airport. Check in to one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Getting from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles
From Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles is approximately 32 kilometres away. It takes around 32 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It'll take around 54 minutes if you're using public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
R 4,662 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Los Angeles International Airport. Return flights start from R 8,912. Prices may vary depending on availability at the time of booking.
We recommend booking 9 months in advance. Flight price data suggests you're more likely to find cheap tickets from Istanbul to LAX around that time.
You'll land the biggest savings on your tickets from Istanbul to Los Angeles International Airport if you plan your holiday for June. Go one step further and use the 'Whole month' search tool to find the cheapest day to fly.
Set up a Price Alert and keep an eye on changes on this route through push notifications or email. We'll let you know when the fares drop. Timing is key when finding cheap tickets from Istanbul to LAX.
Customise your trip using filters. Adjust the duration, number of stops, and arrival and departure times to find the right flight from Istanbul to Los Angeles International Airport. You can also sort the results to see the 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' options first.
The best time to fly from Istanbul to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
May is the quietest time of year to fly to Los Angeles. Alternatively, follow the crowds and go in July. This is the busiest month for flights from Istanbul to Los Angeles International Airport.
When booking your flight from Istanbul to LAX, think about the kind of weather you enjoy. August is the warmest month in Los Angeles, with temperatures ranging from 16ºC to 32ºC.
February has average temperatures of between 6ºC and 26ºC. Look for cheap flights from Istanbul to Los Angeles International Airport sometime around then if you like cooler conditions.
More about Los Angeles
Start your Los Angeles trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Istanbul to Los Angeles International Airport, check out our selection of hotels including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to work out where to start. Griffith Observatory, The Broad and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum are major attractions which should be on any good Los Angeles itinerary.
Complete your Los Angeles trip with a car rental
Grab the keys to one of our car rentals in Los Angeles and see the sights at your own pace. Easily compare prices from trusted providers in one go after booking your hotel and cheap flights from Istanbul to Los Angeles International Airport.