Travelling from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Erbil Airport (EBL): what you need to know
Erbil is 11 hours ahead of San Francisco and observes the UTC+3 timezone.
Your SFO to EBL flight won't wait if you're running late, so show up at the airport on time. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead when you're travelling internationally.
During popular months such as July, you'll want to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of international flights whenever you're travelling during a high season in general.
Opt for a stopover if you'd like to break up your flight. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' to see all your options for tickets from San Francisco International Airport to Erbil Airport. Istanbul Airport is a popular stopover on the SFO to EBL route.
Handy information about San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
When it comes to San Francisco International Airport's on-time performance, 78% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
Central San Francisco to San Francisco International Airport is around 21 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take about 25 minutes to get there if you're driving, catching a taxi or ride-sharing.
You can expect a trip time of about 35 minutes when using public transport.
Looking for a convenient hotel close to SFO? If you've booked an early flight from San Francisco International Airport to Erbil Airport, these stays will have you sleeping moments from check-in:
Arriving at Erbil Airport (EBL)
If you have a late San Francisco International Airport to Erbil Airport flight, nothing tops the convenience of being close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these accommodation options near EBL:
Grab a Erbil Airport rental car and discover Erbil and beyond with your own wheels. Europcar, Avis and Hertz are top outlets you can book with here.
Booking your vehicle from Erbil Airport about two weeks in advance increases your chances of getting a good deal.
Getting from Erbil Airport (EBL) to central Erbil
Erbil Airport is roughly 11 kilometres from the centre of Erbil. The drive time takes around 20 minutes.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey of about 35 minutes.
When to fly to Erbil Airport (EBL)
The quietest month for a flight from San Francisco International Airport to Erbil Airport is March, while July is the most popular. Choose the ideal time to go to Erbil based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Lock in your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Erbil Airport for July if you want to explore Erbil during its warmest month. Expect temperatures of between 24ºC (75ºF) and 44ºC (111ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between 1ºC (34ºF) and 14ºC (57ºF). Look for cheap tickets from SFO to EBL sometime then if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
Explore more of Iraq
Erbil has loads to offer, but there are so many other parts of Iraq just waiting to be discovered. About 322 kilometres south of Erbil, a trip to Baghdad will keep you on the move. Check out popular attractions like Al-Kadhimiya Mosque, Great Mosque and Mosque of the Prophet.
If you're looking to explore another major destination in Iraq, head for Mosul, about 80 kilometres west of Erbil. Rabban Hormizd Monastery, Al-Hadbaa Tower and Mosque of Prophet Yunus A.S. (Jonah) are key highlights.