Cheap Flights from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Istanbul (IST)

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from Los Angeles to Istanbul

Finding cheap tickets from Los Angeles to Istanbul is easy with a little flexibility. Use our Whole Month search feature to scan through the calendar for the cheapest dates. You can also set up a Price Alert for your route and let us monitor the fares for you, sending notifications when prices change. If you’d rather skip layovers, select the Direct Flights search to view non-stop options that’ll save you time.

Booking your tickets early often leads to savings, but we can also find you some last-minute deals. In general, January is the best time to schedule your trip from Los Angeles to Istanbul, with the lowest average fares across the board. Keep these strategies in mind to find the best itinerary.

Handy information about Los Angeles airport

Los Angeles International Airport has 9 terminals. Terminals 1 through 8 mainly handle domestic flights, with the exception of Terminals 1, 2, and 3, which also offer services to select international locations – Canada from Terminal 2 and Mexico from Terminal 3. Terminals 4 through 8 focus exclusively on domestic routes. Los Angeles International ensures connections between terminals are managed with a shuttle bus service and a convenient skywalk from Terminal 4 to the Tom Bradley International Terminal. This central terminal not only serves both domestic and international flights but also plays host to multiple airlines from countries around the globe, creating a diverse and international travel hub right in the heart of Los Angeles.

Istanbul airport: good to know

Istanbul has two main airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). Istanbul Airport hosts three terminals. Terminal 1 accommodates both domestic and international flights, being the go-to for full-service and legacy carriers. For those arriving or departing, taxis, buses, and car rentals offer convenient transportation to and from this terminal. Meanwhile, Terminal 2 is undergoing renovation and is not currently functional. Terminal 3 hosts domestic and international flights as well, with a focus on low-cost carriers.

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport offers a single terminal that also serves both domestic and international flights. It welcomes a variety of airlines, from full-service to low-cost, ensuring options for different travel preferences. Similar to Istanbul Airport, passengers have access to taxis, shuttles, and public buses for their transportation needs. Make your flight from Los Angeles to Istanbul as comfortable as possible by familiarizing yourself with each airport’s facilities.

Best time to fly from Los Angeles to Istanbul

The best time to fly to Istanbul is during the pleasant spring and autumn months when temperatures range from 50°F to 68°F, allowing for comfortable exploration of the city's rich history and culture. Opt for a trip between March to May or September to November to experience Istanbul's moderate climate without the peak summer heat or winter chill. These periods also avoid the wettest months of December and January, ensuring your travel plans are less likely to be disrupted by rain.

Reasons to visit Istanbul

When planning your trip to Istanbul, check out these activities and attractions the city has to offer. Observe the religious and cultural splendor during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, where festivities reflect the rich traditions of the city. Marvel at the Hagia Sophia, a landmark that stands as a testament to Istanbul's historical significance, previously serving as both a church and mosque. Explore Topkapi Palace, once the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, now a museum displaying imperial collections. Lastly, visit the Blue Mosque, known for its striking architecture and the serene ambiance within its walls. Each of these attractions captures the essence of Istanbul's storied past and present.

Add hotel bookings and car hire to your Los Angeles to Istanbul flight

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Planning your trip to Istanbul is easy and convenient with Skyscanner. Choose from reliable car rental options like Auto-Union, Central, and Garenta to explore the city at your own pace. For stays ranging from luxury to comfort, book with hotels such as Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, Hilton Istanbul Bomonti, or Swissotel The Bosphorus. With Skyscanner, arranging your travel essentials is efficient and straightforward, letting you focus on your itinerary.