Istanbul to New York (IST–JFK) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
No flights match your filters.
No scheduled airline flights on this route — it's flown by charter / private operators (). No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
Most recently operated nonstop flights — the month shown is when each was last scheduled. Most destinations remain reachable with a connection.
No discontinued nonstop flights on record for this route.
IST–JFK is served by 2 airlines with nonstop service. Turkish Airlines leads the route. The flight covers 4,987 miles in approximately 10h 45m. Beyond nonstop, 1-stop connecting options are also available.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TK Turkish Airlines Also: 6E, AV, B6, HY, PK, TG | 22 | 77L, 77W, 789 | 9h38-10h35 | – | Star Alliance | 6E, AV, B6, HY, PK, TG |
| CMB CMB | 0 | – | – | – | – | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
On-Time Performance
Other ways to reach New York from Istanbul
| Metric | IST→JFK | SAW→JFK |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from IST | – | 40 mi |
| Nonstop airlines | 2 | 1 |
| Weekly flights | 127 | 1 |
| Flight time | 10h 45m | 9h 34m |
Travel Essentials
IST: +03 · JFK: EDT
When it's 6:00 PM in Istanbul, it's 11:00 AM in New York.
Turkish passport holders need a B1/B2 visa to enter the United States. Turkey is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, so ESTA is not an option. Apply through the US embassy or consulate in Turkey. The process includes an online DS-160 form, a USD 185 application fee, and an in-person interview. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location and season. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned stay.
Bring proof of ties to Turkey (employment, property, family), a travel itinerary, and evidence of funds. Approval grants a visa valid for up to 10 years with stays of up to 6 months per entry.
Istanbul Metro M11 Gayrettepe–İstanbul Havalimanı line connects the airport to the broader metro network; from Gayrettepe (Mecidiyeköy/Levent area) the journey is about 35 minutes (₺60–70 with Istanbulkart). The line runs roughly 5am to midnight.Havaist express buses serve Taksim, Kadıköy, and other major hubs (₺50–80, 45–90 minutes depending on traffic). Taxis use a meter; expect ₺400–600 from Taksim or Sultanahmet. The airport is 35km northwest of the city; traffic on the O-7 motorway can be severe during peak hours.
AirTrain to Jamaica Station (8–10 min, $8.50) connects to the NYC subway A/E trains and LIRR. Total fare to midtown Manhattan is $9.25 via subway or $10–15 via LIRR; both take 50–70 minutes total. NYC taxis from JFK to Manhattan are metered (flat rate only applies to the Manhattan-to-JFK direction); expect $50–70 plus tolls.Ride-shares from JFK pick up at the designated lot; follow signs rather than waiting at terminal curbs. Car services and shared vans to Manhattan are available from the Ground Transportation desks.
Humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. July–August averages 25–32°C with high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms that cause ground delays. Nor'easters hit December through March, occasionally dumping 30–60 cm of snow and causing widespread cancellations. JFK is slower to recover than inland airports due to wind exposure.
Fog is a disruption risk in spring. Fall (September–October) offers the most stable flying weather. Hurricane remnants reach New York in September–October. Sandy-level events are rare but possible.
IST–JFK Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from IST to JFK
İstanbul Airport (IST) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) are connected by nonstop service from Turkish Airlines. With 127 weekly departures, this is a heavily served route.
IST to JFK Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from IST to JFK is about 10 hours 45 minutes gate to gate. The route covers a distance of 4,987 miles (8,026 km). There are approximately 127 weekly flights outbound and 86 return, totaling 213 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
1-stop connecting options are also available, commonly via Oslo-Gardermoen, Brussels and Vienna. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs. Nearby alternative airports include Pendik, Istanbul (SAW).