Istanbul to Los Angeles (IST–LAX) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
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No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
IST–LAX is served by 1 airline with nonstop service. Turkish Airlines leads the route. The flight covers 6,836 miles in approximately 12h 59m. Beyond nonstop, 64 hubs offer 1-stop connections.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TK Turkish Airlines Also: 6E, HY, NZ, PK, TG | 15 | 77W, 789 | 12h59-13h28 | – | Star Alliance | 6E, HY, NZ, PK, TG |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
Travel Essentials
IST: +03 · LAX: PDT
When it's 6:00 PM in Istanbul, it's 8:00 AM in Los Angeles.
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.
LAX has no direct rail link to downtown. The closest option is the free LAX Shuttle G to the Metro C Line station at Aviation/Century Blvd (fare $1.75 to Union Station, 40–50 min). Taxis use a meter; expect $35–55 to downtown and $30–45 to Santa Monica. Ride-shares cost $20–45 depending on destination and surge pricing.Rental car facilities are a short shuttle ride from terminals. FlyAway buses run to Union Station, Van Nuys, Hollywood, and Westwood ($9.75–11.25). For LAX Connect (the new people mover to Inglewood), check if it has opened at time of travel.
Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm and dry (24–30°C) with low humidity and almost no rain. Winters are mild (10–18°C) with occasional rain from November through March. Fog ("June Gloom") is common from late May through July, blanketing mornings until noon and causing departure delays.
Santa Ana winds occur in fall and spring, sometimes grounding departures briefly. Heat waves in September–October can push temperatures above 38°C inland, though LAX itself stays cooler near the coast.
IST–LAX Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from IST to LAX
İstanbul Airport (IST) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are connected by nonstop service from Turkish Airlines. With 64 weekly departures, this is a heavily served route.
IST to LAX Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from IST to LAX ranges from 12 hours 59 minutes to 14 hours 5 minutes. The route covers a distance of 6,836 miles (11,002 km). There are approximately 64 weekly flights outbound and 64 return, totaling 128 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
64 one-stop connections are available, with the fastest taking approximately 15 hours via PRG. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs.