Istanbul to Seattle (IST–SEA) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
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No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
IST–SEA is served by 1 airline with nonstop service. Turkish Airlines leads the route. The flight covers 6,055 miles in approximately 12h 45m. Beyond nonstop, 35 hubs offer 1-stop connections.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TK Turkish Airlines | 8 | 359 | 12h45 | – | Star Alliance | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
On-Time Performance
Travel Essentials
IST: +03 · SEA: MDT
When it's 6:00 PM in Istanbul, it's 9:00 AM in Seattle.
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.
Link Light Rail from the airport station (inside the terminal) to downtown Seattle takes 38 minutes ($3.50). No transfers needed; trains run 5am to 1am daily.Taxis and ride-shares to downtown cost $35–55. For Bellevue and Eastside destinations (across Lake Washington), ride-share is faster than Link. Car rentals are in the consolidated rental facility; take the free shuttle from baggage claim. Sound Transit buses serve Tacoma, Renton, and Federal Way.
Marine west coast climate. Winters are mild but persistently grey and rainy (3–9°C). Snow is rare at sea level but can occur December through February, causing significant disruptions when it does. The airport sits between Seattle and Tacoma in an area that receives more fog and low cloud than downtown Seattle.
Summers are famously pleasant (18–25°C) with low humidity and mostly clear skies, one of the best flying climates in the US from June through September. The wettest months are November through January.
IST–SEA Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from IST to SEA
İstanbul Airport (IST) and Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) are connected by nonstop service from Turkish Airlines. With 8 weekly departures, this is a regularly served route.
IST to SEA Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from IST to SEA ranges from 12 hours 45 minutes. The route covers a distance of 6,055 miles (9,745 km). There are approximately 8 weekly flights outbound and 7 return, totaling 15 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
35 one-stop connections are available, with the fastest taking approximately 13 hours via FCO. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs.