Istanbul to Seattle (IST–SEA) — 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–SEA is served by 1 airline with nonstop service. Turkish Airlines leads the route. The flight covers 6,055 miles in approximately 12h 20m. Beyond nonstop, 1-stop connecting options are also available.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TK Turkish Airlines | 16 | 359 | 11h07-12h30 | – | Star Alliance | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
On-Time Performance
Travel Essentials
IST: +03 · SEA: PDT
When it's 6:00 PM in Istanbul, it's 8:00 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 16 weekly departures, this is a well served route.
IST to SEA Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from IST to SEA is about 12 hours 20 minutes gate to gate. The route covers a distance of 6,055 miles (9,745 km). There are approximately 16 weekly flights outbound and 9 return, totaling 25 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
1-stop connecting options are also available, commonly via Munich, Frankfurt Main and Charles de Gaulle. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs.