$574 Cheap flight deals from Silicon Valley (SJC) to Istanbul (IST)

San Jose, CA, Airport Information

San Jose, CA, is home to nearly one million people, a large city population that's serviced by its own international airport, providing regular flights from San Jose to international and domestic destinations. The Norman Y. Mineta Memorial San Jose International Airport is only two miles from the downtown area at the intersections of U.S. Route 101, Interstate 880 and State Route 87. The primary airlines operating from the airport are Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Reservations for you airline ticket on these or other airlines serving the airport can be made through Orbitz.com.

Parking at the Airport

Parking at Mineta San Jose International Airport is available at three hourly and three daily lots, one of which offers economy service. The hourly lots are interspersed around the terminal area for easy access, costing $2 for 30 minutes and $30 per day flat rates. The daily lots offer parking deals with discounted parking fees of $22 a day for the regular daily lots and $15 for the economy lot, which is further away from the terminals. Disabled parking is available in front of both terminals for a $2 rate for 30 minutes and $15 for a daily charge.

Transportation From the Airport

Several methods of travel are available for passengers to make their way from anywhere in the city to the airport. Several hotels in the area offer courtesy shuttle transportation for patrons. Public bus transportation is available from the Valley Transportation Authority, and metered taxi service is also available from anywhere in the area, with the downtown-to-airport fare costing approximately $15 to $18.

Breakfast Before Departing

A quick meal can be eaten at the airport before departure in one of the many restaurants available in the concourse. Only ticketed passengers are allowed in the area containing the restaurants. Coffee and pastries are served at the Euro Café near the baggage claim area, while Starbucks can provide sandwiches as well, to get you quickly to the available flights from San Jose. If you have a bit more time to stop off on the way to the airport, try a sit-down breakfast at Café San Jose on Meridian Ave. or at Bill's Cafe on Willow St.

Istanbul Area Airports

Orbitz.com offers cheap flights to Istanbul and vacation packages that let you explore this fascinating city, which spans two separate continents. The main airport for the city, Istanbul Atatürk International Airport, is located on the European side of the city, about 24 kilometers from the downtown area. Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is on the Asian side of Istanbul, about 35 kilometers southeast of the city center. Istanbul Atatürk International Airport handles flights from over 70 airlines, including British Airways, United Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Air France. Sabiha Gokcen International Airport serves over 30 airlines, including Sky Airlines, EasyJet, Turkish Airlines, and SunExpress.

Getting to the Airport

From Istanbul Atatürk International Airport, arriving visitors can opt to take the metro train or sea bus into Istanbul. The Sabiha Gokcen airport shuttle makes regular trips from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport to various points within the city, and it costs 10 euro per person. Visitors can also get into the city from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport via sea bus or public bus. Both airports are also accessible via taxi.

Weather Conditions in Istanbul

In the summer, high temperatures average around 82 degrees Fahrenheit in June and July and drop to lows of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Rain is uncommon in the summer, although the humidity remains high during the summer months. Winters are often cold and snowy. In January, temperatures average between 37 to 47 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and fall tend to be mild, and the bargain prices offered during these seasons make them ideal for a visit.

Vacationing in Istanbul

Take in a bit of history with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, or one of the many Ottoman mosques scattered throughout the city. Archaeology museums are another popular attraction, or you can get tickets for a cruise on the Bosphorus to get a view of the city from the water. Once you know the sights you want to see in Turkey, check out Orbitz.com for cheap flights to Istanbul at any time of the year.