Turkish Airlines offers four different flight alternatives in average every day from San Francisco to Athens. All operated as connecting over Istanbul Airport (IST), flights in this route take nearly 15 to 35 hours, varying by the layover at Istanbul. The number of flights, on the other hand, remains the same throughout the year; however there may be changes on the hours of departure from time to time.
Turkish Airlines turns the layover at Istanbul into a pleasant experience during the journey from San Francisco to Athens. If you have a layover between 6 and 24 hours, the sightseeing service Touristanbul offered complimentary by Turkish Airlines to its passengers will provide a chance to explore instantly the charming metropolis Istanbul. Moreover, passengers with a layover for 20 hours and above may enjoy both sightseeing and accommodation opportunities with the service Stopover, which is also complimentary.
Developed in a short span of time thanks to its gold reserves, San Francisco is regarded as one of the most enjoyable and touristic cities in the United States today. Tourists visiting this pretty town love spending time in the Union Square, which probably is the most vibrant spot in San Francisco. You may visit the numerous art galleries in this district and see the historical Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary which you may know from many movies, hosted the most violent criminals of the history. It would also be recommendable to visit the museums in the touristic spot named Fisherman’s Wharf and explore every corner in this adorable city by crossing the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges. Do not forget to add to your tour the utterly cheerful spots like the Museum of Modern Arts and National Recreation Area. Moreover, you should definitely see Lombard Street, remarkable for its crooked and narrow streets.
San Francisco hosts three airports to manage the city’s busy air traffic: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK) and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Airport (SJC). Flights from San Francisco with Turkish Airlines take off from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Passengers wishing to travel to the airport from city center may use the express railway line called BART. Serving in every 15-20 minutes, these trains set off from San Francisco center and head towards the airport, following the route San Bruno, South SFO, Colma and Daly City. It is possible to use the free AirTrain shuttle serving between the terminals.
Another alternative would be the airport shuttles. You may reach from the center to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) via the shuttles coded SamTrans 292, 397 and KX. Apart from the options of public transport, you may always reach the airport via the cabs available 7/24 all around the city.
The Greek capital Athens is an extremely attractive destination, remaining from the ancient age. This lovely city owning a breathtaking profile by its natural gems thanks to its location receives visits throughout the year, irrespective of the season.
Hosting many artifacts also dating back to the Ottoman, Byzantine and Roman periods, Athens is home to the Acropolis which is included in UNESCO World Heritage List, and Daphni Monastery, ranking among the top visited attractions by those fond of historic and cultural tours. In addition, the Modern Archeology Museum and Acropolis Museum are other noteworthy attractions in the capital. Athens is also remarkable for gourmet tours, where the rich Aegean tastes are served in the most palatable way. Greek taverns where you can try the local cuisine and let yourself go with the rhythm of traditional music and dances, offer a distinctive experience to witness the city’s culture and local life.
Athens Elefterios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) manages the city’s busy air traffic on its own. Accordingly, passengers holding a flight ticket to Athens with Turkish Airlines land at this airport.
If you are planning to use the public transport for reaching the city center from the airport, it is possible to get on the municipal buses setting off from the bus stop on the way out the airport. The bus numbered X95 heads towards the Sintagma Square in the center within nearly an hour. Bus numbered X93 reaches Kifissos Bus Station.
Passengers wishing to take the subway may easily reach Sintagma Square via the blue subway line. Furthermore, you may also take a cab from the airport, or rent a car to ensure a smooth transport during your stay.