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BLL destination photo
IST destination photo

BLLIST

Which side of the plane to sit from Billund Airport (Billund) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?

Our Recommendation
8.7

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior panoramic view of Central Europe's historic cities like Budapest and the dramatic Balkan mountain ranges, culminating in a spectacular entry into Istanbul with views of the Sea of Marmara.

Right Side Highlights
8.7
🏙️

Berlin & Elbe River

High-altitude views of the German capital and the distinctive curves of the Elbe River valley.

🇭🇺

Budapest & The Danube

The silver ribbon of the Danube River cutting through the heart of the Hungarian capital.

⛰️

Balkan Mountain Range

Dramatic ridges and deep valleys stretching across Bulgaria toward the Turkish border.

🌉

Bosphorus & Marmara

Spectacular views of the Bosphorus bridges and the historic peninsula if the flight loops south for landing.

The right side is prime for sunset views on afternoon flights. During the final approach into IST, aircraft often circle over the Sea of Marmara, offering passengers on this side a breathtaking view of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🇩🇪

Northern German Lowlands

Expansive vistas of the German plains and massive wind farm clusters near the Baltic coast.

⛰️

Eastern Carpathian Mountains

The rugged, forested peaks of the Romanian Carpathians provide a dramatic mid-flight landscape.

🌊

Black Sea Coast

A stunning transition from the green Bulgarian landscape to the deep blue of the Black Sea.

✈️

Istanbul Northern Approach

Bird's-eye view of the massive Istanbul Airport infrastructure and the surrounding Terkos Lake.

Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. It is the better side for spotting the transition to the Black Sea coast during the descent. Keep an eye out for the Danube Delta if the pilot takes a more easterly routing.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 2,146 km (1,333 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 52 min

Departure: BLL (55.7402992249, 9.15178012848)

Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Route Type: International

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