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BUD → IEV
Which side of the plane to sit from Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Budapest) to Kiev Zhuliany International Airport (Kiev)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior panorama of the distant High Tatras mountain range to the north and typically provides the most iconic views of Kiev's historic city center during the low-altitude approach into Zhuliany Airport.
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Budapest Cityscape
Aerial views of the Danube river, Parliament building, and the historic Buda Castle shortly after takeoff.
High Tatra Mountains
On clear days, the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Slovakian Tatras are visible on the distant northern horizon.
Zhytomyr Forests
Dense, deep green forest clusters and marshes typical of the northern Ukrainian landscape.
Kiev Golden Domes
A stunning view of the Pechersk Lavra and Saint Sophia Cathedral as the plane descends over the city.
Kiev Modern Center
Close-up views of the capital's urban density and skyscrapers during the final seconds before touchdown.
Sit on the left for the best city views during the 'Zhuliany approach,' as the airport is located deep within the city limits. In the winter, the High Tatras are particularly striking with snow cover. Morning flights are ideal for the left side to avoid the harsh southern sun and get better lighting for photography of the Ukrainian landscape.
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Great Hungarian Plain
The vast, geometric patchwork of the Alföld region, showcasing Hungary's agricultural heartland.
Tisza River Bends
The winding, serpentine curves of the Tisza River near the border crossing between Hungary and Ukraine.
Wooded Carpathians
A direct crossing over the lush, rolling ridges of the Eastern Carpathian Mountains in Western Ukraine.
Podolian Upland
A high-altitude view of the undulating hills and rural villages of the Khmelnytskyi and Vinnytsia regions.
Dnieper River
Depending on the wind direction, you may see the massive expanse of the Dnieper River to the south of the city.
The right side is best for mountain enthusiasts as the flight path passes directly over the heart of the Ukrainian Carpathians. Choose this side for afternoon flights to have the sun behind you, illuminating the landscape. Watch for the dramatic change from the flat Hungarian plains to the sudden elevation of the Carpathian ridges roughly 30-40 minutes into the flight.
Book Hotels in KievDistance: 881 km (547 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 28 min
Departure: BUD (47.429759999999995, 19.261093)
Arrival: IEV (50.40194, 30.451940000000004)
Route Type: International
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