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BUD → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Budapest) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Black Sea coastline and the dramatic entry into Istanbul across the northern Bosphorus bridges before landing at Sabiha Gökçen.
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Budapest Skyline
Excellent views of the Pest side and the widening Danube river shortly after takeoff from BUD.
Southern Carpathians
Deep green ridges and rugged peaks of the Romanian mountain ranges visible during mid-flight.
Balkan Mountains
Aerial views over the Stara Planina range in Bulgaria, featuring steep slopes and deep valleys.
Black Sea Coastline
As the plane nears Turkey, the vast blue expanse of the Black Sea meets the rugged northern coastline.
Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge
The northernmost Bosphorus bridge is often visible during the descent into the Asian side of Istanbul.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing for unobstructed views of the Black Sea coast. Morning flights provide the best lighting for the Bulgarian mountains, while sunset flights offer spectacular reflections off the Bosphorus. Watch for the third bridge as a landmark for your final approach.
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Danube River Meanders
Follow the winding path of the Danube as it flows south toward the Serbian border.
Serbian Plains
Vast agricultural landscapes and small rural settlements of the Pannonian Basin.
Rila & Pirin Peaks
Distant views of the snow-capped summits of the highest mountains in the Balkan Peninsula to the south.
Sea of Marmara
Glittering waters of the inland sea visible during the final maneuvering for landing.
Princes' Islands
A cluster of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, appearing as green jewels near the Istanbul coast.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. Keep your camera ready during the final 15 minutes of the flight; the approach to SAW often passes near the Princes' Islands, which are best seen from this side when the plane circles from the south.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 1,080 km (671 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: BUD (47.429759999999995, 19.261093)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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