Loading map...

CND destination photo
IST destination photo

CNDIST

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The Right Side offers a superior variety of views, including the Romanian coastline, the Bulgarian Riviera, and the transition from the Balkan Mountains to the sea, whereas the Left Side is dominated primarily by the vast expanse of the Black Sea until the final approach.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏛️

Constanta Casino

A brief but stunning view of the historic Art Nouveau casino on the Constanta waterfront after takeoff.

🛤️

Danube-Black Sea Canal

Observe the strategic man-made waterway that connects the Danube River to the Black Sea.

🏖️

Bulgarian Riviera

Bird's-eye views of Varna, Golden Sands, and the scenic bays of the Bulgarian coast.

⛰️

Balkan Mountains

See the easternmost ridges of the Stara Planina range as they descend into the sea.

💧

Lake Terkos

A large freshwater lake situated right next to the Istanbul Airport boundary.

The right side is best for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the sun over the water. Watch for the dramatic change in terrain from the flat Dobrogea plains to the rugged Bulgarian coastline. As you approach IST, you will get a perfect view of the vast construction projects and forests of the northern European side of Istanbul.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🌊

Black Sea Horizon

Panoramic views of the endless blue horizon of the Black Sea throughout the flight.

🚢

Bosphorus Shipping Lanes

Spot major cargo ships and tankers queuing to enter the world's busiest strait.

🌉

Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge

A clear view of the third Bosphorus bridge as the plane banks for its final approach.

🏙️

Anatolian Istanbul

Distant glimpses of the sprawling residential areas on the Asian side of the city.

Choose this side for sunrise flights to catch the sun reflecting off the Black Sea. Keep your camera ready during the final 10 minutes of flight as the aircraft maneuvers over the northern entrance of the Bosphorus, where the water is dotted with hundreds of anchored vessels.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 344 km (214 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 34 min

Departure: CND (44.36220169067383, 28.488300323486328)

Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Route Type: International

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.