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DUB destination photo
IST destination photo

DUBIST

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

Our Recommendation
7.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers superior views of the English capital, the winding Rhine river, the rugged peaks of the Carpathian Mountains, and a spectacular approach over the Black Sea coastline.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🏙️

Greater London

Clear views of the Thames estuary and the sprawling London metropolitan area shortly after crossing the Irish Sea.

💧

Rhine River Valley

Aerial perspective of one of Europe's most significant waterways as the flight traverses Western Germany.

🏔️

Carpathian Mountains

Dramatic views of the high peaks in Romania and the Transylvanian Alps during the mid-to-late portion of the flight.

🌊

Black Sea Coast

A scenic descent parallel to the Bulgarian and Turkish coastlines as the aircraft prepares for its final approach.

Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct southern sun. This side is particularly rewarding for spotting major European cities like London and Brussels in the distance. During the final descent into IST, you often get a great look at the northern forests of Istanbul and the Black Sea entry to the Bosphorus.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🛥️

English Channel

Excellent views of the busy shipping lanes and the white cliffs of the southern English coastline.

🏔️

The Alps (Distant)

While the flight path is north of the range, the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Alps are often visible on the horizon over Central Europe.

⛰️

Balkan Mountains

Overhead views of the diverse and rugged terrain of Serbia and Bulgaria's mountain ranges.

⛵

Sea of Marmara

Depending on the landing direction, you may see the southern coastline of Istanbul and the Sea of Marmara filled with cargo ships.

The right side provides a high chance of seeing the sun-kissed peaks of the Alps in the distance. If the aircraft approaches IST from the south, this side offers the iconic view of the historical peninsula, including the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Be aware of the glare during midday flights.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 2,924 km (1,817 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 54 min

Departure: DUB (53.421299, -6.27007)

Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Route Type: International

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