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DUS destination photo
IST destination photo

DUSIST

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

Our Recommendation
9.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side provides a superior vantage point for the snow-capped Austrian Alps and the iconic urban sprawl of Istanbul, including the Bosphorus and Marmara Sea during standard landing patterns.

Right Side Highlights
9.2
🌲

Black Forest & Swabia

Lush green hilly terrain of Southern Germany early in the flight.

🏔️

Austrian Alps

The absolute highlight, featuring jagged peaks and glacial valleys, usually visible about 45-60 minutes into the flight.

⛰️

Balkan Mountains

Rugged, less-traveled mountain ranges stretching across Bulgaria and Serbia.

🚢

Sea of Marmara

Cargo ships queuing for the Bosphorus Strait visible during the extended descent phase.

🌉

Istanbul Panorama

A breathtaking view of the bridges, historical peninsula, and the dense urban fabric of Istanbul before turning for final approach.

Choose a window seat behind the wing to ensure the Alps aren't blocked. If the flight arrives from the south, this side offers the best chance to see the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Morning flights on this side may experience sun glare, so bring sunglasses.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🏗️

Ruhr Metropolis

Aerial view of the industrial heart of Germany immediately after takeoff from Düsseldorf.

🏙️

Frankfurt Skyline

Occasional distant views of the 'Mainhattan' skyscrapers as the flight heads southeast.

💧

Danube River

The winding path of Europe's second-longest river through Hungary and Serbia.

🌽

Pannonian Basin

The vast, flat agricultural landscapes of Central Europe stretching toward the horizon.

🌊

Black Sea Coastline

As the plane approaches Istanbul from the northwest, the dark blue waters of the Black Sea become visible.

The left side is ideal for evening flights to avoid the harsh glare of the setting sun. It offers better views of the Black Sea coastline during the final descent into Istanbul Airport, which is located very close to the northern coast.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 2,011 km (1,250 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 41 min

Departure: DUS (51.289501, 6.766780000000001)

Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Route Type: International

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