Loading map...

ECN destination photo
IST destination photo

ECNIST

Our Recommendation
8.2

Right Side of the Plane

The Right Side is preferred for its immediate views of the Pentadaktylos mountain range in Cyprus and the panoramic perspective of the Bosphorus and Asian Istanbul during the descent.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
⛰️

Five Finger Mountains

Dramatic close-up views of the Kyrenia Range's rugged limestone ridges immediately after takeoff.

🚢

Mersin Coastline

Visuals of the major Mediterranean port city and the southern Turkish industrial plains.

🌾

Anatolian Plateau

The vast, golden expanse of central Turkey's interior highlands stretching toward the horizon.

🌉

Bosphorus Bridges

The iconic suspension bridges connecting Europe and Asia are frequently visible during the descent into IST.

🏙️

Asian Istanbul

High-rise developments and the sprawling residential districts of Kadıköy and Üsküdar.

The right side is unbeatable for the takeoff phase out of ECN, offering direct views of the Kyrenia mountain range. On approach to Istanbul Airport, this side typically offers the best view of the Bosphorus Strait. Morning flights are ideal for this side to avoid direct sun glare while photographying the Anatolian landscape.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🏖️

Northern Cyprus Coast

Panoramic views of the Morphou Bay and the western coastline during the initial climb out of Ercan.

🏔️

Western Taurus Mountains

Jagged limestone peaks of the Toros range, often snow-capped during winter and spring months.

💧

Lake Eğirdir

A beautiful turquoise freshwater lake nestled in the mountains of southwestern Turkey.

🏰

Sultanahmet District

Views of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque if the flight path tracks over the historic peninsula.

🌊

Sea of Marmara

Cargo ships and the Princes' Islands are visible as the aircraft prepares for its final approach.

Choose the left side for sunset views on evening flights and the best chance to see the historic European side of Istanbul. During descent, look for the Marmara coastlines which provide a clear sense of the city's vast scale.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 797 km (495 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 20 min

Departure: ECN (35.15470123291016, 33.49610137939453)

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.