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EDI destination photo
IST destination photo

EDIIST

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

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side is generally superior for this route as it offers the iconic view of the Forth Bridges upon departure, potential glimpses of the Alps to the south during cruise, and the most spectacular views of the Bosphorus and Istanbul's skyline during the descent into IST.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌉

Forth Bridges

Unrivaled views of the three iconic bridges spanning the Firth of Forth shortly after departing Edinburgh.

🏔️

The Alps

On clear days, the distant snow-capped peaks of the Austrian and Swiss Alps are visible on the southern horizon.

🏙️

Central European Cities

Potential views over major hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, or Budapest depending on the specific airway assigned.

🕌

The Bosphorus

The world-famous waterway separating Europe and Asia is often visible during the holding patterns or final approach to IST.

🚢

Sea of Marmara

Dozens of cargo ships anchored at the entrance to the Bosphorus create a unique maritime pattern from above.

The right side is the 'gold' seat for the approach into Istanbul. For the best chance of seeing the city center and the Blue Mosque, hope for a southern approach. In the morning, the sun will be on this side, so bring sunglasses, but the sunset views over the Balkan Peninsula on evening flights are spectacular.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🏰

Edinburgh City

Aerial perspective of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Arthur's Seat immediately after takeoff from EDI.

🌊

The North Sea

Vast views of the North Sea and the eastern coastline of England as the plane heads toward mainland Europe.

🇳🇱

Dutch Coastline

Clear views of the Netherlands' unique polders, dykes, and the Frisian Islands if the flight path tracks north.

⛰️

Carpathian Mountains

The rugged, forested peaks of the Carpathians in Romania provide a dramatic landscape during the second half of the flight.

🏖️

Black Sea Coast

The turquoise waters and sandy beaches of the Bulgarian and Turkish coastlines as you approach Istanbul.

Sit on the left for the best departure shots of Edinburgh's historic skyline. On afternoon flights, this side will be in the shade for most of the journey, which is ideal for photography as it minimizes window glare. During winter months, look out for the snow-capped Balkan mountains in the late afternoon light.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 2,830 km (1,758 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 46 min

Departure: EDI (55.95000076293945, -3.372499942779541)

Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Route Type: International

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