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HAM destination photo
IST destination photo

HAMIST

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

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior sequence of landmarks, including the rugged Bohemian Forest, multiple crossings of the Danube River, and a high probability of seeing the iconic Istanbul skyline and Sea of Marmara during the final approach.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌲

Bohemian Forest

Dense, rolling green landscapes along the border of Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.

🏔️

Distant Alpine Peaks

On clear days, the northern reaches of the Alps are visible on the far horizon to the southwest.

💧

The Danube River

Look for the silver ribbon of the Danube as the flight passes near Budapest or Belgrade.

🕌

Istanbul Skyline

Unmatched views of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the historic minarets of the Sultanahmet district.

🚢

Sea of Marmara

A view of the hundreds of cargo ships anchored at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus Strait.

The right side is the 'money side' for landing at IST. For the best photos of the Bosphorus and the city center, aim for a seat behind the wing to ensure the engine doesn't block the view of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia during the bank toward the runway.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
⚓

Elbe River & Hamburg Port

Aerial views of the massive container terminals and the winding Elbe river shortly after departure from HAM.

🏙️

Berlin Outskirts

On a clear eastern trajectory, the distant silhouette and urban sprawl of the German capital are visible.

⛰️

Carpathian Mountains

The northern edges of this vast mountain range offer dramatic ridge lines and forested slopes.

🌊

Black Sea Coast

The deep blue waters of the Black Sea come into view as the aircraft begins its descent into Turkish airspace.

Choose the left side for morning flights to experience the sunrise over Eastern Europe. It is particularly scenic during the final 20 minutes if the approach path follows the Black Sea coastline into IST.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 1,958 km (1,217 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 37 min

Departure: HAM (53.630401611328, 9.988229751586902)

Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Route Type: International

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