Loading map...
IST → BUD
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Budapest)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the Black Sea coastline immediately after takeoff, followed by the dramatic peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains and the winding Danube River.
Search flights from IST to BUD
Black Sea Coast
Catch stunning views of the Turkish shoreline and the blue waters of the Black Sea shortly after departure.
Transylvanian Alps
Identify the snow-capped or rocky peaks of the Southern Carpathians as the route crosses Romania.
Danube River
The river is frequently visible on this side, serving as a natural border between Bulgaria and Romania.
Budapest Skyline
Depending on the wind direction, this side often offers views of the Parliament building and the Danube bend during the approach.
Romanian Plains
A patchwork of colorful agricultural fields visible through the Valahia region.
Sit on the right for the most diverse geography. Morning flights provide excellent lighting for photographing the Carpathian Mountains. Keep an eye out early in the flight for the Bosphorus strait if the plane banks right after takeoff. Avoid seats directly over the wing (usually rows 15-25) to maintain an unobstructed view of the terrain.
Book Hotels in Budapest
Balkan Mountains
Glimpse the rugged interior of the Stara Planina range stretching across central Bulgaria.
Aegean Sunset
On evening flights, this side provides spectacular golden hour views over the southern Balkan peninsula.
Great Hungarian Plain
Witness the transition into the flat, fertile Pannonian Basin as the plane enters Hungarian airspace.
Istanbul Expansion
View the massive infrastructure projects and forests of the northern Arnavutköy district during climb out.
Choose the left side for afternoon or evening departures to enjoy the sunset. This side is typically less affected by direct glare during the midday flight window. For the best views of the Hungarian landscape, look out about 20 minutes before landing.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for HungaryDistance: 1,017 km (632 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 21 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: BUD (47.429759999999995, 19.261093)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.