Loading map...

IST destination photo
DUS destination photo

ISTDUS

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

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior panorama featuring the distant peaks of the Alps and iconic European cities like Belgrade and Frankfurt, while benefiting from better lighting for photography on westbound flights.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🕌

Istanbul & Bosphorus

Catch a glimpse of the historic peninsula and the bridges connecting Europe and Asia shortly after takeoff if departing south.

🏔️

Balkan Ranges

Fly over the rugged terrain of Bulgaria and Serbia, including the distant, snow-capped Rila and Pirin Mountains.

🌆

Belgrade

Look down at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers at the heart of the Serbian capital.

🏔️

The Alps

On clear days, the northern fringes of the Austrian and Bavarian Alps provide a stunning, jagged horizon to the south.

🏦

Frankfurt Skyline

Spot the clusters of skyscrapers in Germany's financial hub as you cross central Germany.

🌊

The Rhine River

The winding silver ribbon of the Rhine signals your final descent into the North Rhine-Westphalia region.

Choose a window seat forward of the wing for unobstructed views of the Alps. Afternoon flights provide the best lighting on the landscape without direct sun glare. Keep an eye out for the Rhine River's meanders during the final 20 minutes of the flight.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🌊

Black Sea Coast

Immediate views of the Turkish coastline and the deep blue waters of the Black Sea upon departure from IST.

⛴️

Danube River

The flight often parallels the Great Danube, the lifeline of Central Europe, visible across multiple national borders.

🏛️

Budapest

The 'Pearl of the Danube' is frequently visible, showcasing its grand parliament building and bridges.

🏰

Central European Plains

A vast patchwork of fertile agricultural lands across Hungary and the Czech border regions.

🏭

The Ruhr Region

Detailed views of the industrial heartland of Germany and the dense urban sprawl as you approach Düsseldorf.

This side is excellent for observing the Black Sea and the Hungarian plains. During winter, the right side offers great views of the snow-covered Central European lowlands. Note that the sun will be on the opposite side, reducing window glare.

Top Activities in Duesseldorf
Route Information

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

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 41 min

Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Arrival: DUS (51.289501, 6.766780000000001)

Route Type: International

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.