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IST → HAM
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Hamburg Airport (Hamburg)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior mix of coastal views of the Black Sea and the dramatic high-altitude landscapes of the Carpathian and Tatra mountain ranges.
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Black Sea Coast
Stunning vistas of the Turkish coastline and the vast blue expanse of the Black Sea immediately after takeoff.
Carpathian Mountains
Dramatic views of the Transylvanian Alps in Romania, often snow-capped in winter months.
High Tatras
Sharp, granite peaks along the border of Slovakia and Poland are visible in the distance.
Dresden and the Elbe
The historic Saxon capital and the Elbe River valley appear as the flight enters German airspace.
Hamburg Port
On final approach, see the massive cranes and container ships of Germany's largest seaport.
This side is best for morning flights as the sun illuminates the mountains. During descent into Hamburg, the right side usually provides a better view of the Alster Lake or the Elbe River depending on the wind direction and runway in use.
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Istanbul Outskirts
Panoramic views of the expanding metropolis and the Marmara Sea coastline shortly after departure.
Balkan Mountains
Cruising over the rugged peaks and deep valleys of central Bulgaria.
Danube River
The winding 'Blue Danube' serves as a landmark as the flight traverses the Hungarian plains.
Budapest
A frequent sight on the left, showcasing the iconic Parliament building and Danube bridges from above.
Prague
Visible as the aircraft begins its initial descent through Czech airspace towards northern Germany.
Choose the left side for sunset views on evening flights. For the best photography of Budapest and Prague, aim for a seat mid-cabin to avoid engine heat distortion. Keep an eye out for the Danube during the midpoint of the flight.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for GermanyDistance: 1,958 km (1,217 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 37 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: HAM (53.630401611328, 9.988229751586902)
Route Type: International
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