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IST → LED
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Pulkovo Airport (St. Petersburg)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the Bosphorus Strait at departure and the massive Lake Ladoga, Europe's largest lake, during the final descent into St. Petersburg.
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Bosphorus Strait
A breathtaking view of the waterway separating Europe and Asia, including the northernmost bridges.
Anatolian Coastline
Rugged cliffs and hidden bays of the Turkish Black Sea coast immediately after departure from IST.
Lake Ladoga
Stunning views of Europe's largest lake, often dotted with small islands, during the descent phase.
Tsarskoye Selo Area
The suburban palace complexes and parks south of St. Petersburg are frequently visible before touchdown.
Russian Heartland Rivers
Meandering river systems and agricultural mosaics characteristic of the Central Russian Upland.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to see the sunrise. The highlight is Lake Ladoga; start looking out approximately 20 minutes before landing. In winter, the lake's frozen surface and ice floes provide a spectacular, otherworldly white landscape. If taking off to the north, the Bosphorus view is almost immediate, so don't wait to look out the window.
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Istanbul Northern Suburbs
Aerial views of the rapid urban expansion and green belts north of the city shortly after takeoff.
Black Sea Horizon
A vast, deep blue expanse of the western Black Sea as the aircraft climbs to cruising altitude.
Belarusian/Russian Forests
Dense clusters of northern deciduous and coniferous forests creating a patchwork of deep green.
Lakhta Center
The tallest building in Europe is often visible in the distance during the western approach to Pulkovo.
Sit on the left for evening flights to witness the sunset over the Baltic region. During the final approach, you might catch a glimpse of the Gulf of Finland if the plane loops from the west. Keep your camera ready for the contrast between the green taiga and the urban sprawl of St. Petersburg's western districts.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for RussiaDistance: 2,063 km (1,282 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 45 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: LED (59.80030059814453, 30.26250076293945)
Route Type: International
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