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IST destination photo
LWO destination photo

ISTLWO

Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Lviv International Airport (Lvov)?

Our Recommendation
7.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers superior views of the Turkish coastline upon departure and a more dramatic perspective of the Eastern Carpathian mountain ridges as you approach Western Ukraine.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🌊

Thrace Coastline

Dramatic views of the rugged Turkish Black Sea coast immediately after departing Istanbul Airport.

⛰️

Eastern Carpathians

The snow-capped or forested peaks of the Carpathian range visible on the western horizon during the cruise phase.

🚜

Galician Farmland

The characteristic patchwork of agricultural fields and small villages typical of the historic Galicia region.

🏠

Lviv Architecture

A glimpse of the city's outskirts and historic suburban layouts during the final descent into LWO.

For the best experience, choose a window seat in front of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. On morning flights, the sun will be behind you, illuminating the Carpathian peaks perfectly. Watch for the transition from the blue Black Sea to the deep greens of the Ukrainian interior approximately 30 minutes after takeoff.

Right Side Highlights
6.2
🌉

Bosphorus Entrance

The northern mouth of the Bosphorus Strait where the Istanbul city limits meet the Black Sea.

💧

Dniester River

The winding, serpentine path of the Dniester River cutting through the Moldovan and Ukrainian borderlands.

🍇

Bessarabian Hills

Rolling hills and extensive vineyard regions visible if the flight path tracks slightly east over Moldova.

The right side is ideal for catching the morning sun reflecting off the Black Sea. Keep an eye out for the Dniester River about midway through the flight; its unique loops are very photogenic. If landing from the east, this side offers a better view of the city center's church spires.

Top Activities in Lvov
Route Information

Distance: 1,020 km (634 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min

Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Arrival: LWO (49.8125, 23.95610046386719)

Route Type: International

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