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Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Tolmachevo Airport (Novosibirsk)?

Our Recommendation
8.7

Right Side of the Plane

The right side of the aircraft offers a front-row seat to the dramatic Greater Caucasus mountain range, the shimmering Caspian Sea, and the vast, winding Ob River basin as you descend into Siberia.

Right Side Highlights
8.7
🏔️

Greater Caucasus Range

Spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, including Mount Elbrus, the highest point in Europe.

💧

Caspian Sea Shoreline

The southern trajectory offers a view of the world's largest inland body of water and its unique coastal formations.

🏜️

Ustyurt Plateau

A striking desert landscape with chalk cliffs and canyons visible as the flight crosses into Central Asia.

🌊

Ob River Valley

The majestic Ob River, one of the longest in the world, becomes clearly visible during the final descent into Novosibirsk.

Secure a window seat ahead of the wing for unobstructed views of the Caucasus Mountains, which are the absolute highlight of this route. For morning flights, this side will be very bright, so high-quality sunglasses are recommended. Look out for the massive Novosibirsk Reservoir (the 'Ob Sea') just before landing.

Left Side Highlights
7.4
🌊

Black Sea Crossing

Expansive views of the deep blue Black Sea shortly after departure from Istanbul's northern coast.

🚢

Volga River Delta

Witness the intricate network of the Volga River as it flows toward the Caspian Sea near Astrakhan.

🌾

Kazakh Steppes

An endless horizon of the Great Eurasian Steppe, displaying unique agricultural patterns and seasonal colors.

⛰️

Southern Ural Mountains

The ancient, low-lying peaks that define the geographical border between the European and Asian continents.

The left side is preferable during late afternoon flights to avoid direct solar glare. Watch for the lights of Samara or Chelyabinsk if flying during twilight or night hours. This side provides a better perspective of the vastness of the Russian interior plains.

Top Activities in Novosibirsk
Route Information

Distance: 4,159 km (2,584 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 54 min

Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Arrival: OVB (55.012599945068, 82.650703430176)

Route Type: International

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