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IST destination photo
TXL destination photo

ISTTXL

Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Berlin-Tegel Airport (Berlin)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side of the aircraft offers a more diverse geographic landscape, starting with the striking Black Sea coastline before traversing the dramatic Carpathian Mountains and the jagged High Tatras of Slovakia.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Black Sea Coast

Beautiful turquoise waters and white cliffs near Varna and Constanta.

🏔️

Southern Carpathians

The dramatic 'Transylvanian Alps' with snow-capped peaks in Romania.

🏞️

Transylvanian Plateau

The mystical, hilly landscape of central Romania dotted with small villages.

🗻

High Tatras

The highest range of the Carpathian Mountains along the Polish-Slovak border.

🥨

Saxon Switzerland

Unique sandstone rock formations and deep canyons near the German-Czech border.

For the best experience, book a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the Carpathian peaks. Keep your camera ready immediately after takeoff from IST to catch the transition from the Bosphorus to the Black Sea coastline. In winter, the snow-covered Tatras are a major highlight.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
⛰️

Balkan Mountains

The rugged peaks of the Stara Planina range stretching across Bulgaria.

💧

Danube Bend

The iconic curve of the Danube River as it flows through Hungary.

🏙️

Budapest Skyline

A birds-eye view of the Hungarian Parliament and the bridges of the Danube.

🏰

Prague Cityscape

The red-tiled roofs and historic spires of the Czech capital visible on clear days.

🌲

Bohemian Forest

Expansive green woodlands bordering the Czech Republic and Germany.

Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid direct sun glare. This side is superior for urban photography, especially when passing over the Hungarian and Czech capitals. Watch for the Danube River, which acts as a constant navigation guide throughout the mid-flight.

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Route Information

Distance: 1,712 km (1,064 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 17 min

Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Arrival: TXL (52.5597, 13.2877)

Route Type: International

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