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IST → VIE
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Vienna International Airport (Vienna)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior sequence of major European landmarks, including the Black Sea coast, Belgrade, and an iconic view of the Budapest skyline along the Danube.
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Black Sea Coast
Dramatic views of the northern Turkish shoreline and the mouth of the Bosphorus immediately following departure from IST.
Belgrade Skyline
A clear view of the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers at the heart of the historic Serbian capital.
Budapest Panorama
Breathtaking aerial views of the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, and the historic bridges spanning the Danube.
Danube Bend
The scenic horseshoe curve of the river through the mountains north of Budapest near Visegrád.
The right side is the 'urban' side of this route. For the most spectacular views of Budapest, which typically appears 25-30 minutes before arrival, ensure you have a window seat in the front half of the cabin. On night flights, the illuminated bridges of the Danube are easily identifiable.
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Balkan Peaks
High-altitude views of the Rila and Pirin mountain ranges in Bulgaria, featuring some of the region's highest summits.
Lake Balaton
The expansive emerald waters of Central Europe's largest lake, visible in western Hungary shortly before the Austrian border.
Eastern Alps
Snowy vistas of the Austrian Alpine foothills and the Styrian mountain ranges during the final descent phase.
For the best visibility of the Bulgarian mountains, choose a morning flight to have the sun behind you. Sit behind the wing to ensure the large surface area of Lake Balaton is fully visible during the cruise-to-descent transition.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for AustriaDistance: 1,224 km (761 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 38 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: VIE (48.110298156738, 16.569700241089002)
Route Type: International
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