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LED → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Pulkovo Airport (St. Petersburg) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers the most iconic views, including the historic center of St. Petersburg during departure and the dramatic Bulgarian coastline and Bosphorus bridges during the descent into Istanbul.
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St. Petersburg Center
Stunning aerial views of the Neva River, the Hermitage, and the Peter and Paul Fortress if departing to the west.
Gulf of Finland
The sparkling waters of the Baltic and the historic naval fortifications of Kronstadt.
Bulgarian Black Sea Coast
Clear views of the coastline near Varna and the eastern edges of the Balkan Mountains.
Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge
The northernmost bridge connecting Europe and Asia is often visible during the final approach.
Istanbul Airport Infrastructure
A panoramic view of the massive new IST terminal and its distinctive tulip-shaped control tower.
The right side is essential for the best landmarks. On departure, if the wind is from the west, you will fly directly over the city center. During the descent, the right side usually faces the European coastline, providing excellent views of the Black Sea beaches and the approach into the massive Istanbul Airport hub. Summer 'White Nights' offer incredible twilight views even on late evening departures.
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St. Petersburg Southern Districts
Views of the sprawling residential areas and the Pulkovo Heights immediately after takeoff.
Pskov Region Lakes
Numerous small glacial lakes and dense coniferous forests visible during the initial climb.
Black Sea Expanse
A long stretch over the deep blue waters of the Black Sea before reaching Turkish airspace.
Bosphorus Anchorage
A view of the hundreds of cargo ships waiting to transit the strait from the Black Sea side.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. It provides a great perspective of the Black Sea's vastness and, depending on the approach pattern, a glimpse of the Asian side of Istanbul including the northern forested areas.
Get eSIMs for Russia
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 2,063 km (1,282 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 45 min
Departure: LED (59.80030059814453, 30.26250076293945)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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