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PRG → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Václav Havel Airport Prague (Prague) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most iconic views, including the High Tatras, the Transylvanian Alps, and the spectacular approach over the Black Sea and the Bosphorus Strait into Istanbul.
Search flights from PRG to IST
Prague Cityscape
Aerial view of Prague's historic center and the Vltava River shortly after takeoff from Václav Havel Airport.
High Tatra Mountains
The jagged granite peaks along the Slovak-Polish border are often visible to the northeast.
Budapest & Danube
The winding Danube river and the Parliament building are visible if the flight path tracks slightly east over Hungary.
Southern Carpathians
The dramatic and rugged Transylvanian Alps in central Romania, often snow-capped in winter.
Black Sea Coastline
Clear views of the Bulgarian and Turkish coastline as the aircraft descends toward Istanbul.
Bosphorus Strait
On many arrival patterns, the left side offers a stunning view of the waterway dividing Europe and Asia.
Sit on the left for the best chance of seeing the Bosphorus during the final approach. Since the flight heads southeast, morning flights will have the sun on the right side, making the left side better for photography without glare. Look out for the contrast between the green northern forests of Istanbul and the dense urban center.
Get eSIMs for Czech Republic
Get eSIMs for TurkeyAustrian Alps
In the distance to the southwest, the snow-capped Northern Limestone Alps may be visible on clear days.
Lake Balaton
Central Europe's largest lake, known for its distinct turquoise color and elongated shape.
Belgrade
The confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers at the heart of the Serbian capital.
Rila Mountains
The highest mountain range in the Balkans, located in southwestern Bulgaria.
Sea of Marmara
Views of the southern shipping lanes and the sprawling urban density of southern Istanbul.
Choose the right side if you prefer views of the Balkan interior and the Sea of Marmara. During late afternoon flights, this side will experience direct sunlight, which is great for warmth but can cause reflections in photos. Keep an eye out for the massive scale of Istanbul's urban expansion as you cross the Bulgarian-Turkish border.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 1,489 km (925 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 59 min
Departure: PRG (50.1008, 14.26)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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