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RHO destination photo
LED destination photo

RHO β†’ LED

Which side of the plane to sit from Diagoras Airport (Rhodos) to Pulkovo Airport (St. Petersburg)?

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior sequence of coastal vistas, starting with the Aegean islands, crossing the dramatic Carpathian Mountains, and culminating in a spectacular approach over the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic coast.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🏝️

Rhodes & Aegean Islands

Aerial view of Rhodes City and the northern tip of the island immediately after takeoff, followed by a mosaic of Dodecanese islands.

⛰️

Balkan Mountains

Rugged terrain and deep valleys as the flight crosses through the heart of Bulgaria and the Balkan range.

πŸ”οΈ

Carpathian Mountains

Dramatic views of the Transylvanian Alps in Romania, featuring jagged peaks and dense forests.

🌊

Baltic Sea Coastline

As you head north, the sparkling waters of the Baltic Sea and the jagged coastlines of the Baltic States become visible.

βš“

Gulf of Finland

Panoramic views of the sea as the plane aligns for its final descent into St. Petersburg, often passing near the Estonian coast.

🏰

Peterhof Palace

On clear western approaches, the magnificent fountains and gardens of Peterhof are visible just before touchdown.

Sit on the left for the best morning light during the ascent, as the sun will be behind you or to the right. This side is especially rewarding during the final 30 minutes of the flight when the plane maneuvers over the Gulf of Finland. Look for the distinct blue-green hues of the Baltic sea and the coastal forests of the Leningrad region.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
πŸ–οΈ

Turkish Riviera

Excellent views of the Marmaris and DatΓ§a peninsulas of Turkey shortly after departure from Rhodes.

🏒

Bucharest & Danube

Spot the wide Danube River and the sprawling urban layout of the Romanian capital if the flight path tracks east.

🚜

Eastern European Plains

Vast agricultural landscapes and traditional villages stretching across Romania and Poland.

🌊

Lake Ladoga

Depending on the arrival pattern, the massive expanse of Europe's largest lake may appear to the northeast.

πŸ™οΈ

St. Petersburg Skyline

Views of the Neva River and the city's eastern residential districts during the final approach phase.

The right side is ideal for seeing the Turkish coastline early in the flight. During the winter months, this side captures the low northern sun, providing high-contrast views of the snowy plains of Eastern Europe. If the flight arrives from the east, you will have the best view of the Neva River delta and the city center.

Top Activities in St. Petersburg
Route Information

Distance: 2,606 km (1,619 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 28 min

Departure: RHO (36.40539932250977, 28.086200714111328)

Arrival: LED (59.80030059814453, 30.26250076293945)

Route Type: International

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