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RTM destination photo
IST destination photo

RTMIST

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior panorama, featuring the Dutch Rhine delta, a majestic distant view of the Alps, the winding Danube River, and a better chance of seeing Istanbul's historic center on arrival.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🇳🇱

Rhine-Meuse Delta

Incredible patterns of the Dutch polders and the intricate water management systems south of Rotterdam.

🏔️

The Alps Panorama

On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Austrian and Swiss Alps are visible on the southern horizon.

💧

The Danube River

The flight often parallels or crosses the Danube, showing its characteristic blue-green curves through the Balkans.

🌄

Balkan Highlands

Deep forested valleys and limestone ridges across Serbia and Bulgaria provide dramatic terrain shifts.

🕌

Bosphorus & Istanbul

If the flight approaches IST from the south, you'll see the iconic strait and the skyline of the historic peninsula.

This side is generally sunnier, so prepare for more light. The mid-flight section is the highlight when the Alps appear to the south. During landing, if the wind is from the north, the plane may circle over the Sea of Marmara, providing the right side with spectacular views of the Golden Horn.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🚢

Rotterdam Port

Bird's-eye view of Europe's largest seaport and the complex industrial infrastructure of the Maasvlakte.

🏙️

German Metropolises

Aerial perspectives of major German urban hubs and the dense industrial landscape of the Ruhr area.

⛰️

Carpathian Mountains

Distant views of the rugged Transylvanian Alps as the flight progresses through Eastern Europe.

🌊

Black Sea Coast

The dramatic meeting of the Balkan mountains and the dark blue waters of the Black Sea during the final descent.

The left side is ideal for photographers who want to avoid direct sunlight glare during this southeasterly flight. Keep a sharp eye out during the final 15 minutes of flight for the unique turquoise hues of the Black Sea coastline before turning into IST.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 2,188 km (1,360 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 55 min

Departure: RTM (51.956902, 4.43722)

Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Route Type: International

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