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SAW → HAM
Which side of the plane to sit from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul) to Hamburg Airport (Hamburg)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides an exceptional view of the Istanbul coastline and the Marmara Sea upon departure, followed by the rugged Balkan ranges and a distant silhouette of the Alps.
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Marmara Sea
Aerial views of the Prince Islands and the Asian coastline of Istanbul during the initial climb.
Balkan Mountains
Stunning views of the Stara Planina range as the flight crosses Bulgaria and Serbia.
Alpine Horizon
On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Austrian Alps are visible on the far horizon.
German Uplands
The rolling green hills and dense forests of the Thuringian and Harz mountains during descent.
For morning flights, the left side avoids the harshest glare of the sun. It is particularly rewarding during takeoff from SAW for a final look at the Turkish coast. Ensure you have a window seat forward of the wing to maximize the mountain panorama.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
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Black Sea Coast
The distant shoreline of the Black Sea is often visible to the north shortly after takeoff.
Budapest
A high-altitude view of the Hungarian capital and its majestic bridges over the Danube.
Prague
The sprawling historical architecture of the Czech capital is a common sight on this route.
The Danube
Follow the winding path of one of Europe's most significant rivers through the plains.
Elbe River
Aerial views of the massive container ports and industrial beauty of the Elbe as you land in Hamburg.
The right side is superior for city enthusiasts, offering the best chance to spot Budapest and Prague. During the late afternoon, this side benefits from the golden hour glow on the landscape below. It is also the preferred side for viewing the Elbe estuary during the final approach.
Book Hotels in HamburgDistance: 2,020 km (1,255 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 42 min
Departure: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Arrival: HAM (53.630401611328, 9.988229751586902)
Route Type: International
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