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SAW → VIE
Which side of the plane to sit from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul) to Vienna International Airport (Vienna)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unrivaled view of Istanbul's historic peninsula and the Bosphorus Strait immediately after takeoff, followed by potential sightings of major capital cities like Belgrade and Budapest before the final approach into Vienna.
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Bosphorus Strait
The iconic waterway dividing Europe and Asia, featuring the bridges and the Golden Horn.
Sofia Panorama
The Bulgarian capital nestled at the foot of Vitosha Mountain often appears out of the right window.
Belgrade Confluence
The striking meeting point of the Sava and Danube rivers in the heart of the Serbian capital.
Budapest Skyline
Distant but clear views of the Hungarian Parliament and the curves of the Danube.
Vienna City View
On many approach patterns to VIE, the right side provides a panoramic view of the Prater and St. Stephen's Cathedral.
Sit on the right for the best chance to see the historic heart of Istanbul. Since the flight travels West-Northwest, morning flights offer the best lighting on this side. Watch closely about 15-20 minutes before landing for the Danube river, which acts as a guide into Vienna International Airport.
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Princes' Islands
The cluster of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara visible shortly after lifting off from SAW.
Rila and Pirin Mountains
The highest mountain ranges of the Balkan Peninsula located in southwestern Bulgaria.
Lake Balaton
Central Europe's largest lake, known for its distinct turquoise water, visible while crossing Hungary.
Leitha Mountains
The easternmost spurs of the Alps that signal your arrival into the Austrian basin.
Choose the left side for southern views. During late afternoon flights, you will have the sun behind you for much of the journey, which is better for glare-free photography of the Bulgarian mountains and Lake Balaton. In winter, the snow-capped Rila peaks are a major highlight.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for AustriaDistance: 1,287 km (800 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 43 min
Departure: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Arrival: VIE (48.110298156738, 16.569700241089002)
Route Type: International
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