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SOF destination photo
PRG destination photo

SOFPRG

Which side of the plane to sit from Sofia Airport (Sofia) to Václav Havel Airport Prague (Prague)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side provides the most iconic views, including a high-altitude look at the Balkan Mountains, a spectacular crossing of the Danube, and a prime view of the Hungarian capital, Budapest.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
⛰️

Stara Planina

The rugged peaks of the Balkan Mountains stretch out to the east shortly after departing the Sofia valley.

🎡

Budapest

Usually the highlight of the trip, offering a clear view of the Parliament building, the Chain Bridge, and the Danube cutting through the city.

↪️

Danube Bend

Watch for the dramatic 90-degree turn the Danube takes at Visegrád, surrounded by the Börzsöny and Pilis mountains.

🏘️

Brno City

The historical capital of Moravia is easily identifiable by the Špilberk Castle and the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul.

✈️

Prague Urban Area

Depending on the landing direction (RWY 24 or 06), you may get a sweeping view of the Vltava river and Prague's red roofs.

The right side is ideal for morning flights as the sun will be behind the plane, illuminating Budapest and the Danube Bend perfectly. About 45-55 minutes into the flight, keep your camera ready for the Hungarian capital. During winter, look for the snow-capped Tatras in the far distance to the northeast.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏔️

Vitosha Mountain

Rising immediately south of Sofia, this massive dome-shaped mountain is visible right after takeoff if the aircraft turns north.

🏙️

Belgrade Skyline

The Serbian capital is often visible to the west, situated at the strategic confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers.

🌊

Lake Balaton

In the distance to the west, you can see the turquoise waters of Central Europe's largest freshwater lake.

🏰

Bratislava & Vienna

On clear days, the twin cities of the Danube appear as sprawling urban clusters near the Austrian-Slovak border.

🌲

Bohemian-Moravian Highlands

A mosaic of forests and agricultural fields as you enter Czech airspace, signaling the approach to Prague.

Sit on the left for the best view of Vitosha Mountain upon departure from SOF. For afternoon flights, be aware that the sun will be on this side of the aircraft, which can cause significant glare when trying to photograph the Serbian and Slovakian landscapes.

Top Activities in Prague
Route Information

Distance: 1,080 km (671 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min

Departure: SOF (42.69669342041016, 23.411436080932617)

Arrival: PRG (50.1008, 14.26)

Route Type: International

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