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STR → ESB
Which side of the plane to sit from Stuttgart Airport (Stuttgart) to Esenboğa International Airport (Ankara)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers spectacular, close-range views of the Alps shortly after takeoff and provides the best chance to see the Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline during the descent into Turkey.
The Alps
Breathtaking panoramas of the Bavarian and Austrian Alps, including snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys.
Salzkammergut Lakes
Crystal clear alpine lakes like Attersee or Traunsee shimmering between the mountain ridges.
Dinaric Alps
The dramatic, karst limestone landscapes of the Balkan Peninsula stretching toward the Adriatic.
Bosphorus Strait
The iconic waterway dividing Europe and Asia, visible as the flight navigates the Marmara region.
Istanbul Cityscape
A sprawling view of the historic peninsula, Minarets, and the Golden Horn during the approach to Ankara.
Sit on the right for the most dramatic mountain scenery within the first 45 minutes. For the best view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus, choose a seat behind the wing to ensure your view isn't obstructed during the banking turns. Afternoon flights offer the most vibrant colors over the Anatolian plateau.
Swabian Jura
Rolling hills and dense forests of the Baden-Württemberg region immediately after departure from STR.
Danube River
Aerial views of the winding Danube as it flows through Bavaria and into Austria.
Belgrade
The Serbian capital situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers is often visible mid-flight.
Balkan Mountains
Rugged ridges of the Stara Planina range crossing through central Bulgaria.
Black Sea Coastline
As the plane approaches the Turkish border, the dark blue waters of the Black Sea appear to the north.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. It is the best side for spotting the intricate silver ribbon of the Danube River across Eastern Europe. During winter, look for the snow-capped peaks of the Carpathian Mountains in the far distance.
Distance: 2,103 km (1,307 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 48 min
Departure: STR (48.6898994446, 9.22196006775)
Arrival: ESB (40.1281013489, 32.995098114)
Route Type: International
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