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STR destination photo
IST destination photo

STRIST

Which side of the plane to sit from Stuttgart Airport (Stuttgart) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a more direct perspective of the high central Alpine peaks and superior views of the Istanbul urban sprawl and the Marmara Sea during standard approach patterns.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏔️

High Alps Panorama

Uninterrupted views of the tallest snow-capped peaks in the Austrian and Italian Alps, including the Hohe Tauern range.

🌊

Adriatic Glimmer

On clear days, see the distant sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea and the rugged Croatian coastline.

⛰️

Balkan Karst

Fly over the unique limestone formations and deep, forested valleys of the Dinaric Alps through the Balkans.

🚢

Sea of Marmara

Spot dozens of cargo ships anchored at the southern entrance to the Bosphorus Strait during the final descent.

🕌

Istanbul Urban Sprawl

Experience the true scale of Istanbul as you fly over the sprawling European side toward the new airport.

The right side is prime for afternoon flights to catch the sunset glow over the Alps. If the landing pattern approaches from the south, this side provides the most iconic views of the city's density and the Marmara Sea.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🏙️

Stuttgart & Neckar Valley

Aerial view of the industrial heart of Baden-Wurttemberg and the winding Neckar River immediately after takeoff.

💧

Lake Constance

Glimpse the massive expanse of the Bodensee where Germany, Switzerland, and Austria meet.

🏔️

Northern Alpine Range

View the rugged limestone peaks of the Austrian Vorarlberg and Tyrolean Alps to the south-east.

🌆

Sofia Cityscape

Look out for the Bulgarian capital and the massive Vitosha Mountain massif during the mid-flight phase.

🌊

Black Sea Coastline

As you descend into Istanbul, the dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters of the Black Sea appear on the left.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. It offers the best views of the Black Sea coastline during the standard northern approach to Istanbul Airport (IST).

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 1,736 km (1,079 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 19 min

Departure: STR (48.6898994446, 9.22196006775)

Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Route Type: International

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