Loading map...
TLL → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (Tallinn-ulemiste International) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides an exceptional view of the Tallinn skyline during departure and is strategically positioned for the most iconic views of the Bosphorus Strait and the Istanbul city center during the approach to IST.
Search flights from TLL to IST
Tallinn Old Town
Aerial views of the medieval spires and the Gulf of Finland shortly after takeoff.
Eastern Carpathians
The rugged, forested peaks of the Romanian mountain range stretching across the horizon.
Bucharest Skyline
A distant view of the sprawling Romanian capital and its massive Palace of the Parliament.
Black Sea Coastline
The transition from the Bulgarian coastline to the turquoise waters of the Turkish Black Sea coast.
The Bosphorus
Spectacular views of the bridges connecting Europe and Asia during the final descent into Istanbul.
For morning flights, the left side is ideal as the sun will be on the opposite side of the aircraft, reducing glare. Look out about 20 minutes before landing for the first glimpse of the Bosphorus. During winter, expect snow-capped Carpathian peaks which are particularly stunning in the afternoon light.
Get eSIMs for Estonia
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Lake Ülemiste
Immediate view of Tallinn's largest lake and the airport surroundings right after rotation.
High Tatras
Dramatic alpine peaks on the border of Poland and Slovakia visible during the cruise phase.
Danube River
The winding blue ribbon of Europe's second-longest river as it snakes through Central Europe.
Balkan Mountains
The central mountain chain of Bulgaria offering deep valleys and ridge views.
Western Istanbul
Vast views of the rapidly expanding urban landscape and the Sea of Marmara in the distance.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights to catch the sunset over the Balkan landscape. During takeoff, you get a close-up of the Estonian forest landscape. If the plane approaches IST from the south, this side offers a better view of the Sea of Marmara and the new airport's massive infrastructure.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 2,035 km (1,264 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 43 min
Departure: TLL (59.41329956049999, 24.8327999115)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.