Loading map...

VAS destination photo
SAW destination photo

VASSAW

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides the most iconic views during the final approach to Sabiha Gökçen, offering a panoramic look at the Marmara Sea and the Princes' Islands, which are quintessential Istanbul landmarks.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌾

Central Anatolian Steppes

Vast, rolling golden plains stretching across the heart of Turkey shortly after takeoff from Sivas.

🏙️

Ankara Skyline

Distal views of the capital city's urban sprawl as the flight passes south of the Ankara province.

💧

Lake Sapanca

A stunning freshwater lake surrounded by lush green forests in the Sakarya region.

🌊

Marmara Sea

The deep blue waters appearing as the aircraft begins its descent into the Istanbul metropolitan area.

🏝️

Princes' Islands

A beautiful bird's-eye view of the archipelago located off the coast of the Asian side of Istanbul.

Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. This side is particularly spectacular during the descent; when the plane aligns for runway 06, you will get an unobstructed view of the Marmara coastline. Have your camera ready about 15 minutes before landing.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🐍

Kızılırmak River

The winding path of Turkey's longest river as it snakes through the Anatolian landscape.

🏔️

Köroğlu Mountains

Rugged mountain peaks that are often snow-capped during the winter and spring months.

🌲

Bolu Forest Canopy

Dense, dark green forest coverage characteristic of the Western Black Sea transition zone.

⚓

Izmit Bay

The narrow industrial and maritime hub connecting the Marmara Sea to the inland regions.

🌆

Kocaeli Urbanization

The dense industrial and residential corridor leading into the eastern outskirts of Istanbul.

The right side is ideal for mountain lovers. In the winter, the snowy peaks of the Bolu range offer a dramatic contrast to the plains. This side also avoids direct glare during afternoon flights. Keep an eye out for the North Anatolian Fault line geography visible through the mountain valleys.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 654 km (406 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 5 min

Departure: VAS (39.813801, 36.9035)

Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)

Route Type: Domestic

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.