Loading map...
VNO → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Vilnius International Airport (Vilnius) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior entry into Istanbul, typically providing sweeping panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait and the Asian coastline as the aircraft descends into IST.
Search flights from VNO to IST
East European Forests
Dense, sprawling woodlands across southern Poland and the Moldavian plateau.
Bucharest Environs
Distant views of the sprawling Romanian capital and its surrounding industrial belts.
Black Sea Coast
The striking transition where the Bulgarian coastline meets the deep blue of the Black Sea.
Bosphorus Strait
The world-famous waterway dividing Europe and Asia, visible during the final approach.
Istanbul Asian Side
Densely packed hills and minarets of the Üsküdar and Kadıköy districts.
Sit in front of the wing for an unobstructed view of the Bosphorus. On early morning flights, expect bright sunlight; polarized sunglasses are recommended. If landing from the north, this side offers the most iconic 'two continents' photo opportunity.
Get eSIMs for Lithuania
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Tatra Mountains
The jagged peaks of the High Tatras on the Polish-Slovak border are visible in clear weather.
Transylvanian Alps
Dramatic, rugged ridges of the Southern Carpathian Mountains in Romania.
Balkan Mountain Range
The 'Stara Planina' stretching across Bulgaria, featuring deep valleys and limestone cliffs.
Historic Istanbul
A dense urban view of the European side, including the Golden Horn and historic peninsula.
Atatürk Olympic Stadium
The massive white structure of the national stadium serves as a landmark near the airport.
The right side is ideal for mountain lovers, offering better views of the Carpathians and Balkan ranges. During sunset flights, this side provides spectacular golden hour views over the Turkish interior and the Sea of Marmara if the approach path loops south.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 1,507 km (936 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 1 min
Departure: VNO (54.634102, 25.285801)
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.