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ZAG destination photo
IST destination photo

ZAGIST

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

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers superior views of the dramatic Dinaric Alps and a more scenic approach over the outskirts of Istanbul and the Sea of Marmara.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏔️

Dinaric Alps

Breathtaking views of the karst peaks and deep valleys throughout Bosnia and Montenegro.

🌲

Rhodope Mountains

Fly over the dense, ancient forests and high ridges of the Bulgarian mountain range.

🌻

Turkish Thrace

The rolling plains and wind farms of European Turkey signify the entry into Turkish airspace.

🚢

Sea of Marmara

Glittering waters and heavy maritime traffic are visible as you turn for the final approach.

🕌

Istanbul Urban Sprawl

The incredible scale of Istanbul's expansion and historic architecture is best seen from this angle.

Highly recommended for afternoon flights to keep the sun behind you, ensuring better photo quality. This side offers more dramatic mountain scenery early in the flight and provides the most comprehensive view of the Istanbul metropolitan area during the descent into IST.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🌾

Slavonia Plains

View the vast agricultural heartland of Croatia as you head toward the Serbian border.

🏙️

Belgrade & Danube

Spot the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers near the Serbian capital.

🏔️

Balkan Mountains

The rugged Stara Planina range stretching across the spine of Bulgaria provides a jagged horizon.

🌊

Black Sea Approach

As the flight descends, the deep blue of the Black Sea becomes visible to the north.

Sit on the left for morning flights to witness the sunrise over the eastern horizon. It is also the best side for spotting the Danube River as it snakes through the Pannonian Basin. During winter, the snow-covered Balkan Mountains are a major highlight.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 1,135 km (705 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 31 min

Departure: ZAG (45.742900848400005, 16.0687999725)

Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Route Type: International

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