The right side wins due to the coastal departure view from Schiphol, occasional glimpses of the Alps and Balkan ranges south of the flight path during cruise, and the dramatic Bosphorus/Istanbul skyline on final approach.
Flown AMS to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Amsterdam to Istanbul is 1,356 miles (2,183 km), a flight of about 3 hours 20 minutes.
Route crosses southern Germany, Austria, and the Balkans, passing near the northern edge of the Alps and over the Carpathian foothills before crossing into Bulgaria and Turkey.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AMS
RIGHTDeparting Schiphol southbound on the Polderbaan, the right (west) side offers a brief glimpse of the North Sea coastline and Dutch beaches near Zandvoort before the aircraft turns inland, while the left side only shows flat polder farmland and the IJsselmeer.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach to Istanbul Airport from the north/Black Sea side, the right side of the aircraft typically faces the Bosphorus strait and the dense Istanbul skyline during the turn onto final, a far more dramatic view than the open Thracian countryside on the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schiphol (AMS) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Amsterdam to Istanbul. The right side wins due to the coastal departure view from Schiphol, occasional glimpses of the Alps and Balkan ranges south of the flight path during cruise, and the dramatic Bosphorus/Istanbul skyline on final approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?
During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Schiphol southbound on the Polderbaan, the right (west) side offers a brief glimpse of the North Sea coastline and Dutch beaches near Zandvoort before the aircraft turns inland, while the left side only shows flat polder farmland and the IJsselmeer. Notable sights include: North Sea coastline, Zandvoort beach, Dutch polders, IJmuiden harbor.
What can I see when landing at İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
When landing at İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to Istanbul Airport from the north/Black Sea side, the right side of the aircraft typically faces the Bosphorus strait and the dense Istanbul skyline during the turn onto final, a far more dramatic view than the open Thracian countryside on the left. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul city skyline, Black Sea coastline, Marmara Sea.
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Istanbul?
The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 3 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,356 miles (2,183 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Amsterdam to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Route crosses southern Germany, Austria, and the Balkans, passing near the northern edge of the Alps and over the Carpathian foothills before crossing into Bulgaria and Turkey.