About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schiphol (AMS) to Ataturk (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Amsterdam to Istanbul. While the right side wins at takeoff for Amsterdam city views, the left side delivers the more spectacular payoff at landing with the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, and the iconic Sultanahmet skyline. During the cruise, the left side also picks up better views of the Alps crossing and the Adriatic coastline depending on exact routing, making it the stronger seat for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?
During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Schiphol typically departs eastbound on runway 36C/18C or uses the Polderbaan (36R), with aircraft turning southeast toward Germany. The right side gives you a clear view over Amsterdam city center, the IJ river, and the distinctive ring canal pattern of the historic grachtengordel as you climb out. Notable sights include: Amsterdam grachtengordel (ring canals), IJ river and Amsterdam Centraal area, IJmeer lake to the east, Almere new town across the polder.
What can I see when landing at Ataturk in Istanbul?
When landing at Ataturk (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Istanbul Ataturk airport sits on the European side of the city, and aircraft typically approach from the northwest on runway 06 or from the west on runway 35L/35R. On a standard approach from the northwest, the left side offers views over the Bosphorus strait, the Golden Horn, and the historic peninsula with its unmistakable skyline of domes and minarets. Notable sights include: Bosphorus strait, Golden Horn inlet, historic Sultanahmet peninsula (Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque domes visible), Sea of Marmara.
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Istanbul?
The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to Ataturk (IST) takes Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 50 minutes.
What does the Amsterdam to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The route typically tracks southeast over Germany, then across Austria or southern Germany where the Alps are visible — particularly the Bavarian Alps and Austrian Alps as a broad white mountain chain. The flight then crosses Slovenia or Croatia, with the Adriatic Sea visible to the south. Over the Balkans, the Dinaric Alps give way to lower terrain across Serbia and Bulgaria before descending toward the Turkish coast and the Sea of Marmara.