About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) to Ataturk (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Berlin to Istanbul. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the Balkans, the left side also faces south toward the Rhodope Mountains and Aegean coastline glimpses, while the right side looks into open central European plains. Left is the clear choice for the entire journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Berlin Brandenburg in Berlin?
During takeoff from Berlin Brandenburg (BER), sit on the Left side for the best views. BER typically departs south on runway 25L/25R heading southwest, then turns southeast toward Istanbul. The left side picks up central Berlin's urban core including the TV Tower area and the Spree river bends as you climb out. Right side faces open Brandenburg flatlands with little of interest. Notable sights include: Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm) and Alexanderplatz district, Spree river curves through the city center, Tempelhof field (large circular former airport), Müggelsee lake to the southeast.
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 (IST) typically lands on runway 06 heading northeast or runway 24 heading southwest. On approach from the northwest, the left side faces the Bosphorus strait, the Golden Horn, and the historic peninsula with Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque clearly visible as distinctive silhouettes. Right side looks toward the Sea of Marmara's open water and the Asian shore. Notable sights include: Bosphorus strait with its distinctive narrow channel, Historic peninsula with Hagia Sophia dome and Blue Mosque minarets, Golden Horn inlet splitting the European city, Sea of Marmara visible to the south.
How long is the flight from Berlin to Istanbul?
The flight from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) to Ataturk (IST) takes Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours.
What does the Berlin to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Czech Republic and Slovakia, then descends over Hungary and the Pannonian Plain, crosses into Serbia over the Danube river near Belgrade (visible as a wide silver ribbon), continues over Bulgaria with the Balkan mountain range (Stara Planina) crossing as a visible ridge system, then over the Rhodope Mountains before descending into Turkish Thrace and approaching Istanbul from the northwest across flat agricultural land