Berlin to Istanbul is 1,047 miles (1,685 km), a flight of about 2 hours 50 minutes.
During cruise, the right side faces the Alpine foothills of Austria and the Balkan mountain ranges over Bulgaria, giving more topographic variety than the flatter Carpathian foothills seen on the left. Combined with the scenic Marmara/Istanbul approach on the right, this side offers a stronger overall visual experience.
Flight Path
Route crosses the Bohemian/Austrian border highlands, the Hungarian Plain, and the Balkan Mountains of Bulgaria before descending toward the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BER
LEFTDeparting BER on runway 24, the initial climb and turn toward the southeast briefly reveals the lake-studded Brandenburg countryside (Müggelsee, Dahme river lakes) on the left side before the route flattens out over featureless plains. The right side shows mostly farmland with little variation.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach into IST, arrivals from the north typically curve around the Bosphorus and Sea of Marmara before lining up on the north-south runways, putting the Marmara coastline, the Princes' Islands, and Istanbul's dense urban sprawl on the right side of the aircraft during the final descent.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Berlin to Istanbul. During cruise, the right side faces the Alpine foothills of Austria and the Balkan mountain ranges over Bulgaria, giving more topographic variety than the flatter Carpathian foothills seen on the left. Combined with the scenic Marmara/Istanbul approach on the right, this side offers a stronger overall visual experience.
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. Departing BER on runway 24, the initial climb and turn toward the southeast briefly reveals the lake-studded Brandenburg countryside (Müggelsee, Dahme river lakes) on the left side before the route flattens out over featureless plains. The right side shows mostly farmland with little variation. Notable sights include: Müggelsee, Dahme River lakes, Berlin's southeastern suburbs, Brandenburg farmland.
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 into IST, arrivals from the north typically curve around the Bosphorus and Sea of Marmara before lining up on the north-south runways, putting the Marmara coastline, the Princes' Islands, and Istanbul's dense urban sprawl on the right side of the aircraft during the final descent. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands, Bosphorus Strait mouth, Istanbul city skyline.
How long is the flight from Berlin to Istanbul?
The flight from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 2 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,047 miles (1,685 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Berlin to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Route crosses the Bohemian/Austrian border highlands, the Hungarian Plain, and the Balkan Mountains of Bulgaria before descending toward the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul.