The right side dominates the departure phase with the spectacular Dalmatian coastline and islands, which is the most visually distinctive portion of this route. While the landing favors the left, the takeoff scenery is more dramatic and memorable.
Flown DBV to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Dubrovnik to Pendik, Istanbul is 580 miles (934 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Adriatic Sea heading southeast, passing over open water with no major landmarks visible for roughly 90 minutes. The route then approaches the Turkish coast near Gallipoli Peninsula and the Dardanelles Strait (visible on the left/south side during the final approach phase), before turning inland toward Istanbul. The Aegean-Marmara transition zone and the northern Aegean islands remain distant on the southern horizon throughout the midpoint cruise phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DBV
RIGHTDeparting Dubrovnik heading northeast, the right side offers immediate views of the Dalmatian coastline and Elaphiti Islands. The left side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain.
Landing at SAW
LEFTApproaching Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen from the southwest, the left side provides views of the Sea of Marmara, the Asian coastline, and the city's sprawl across the Anatolian plateau. The right side faces the less populated interior.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dubrovnik (DBV) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dubrovnik to Pendik, Istanbul. The right side dominates the departure phase with the spectacular Dalmatian coastline and islands, which is the most visually distinctive portion of this route. While the landing favors the left, the takeoff scenery is more dramatic and memorable.
What can I see during takeoff from Dubrovnik in Dubrovnik?
During takeoff from Dubrovnik (DBV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Dubrovnik heading northeast, the right side offers immediate views of the Dalmatian coastline and Elaphiti Islands. The left side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Elaphiti Islands (Koločep, Lopud, Šipan), Adriatic Sea coastline, Dubrovnik Old Town peninsula, Dinaric Alps foothills.
What can I see when landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
When landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen from the southwest, the left side provides views of the Sea of Marmara, the Asian coastline, and the city's sprawl across the Anatolian plateau. The right side faces the less populated interior. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait (northern horizon), Istanbul's urban sprawl across Pendik and Tuzla districts, Anatolian Plateau terrain.
How long is the flight from Dubrovnik to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Dubrovnik (DBV) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 580 miles (934 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Dubrovnik to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Adriatic Sea heading southeast, passing over open water with no major landmarks visible for roughly 90 minutes. The route then approaches the Turkish coast near Gallipoli Peninsula and the Dardanelles Strait (visible on the left/south side during the final approach phase), before turning inland toward Istanbul. The Aegean-Marmara transition zone and the northern Aegean islands remain distant on the southern horizon throughout the midpoint cruise phase.