Detroit to Istanbul is 5,262 miles (8,468 km), a flight of about 9 hours 45 minutes.
The left side wins overall because the northerly great-circle route across the Atlantic exposes passengers to dramatic high-latitude scenery — Greenland's ice sheet, Iceland's volcanic coastline, and Norway's fjord-cut shore — none of which are visible from the right, which faces mostly open ocean for hours.
Flight Path
Southern Greenland's ice sheet and coastal fjords, Iceland's volcanic highlands, and the fjord coastline of southern Norway along the great-circle path across the North Atlantic
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DET
LEFTDeparting DET to the southeast puts downtown Detroit's skyline and the Detroit River, including Belle Isle and the Windsor, Ontario shoreline, on the left side during the initial climb. The right side shows only flat suburban sprawl.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach into Istanbul Airport from the north, the aircraft descends over the Black Sea coast and turns south, putting the Bosphorus strait, the Golden Horn, and the historic peninsula skyline of Istanbul on the right side of the aircraft. This is one of the most dramatic city approaches in the world.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit City (DET) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Istanbul. The left side wins overall because the northerly great-circle route across the Atlantic exposes passengers to dramatic high-latitude scenery — Greenland's ice sheet, Iceland's volcanic coastline, and Norway's fjord-cut shore — none of which are visible from the right, which faces mostly open ocean for hours.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit City in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit City (DET), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing DET to the southeast puts downtown Detroit's skyline and the Detroit River, including Belle Isle and the Windsor, Ontario shoreline, on the left side during the initial climb. The right side shows only flat suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Downtown Detroit skyline, Detroit River, Belle Isle, Windsor Ontario waterfront.
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 Istanbul Airport from the north, the aircraft descends over the Black Sea coast and turns south, putting the Bosphorus strait, the Golden Horn, and the historic peninsula skyline of Istanbul on the right side of the aircraft. This is one of the most dramatic city approaches in the world. Notable sights include: Bosphorus strait, Golden Horn, historic Istanbul skyline with mosque domes, Sea of Marmara.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Istanbul?
The flight from Detroit City (DET) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 9 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,262 miles (8,468 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Southern Greenland's ice sheet and coastal fjords, Iceland's volcanic highlands, and the fjord coastline of southern Norway along the great-circle path across the North Atlantic