The short flight offers little terrain drama, but the Istanbul approach over the Sea of Marmara and Bosphorus gives the right side a genuine urban and coastal payoff that the flat departure scenery on the left can't match.
Flown ESB to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ankara to Istanbul is 237 miles (381 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Sakarya River valley, İzmit Bay, and the rolling farmland of the western Anatolian plateau beneath the cruise track
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ESB
LEFTDeparting ESB to the north, the aircraft banks left toward the northwest for Istanbul, giving left-side passengers a brief view of Ankara's cityscape and the Anatolian plateau's rolling hills before leveling off over flat farmland.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach to IST from the south, the aircraft crosses the Sea of Marmara and the mouth of the Bosphorus, putting Istanbul's skyline, the strait, and the coastline on the right side of the aircraft during the final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Esenboga (ESB) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ankara to Istanbul. The short flight offers little terrain drama, but the Istanbul approach over the Sea of Marmara and Bosphorus gives the right side a genuine urban and coastal payoff that the flat departure scenery on the left can't match.
What can I see during takeoff from Esenboga in Ankara?
During takeoff from Esenboga (ESB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing ESB to the north, the aircraft banks left toward the northwest for Istanbul, giving left-side passengers a brief view of Ankara's cityscape and the Anatolian plateau's rolling hills before leveling off over flat farmland. Notable sights include: Ankara city skyline, Ankara Castle hill, Central Anatolian plateau 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 to IST from the south, the aircraft crosses the Sea of Marmara and the mouth of the Bosphorus, putting Istanbul's skyline, the strait, and the coastline on the right side of the aircraft during the final descent. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait entrance, Istanbul historic peninsula skyline, Black Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Ankara to Istanbul?
The flight from Esenboga (ESB) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 237 miles (381 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ankara to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Sakarya River valley, İzmit Bay, and the rolling farmland of the western Anatolian plateau beneath the cruise track