About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Fiumicino (FCO) to Ataturk (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rome to Istanbul. While the right side wins at takeoff for the Tyrrhenian coast, the left side dominates the majority of the flight. It tracks the Italian Apennines, then offers views of the Adriatic Sea, the Greek coastline and Aegean islands during the mid-flight, and delivers the spectacular Bosphorus and Istanbul approach on landing. The left side simply has more sustained visual content across the full route.
What can I see during takeoff from Fiumicino in Rome?
During takeoff from Fiumicino (FCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. FCO typically departs on runway 16R/16L heading south, then aircraft turn left (eastward) toward the Apennines. The right side captures the Tyrrhenian Sea coastline and the mouth of the Tiber River as you climb out over the coast. The left side faces inland toward Rome city but is quickly obscured by the aircraft's bank angle during the turn. Notable sights include: Tyrrhenian Sea coastline, mouth of the Tiber River, Ostia Antica area, Castelli Romani hills in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Ataturk in Istanbul?
When landing at Ataturk (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Ataturk Airport typically lands on runway 06, approaching from the west over the Sea of Marmara. The left side gives a clear view of the Bosphorus strait, the Golden Horn, and the historic peninsula of Istanbul with its dense skyline. The right side faces north toward suburban sprawl with far less visual interest. Notable sights include: Bosphorus strait, Sea of Marmara, historic Istanbul peninsula (Sultanahmet area), Golden Horn inlet.
How long is the flight from Rome to Istanbul?
The flight from Fiumicino (FCO) to Ataturk (IST) takes Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes.
What does the Rome to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The route crosses the central Apennines of Italy, then the Adriatic Sea between Italy and Albania. Over Greece the aircraft typically passes north of Thessaloniki or over northern Greece, with the Aegean Sea visible to the south. The Thracian plain of northern Greece and southern Bulgaria appears as flat agricultural land before the descent into Istanbul. No major mountain ranges are crossed after the Apennines — the terrain is mostly rolling hills and coastal lowlands.