The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a brief but genuine coastal and escarpment view leaving São Paulo, and a much richer, iconic Bosphorus/Istanbul skyline view on arrival, while the long mid-flight ocean and desert crossing is scenically neutral for either side.
Flown GRU to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sao Paulo to Istanbul is 6,560 miles (10,557 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
South Atlantic Ocean crossing, West African coast near Mauritania, Sahara Desert dunes, Mediterranean Sea approaching the Turkish coast
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from GRU
RIGHTDeparting GRU toward the northeast, the right side offers glimpses of the Serra do Mar escarpment and the indented coastline near Santos and the Baixada Santista before the aircraft turns out over the Atlantic. The left side mostly shows the sprawling flat interior of São Paulo state.
Landing at IST
RIGHTArriving into Istanbul Airport from the south over the Sea of Marmara, the right side typically faces east toward the Bosphorus, the Princes' Islands, and the Istanbul skyline as the aircraft aligns for a northerly runway. The left side mostly shows the flatter, less distinctive Thrace countryside.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Guarulhos (GRU) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sao Paulo to Istanbul. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a brief but genuine coastal and escarpment view leaving São Paulo, and a much richer, iconic Bosphorus/Istanbul skyline view on arrival, while the long mid-flight ocean and desert crossing is scenically neutral for either side.
What can I see during takeoff from Guarulhos in Sao Paulo?
During takeoff from Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing GRU toward the northeast, the right side offers glimpses of the Serra do Mar escarpment and the indented coastline near Santos and the Baixada Santista before the aircraft turns out over the Atlantic. The left side mostly shows the sprawling flat interior of São Paulo state. Notable sights include: São Paulo metropolitan skyline, Serra do Mar coastal range, Santos Bay inlet, Atlantic coastline near Bertioga.
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. Arriving into Istanbul Airport from the south over the Sea of Marmara, the right side typically faces east toward the Bosphorus, the Princes' Islands, and the Istanbul skyline as the aircraft aligns for a northerly runway. The left side mostly shows the flatter, less distinctive Thrace countryside. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands, Bosphorus Strait mouth, Istanbul's historic peninsula skyline.
How long is the flight from Sao Paulo to Istanbul?
The flight from Guarulhos (GRU) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,560 miles (10,557 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sao Paulo to Istanbul flight path pass over?
South Atlantic Ocean crossing, West African coast near Mauritania, Sahara Desert dunes, Mediterranean Sea approaching the Turkish coast