Tehran to Pendik, Istanbul is 1,242 miles (1,999 km), a flight of about 3 hours 5 minutes.
While takeoff offers Alborz Mountain views on the right, the landing approach provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, and the Prince Islands are visually striking and occupy a larger portion of the descent. Left seats capture the geographic highlight of this route.
Flight Path
Lake Urmia (visible from altitude, left side of flight path during cruise), Anatolian plateau terrain, transition from Iranian highlands to Turkish landscape, scattered settlements across central Anatolia
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IKA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Alborz Mountains immediately north of Tehran as the aircraft climbs northwestward. The range rises dramatically from the city and remains visible for the first 15-20 minutes of flight.
Landing at SAW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus strait as the aircraft descends toward Istanbul from the southeast. The water body and its surrounding coastline are prominent during the final approach.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tehran to Pendik, Istanbul. While takeoff offers Alborz Mountain views on the right, the landing approach provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, and the Prince Islands are visually striking and occupy a larger portion of the descent. Left seats capture the geographic highlight of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran?
During takeoff from Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Alborz Mountains immediately north of Tehran as the aircraft climbs northwestward. The range rises dramatically from the city and remains visible for the first 15-20 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Alborz Mountains (north), Tehran urban sprawl (south and southwest), Caspian Sea coastal plains (north, distant), Mount Damavand (northeast, weather permitting).
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus strait as the aircraft descends toward Istanbul from the southeast. The water body and its surrounding coastline are prominent during the final approach. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara (dominant, left and center), Bosphorus strait (north), European and Asian coastlines (both sides), Prince Islands (center-left, small but visible).
How long is the flight from Tehran to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 3 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,242 miles (1,999 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tehran to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
Lake Urmia (visible from altitude, left side of flight path during cruise), Anatolian plateau terrain, transition from Iranian highlands to Turkish landscape, scattered settlements across central Anatolia