The left side captures Istanbul's iconic Bosphorus skyline at departure and a glimpse of Amsterdam's canal city at arrival, while the right side offers mostly open water and flat farmland with little contrast.
Flown IST to AMS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Amsterdam is 1,356 miles (2,183 km), a flight of about 3 hours 35 minutes.
Balkan lowlands and river valleys of Bulgaria and Serbia, the Danube River near Belgrade, and the flat Hungarian and North German plains leading into the Netherlands
Great circle distance and headings ›_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDepartures from Istanbul typically climb out over the Bosphorus corridor before turning west toward Europe, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the historic peninsula, the strait, and the Sea of Marmara. The right side mostly faces open Black Sea coastline with little detail.
Landing at AMS
LEFTOn approach to Schiphol from the northeast, left-side passengers often get a clear view of Amsterdam's compact city grid and canal rings just before the final turn south toward the runways. The right side mostly shows featureless polder farmland.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Schiphol (AMS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Amsterdam. The left side captures Istanbul's iconic Bosphorus skyline at departure and a glimpse of Amsterdam's canal city at arrival, while the right side offers mostly open water and flat farmland with little contrast.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departures from Istanbul typically climb out over the Bosphorus corridor before turning west toward Europe, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the historic peninsula, the strait, and the Sea of Marmara. The right side mostly faces open Black Sea coastline with little detail. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul historic peninsula (Sultanahmet), Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands.
What can I see when landing at Schiphol in Amsterdam?
When landing at Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to Schiphol from the northeast, left-side passengers often get a clear view of Amsterdam's compact city grid and canal rings just before the final turn south toward the runways. The right side mostly shows featureless polder farmland. Notable sights include: Amsterdam canal ring, IJsselmeer shoreline, Dutch polder patchwork, North Sea coastline in the distance.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Amsterdam?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Schiphol (AMS) takes about 3 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,356 miles (2,183 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Amsterdam flight path pass over?
Balkan lowlands and river valleys of Bulgaria and Serbia, the Danube River near Belgrade, and the flat Hungarian and North German plains leading into the Netherlands