Istanbul to Berlin is 1,047 miles (1,685 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The right side wins overall because the Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline departure is a genuinely spectacular, world-famous scene, while the rest of the flight over the Balkans and Central European plains is relatively flat and similar on both sides.
Flight Path
Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) in Bulgaria, the Danube River near the Serbian-Romanian border, and the flat Pannonian and North European plains stretching through Hungary and eastern Germany
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
RIGHTDepartures from Istanbul on the northern-flow runways climb out with a turn that puts the Bosphorus, the historic peninsula, and the Black Sea coastline on the right side of the aircraft. This is one of the most recognizable urban waterway views in commercial aviation.
Landing at BER
LEFTOn approach into Berlin Brandenburg from the east, the flight path passes south of the city core, giving left-side passengers views over the Dahme and Spree river lake district (Müggelsee area) before touchdown, a more textured scene than the flatter farmland typically seen to the north.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Berlin Brandenburg (BER)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Berlin. The right side wins overall because the Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline departure is a genuinely spectacular, world-famous scene, while the rest of the flight over the Balkans and Central European plains is relatively flat and similar on both sides.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departures from Istanbul on the northern-flow runways climb out with a turn that puts the Bosphorus, the historic peninsula, and the Black Sea coastline on the right side of the aircraft. This is one of the most recognizable urban waterway views in commercial aviation. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul's historic peninsula (Hagia Sophia/Topkapi area), Black Sea coastline, Sea of Marmara in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Berlin Brandenburg in Berlin?
When landing at Berlin Brandenburg (BER), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Berlin Brandenburg from the east, the flight path passes south of the city core, giving left-side passengers views over the Dahme and Spree river lake district (Müggelsee area) before touchdown, a more textured scene than the flatter farmland typically seen to the north. Notable sights include: Müggelsee lake, Dahme River, Brandenburg forest and farmland patchwork, distant Berlin TV Tower silhouette.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Berlin?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Berlin Brandenburg (BER) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,047 miles (1,685 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Berlin flight path pass over?
Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) in Bulgaria, the Danube River near the Serbian-Romanian border, and the flat Pannonian and North European plains stretching through Hungary and eastern Germany