Istanbul to Detroit is 5,262 miles (8,468 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
While the Istanbul departure gives a nice coastal start, the right side's cruise phase passes near the southern tip of Greenland and the Labrador coast—genuinely dramatic ice and fjord terrain—before the approach into Detroit reveals the river and skyline, giving it more sustained variety across the full flight.
Flight Path
North Atlantic Ocean, southern Greenland coastline and ice sheet edge, Labrador Sea, Labrador coast of Canada
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDepartures from IST heading west typically climb out over the Sea of Marmara, giving a good look at the Princes' Islands and the Marmara coastline before the turn onto the transatlantic routing. The right side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside north of the airport.
Landing at DET
RIGHTArrivals into DET from the northwest or west often cross the Detroit River area, giving glimpses of Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, Belle Isle, and downtown Detroit's skyline with the Windsor, Canada shoreline just across the water. The left side typically shows flat suburban Michigan with little visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Detroit City (DET)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Detroit. While the Istanbul departure gives a nice coastal start, the right side's cruise phase passes near the southern tip of Greenland and the Labrador coast—genuinely dramatic ice and fjord terrain—before the approach into Detroit reveals the river and skyline, giving it more sustained variety across the full flight.
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 IST heading west typically climb out over the Sea of Marmara, giving a good look at the Princes' Islands and the Marmara coastline before the turn onto the transatlantic routing. The right side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside north of the airport. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands (Büyükada), Istanbul's southern coastline, Bosphorus mouth in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Detroit City in Detroit?
When landing at Detroit City (DET), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into DET from the northwest or west often cross the Detroit River area, giving glimpses of Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, Belle Isle, and downtown Detroit's skyline with the Windsor, Canada shoreline just across the water. The left side typically shows flat suburban Michigan with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Lake St. Clair, Detroit River, Belle Isle, downtown Detroit skyline.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Detroit?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Detroit City (DET) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,262 miles (8,468 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Detroit flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean, southern Greenland coastline and ice sheet edge, Labrador Sea, Labrador coast of Canada