The left side wins mainly due to the striking Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline view during departure, which outweighs the modestly more varied hill terrain seen on the same side during arrival. The right side offers comparatively flat, less distinctive scenery throughout the short flight.
Flown IST to ESB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Ankara is 237 miles (381 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Sakarya River valley, Bolu mountain foothills, Anatolian plateau farmland
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST toward the southeast, the left side faces north and offers a brief but striking view of the Bosphorus strait, the Istanbul skyline, and the Black Sea coastline before the aircraft turns onto its eastern heading. The right side only shows the flatter Marmara Sea coast and Princes' Islands in the haze.
Landing at ESB
LEFTOn approach into ESB from the north, the left side often reveals the rolling hills and valleys of the Anatolian plateau north of Ankara, with occasional glimpses of the city's outer districts as the plane banks for final approach. The right side mostly shows flat, undistinguished farmland typical of the Ankara steppe.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Esenboga (ESB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Ankara. The left side wins mainly due to the striking Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline view during departure, which outweighs the modestly more varied hill terrain seen on the same side during arrival. The right side offers comparatively flat, less distinctive scenery throughout the short 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. Departing IST toward the southeast, the left side faces north and offers a brief but striking view of the Bosphorus strait, the Istanbul skyline, and the Black Sea coastline before the aircraft turns onto its eastern heading. The right side only shows the flatter Marmara Sea coast and Princes' Islands in the haze. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul city skyline, Black Sea coastline, Princes' Islands (distant).
What can I see when landing at Esenboga in Ankara?
When landing at Esenboga (ESB), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into ESB from the north, the left side often reveals the rolling hills and valleys of the Anatolian plateau north of Ankara, with occasional glimpses of the city's outer districts as the plane banks for final approach. The right side mostly shows flat, undistinguished farmland typical of the Ankara steppe. Notable sights include: Anatolian plateau hills, outskirts of Ankara, Kızılırmak river tributaries, Esenboğa valley terrain.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Ankara?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Esenboga (ESB) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 237 miles (381 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Ankara flight path pass over?
Sakarya River valley, Bolu mountain foothills, Anatolian plateau farmland