The left side captures Istanbul's Bosphorus and historic skyline at departure and the Serra do Mar plus Sao Paulo's urban expanse at arrival, while the right side offers plain terrain at takeoff and featureless plateau at landing. The long mid-Atlantic cruise is a wash for both sides.
Flown IST to GRU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Sao Paulo is 6,560 miles (10,557 km), a flight of about 12 hours 55 minutes.
Mediterranean Sea, Algerian and Tunisian coastline, vast open South Atlantic Ocean, Brazilian coastline near Natal before the long overland approach to Sao Paulo
Great circle distance and headings ›_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST toward the southwest for the transatlantic routing, the initial climb and turn bring the historic Istanbul peninsula, the Bosphorus strait, and the Sea of Marmara into view on the left side. The right side mostly shows flatter Thracian farmland with less visual interest.
Landing at GRU
LEFTOn approach into GRU from the east, the descent path crosses the forested Serra do Mar coastal range before opening onto the sprawling Sao Paulo metropolitan basin, visible on the left. The right side during this phase mostly shows featureless inland plateau.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Guarulhos (GRU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Sao Paulo. The left side captures Istanbul's Bosphorus and historic skyline at departure and the Serra do Mar plus Sao Paulo's urban expanse at arrival, while the right side offers plain terrain at takeoff and featureless plateau at landing. The long mid-Atlantic cruise is a wash for both sides.
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 southwest for the transatlantic routing, the initial climb and turn bring the historic Istanbul peninsula, the Bosphorus strait, and the Sea of Marmara into view on the left side. The right side mostly shows flatter Thracian farmland with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Historic Istanbul peninsula (Hagia Sophia/Topkapi area), Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands.
What can I see when landing at Guarulhos in Sao Paulo?
When landing at Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into GRU from the east, the descent path crosses the forested Serra do Mar coastal range before opening onto the sprawling Sao Paulo metropolitan basin, visible on the left. The right side during this phase mostly shows featureless inland plateau. Notable sights include: Serra do Mar coastal range, Sao Paulo metropolitan skyline, Tiete River valley, Guarulhos suburban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Sao Paulo?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Guarulhos (GRU) takes about 12 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,560 miles (10,557 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Sao Paulo flight path pass over?
Mediterranean Sea, Algerian and Tunisian coastline, vast open South Atlantic Ocean, Brazilian coastline near Natal before the long overland approach to Sao Paulo