The right side wins narrowly thanks to the dramatic Istanbul and Bosphorus views right after takeoff, which outweigh the mostly flat Eastern European cruise scenery shared by both sides; the Helsinki archipelago landing view on the left is scenic but brief by comparison.
Flown IST to HEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Helsinki is 1,326 miles (2,133 km), a flight of about 3 hours 20 minutes.
Flat plains of Romania and Moldova, the Dnipro River basin in Ukraine, and forested lowlands of Belarus before the Baltic Sea coastline near Estonia comes into view.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
RIGHTDeparting IST northbound, the right side offers a sweeping view of the Bosphorus, the Istanbul skyline, and the Black Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs over the water. The left side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside with less visual interest.
Landing at HEL
LEFTOn approach into Helsinki from the south over the Gulf of Finland, the left side typically reveals the rocky Baltic archipelago and the compact Helsinki skyline along the coast as the plane banks toward runway 22. The right side during this turn mostly faces open water with less to see.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Helsinki Vantaa (HEL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Helsinki. The right side wins narrowly thanks to the dramatic Istanbul and Bosphorus views right after takeoff, which outweigh the mostly flat Eastern European cruise scenery shared by both sides; the Helsinki archipelago landing view on the left is scenic but brief by comparison.
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. Departing IST northbound, the right side offers a sweeping view of the Bosphorus, the Istanbul skyline, and the Black Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs over the water. The left side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul historic peninsula, Black Sea coastline, Prince Islands.
What can I see when landing at Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?
When landing at Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Helsinki from the south over the Gulf of Finland, the left side typically reveals the rocky Baltic archipelago and the compact Helsinki skyline along the coast as the plane banks toward runway 22. The right side during this turn mostly faces open water with less to see. Notable sights include: Gulf of Finland, Helsinki archipelago islands, Suomenlinna fortress, Helsinki city skyline.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Helsinki?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) takes about 3 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,326 miles (2,133 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Helsinki flight path pass over?
Flat plains of Romania and Moldova, the Dnipro River basin in Ukraine, and forested lowlands of Belarus before the Baltic Sea coastline near Estonia comes into view.