The left side wins on both ends of the flight—offering Istanbul's iconic waterways and historic skyline at takeoff, and Tallinn's coastal Old Town approach at landing—while the cruise phase over the flat Eastern European plains is scenically neutral for both sides.
Flown IST to TLL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Tallinn is 1,264 miles (2,035 km), a flight of about 3 hours 5 minutes.
Flat agricultural plains of Romania, Moldova, and Belarus, with occasional glimpses of the Dniester River and scattered lakes of the Baltic lowlands as the route approaches Latvia and Estonia.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST northbound, the historic European side of Istanbul—including the Bosphorus mouth and the Sea of Marmara coastline—unfolds on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows the Asian suburbs and flatter terrain toward the Black Sea coast with less visual interest.
Landing at TLL
LEFTOn approach to TLL from the south, the aircraft crosses the Estonian coastline before turning toward the runway, giving left-side passengers a view of Tallinn Bay, the Gulf of Finland, and the spires of Tallinn's Old Town along the shoreline. The right side faces inland over flat, forested terrain with no coastal or urban features.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Tallinn (TLL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Tallinn. The left side wins on both ends of the flight—offering Istanbul's iconic waterways and historic skyline at takeoff, and Tallinn's coastal Old Town approach at landing—while the cruise phase over the flat Eastern European plains is scenically neutral 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 northbound, the historic European side of Istanbul—including the Bosphorus mouth and the Sea of Marmara coastline—unfolds on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows the Asian suburbs and flatter terrain toward the Black Sea coast with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Historic Peninsula (Sultanahmet), Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands.
What can I see when landing at Tallinn in Tallinn?
When landing at Tallinn (TLL), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to TLL from the south, the aircraft crosses the Estonian coastline before turning toward the runway, giving left-side passengers a view of Tallinn Bay, the Gulf of Finland, and the spires of Tallinn's Old Town along the shoreline. The right side faces inland over flat, forested terrain with no coastal or urban features. Notable sights include: Gulf of Finland, Tallinn Bay, Tallinn Old Town spires, Estonian coastline.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Tallinn?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Tallinn (TLL) takes about 3 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,264 miles (2,035 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Tallinn flight path pass over?
Flat agricultural plains of Romania, Moldova, and Belarus, with occasional glimpses of the Dniester River and scattered lakes of the Baltic lowlands as the route approaches Latvia and Estonia.