The left side wins on both ends of the flight — the Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline at departure, and the Wienerwald and Danube at arrival — while the right side offers mostly flat, unremarkable terrain typical of the Balkan and Vienna Basin plains.
Flown IST to VIE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Vienna is 760 miles (1,223 km), a flight of about 2 hours 35 minutes.
Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) in Bulgaria, the Danube River basin near Belgrade, and the southern edge of the Carpathian foothills in Serbia/Hungary
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST, the initial climb and turn toward the northwest gives left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Bosphorus strait, the Sea of Marmara, and the dense Istanbul skyline straddling both continents. The right side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside with little to distinguish it.
Landing at VIE
LEFTOn approach into VIE, arrivals from the southeast often bank to align with runway 34, giving left-side passengers a view over the wooded hills of the Wienerwald and the Danube River bending through Vienna before touchdown. The right side mainly shows flat farmland of the Vienna Basin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Schwechat (VIE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Vienna. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — the Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline at departure, and the Wienerwald and Danube at arrival — while the right side offers mostly flat, unremarkable terrain typical of the Balkan and Vienna Basin plains.
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, the initial climb and turn toward the northwest gives left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Bosphorus strait, the Sea of Marmara, and the dense Istanbul skyline straddling both continents. The right side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul historic peninsula, Princes' Islands.
What can I see when landing at Schwechat in Vienna?
When landing at Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into VIE, arrivals from the southeast often bank to align with runway 34, giving left-side passengers a view over the wooded hills of the Wienerwald and the Danube River bending through Vienna before touchdown. The right side mainly shows flat farmland of the Vienna Basin. Notable sights include: Wienerwald (Vienna Woods), Danube River, Vienna city skyline, Vienna Basin farmland.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Vienna?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Schwechat (VIE) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 760 miles (1,223 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Vienna flight path pass over?
Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) in Bulgaria, the Danube River basin near Belgrade, and the southern edge of the Carpathian foothills in Serbia/Hungary