The left side captures Istanbul's dramatic waterway scenery on departure and Lake Zurich with distant Alpine peaks on arrival, giving it a clear edge over the right side's flatter coastal and countryside views.
Flown IST to ZRH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Zurich is 1,081 miles (1,739 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The route crosses the southern Balkans (Bulgaria and North Macedonia), the Adriatic Sea near Albania or Croatia, and the northern Italian plains before climbing over the eastern Alps into Switzerland.
Great circle distance and headings ›_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST on the northbound runways, the initial turn toward the west puts Istanbul's historic peninsula, the Bosphorus strait, and the Sea of Marmara on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows the flatter Black Sea coastal plain and suburban sprawl.
Landing at ZRH
LEFTOn the typical daytime approach to runway 28, aircraft descend from the east and fly westward past Zurich, keeping Lake Zurich and the foothills of the Alps visible on the left side of the cabin. The right side faces north toward flatter Swiss countryside with less relief.
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 Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Zurich. The left side captures Istanbul's dramatic waterway scenery on departure and Lake Zurich with distant Alpine peaks on arrival, giving it a clear edge over the right side's flatter coastal and countryside views.
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 on the northbound runways, the initial turn toward the west puts Istanbul's historic peninsula, the Bosphorus strait, and the Sea of Marmara on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows the flatter Black Sea coastal plain and suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands, Istanbul's European side skyline.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the typical daytime approach to runway 28, aircraft descend from the east and fly westward past Zurich, keeping Lake Zurich and the foothills of the Alps visible on the left side of the cabin. The right side faces north toward flatter Swiss countryside with less relief. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Alpine foothills, city of Zurich, Uetliberg ridge.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Zurich?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Zurich (ZRH) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,081 miles (1,739 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Zurich flight path pass over?
The route crosses the southern Balkans (Bulgaria and North Macedonia), the Adriatic Sea near Albania or Croatia, and the northern Italian plains before climbing over the eastern Alps into Switzerland.