The left side offers the more scenic bookends of the flight — the Oslofjord on departure and the Bosphorus/Istanbul skyline on arrival — while the cruise phase over the Baltic plains and Romanian lowlands is fairly flat and similar on both sides.
Flight Path
Baltic Sea crossing near Poland, flat Polish and Hungarian plains, distant Carpathian foothills over Romania, Black Sea coastline approaching Turkey
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from OSL
LEFTDeparting OSL southbound, the initial climb tracks along the Oslofjord, with its islands and forested shorelines visible on the left before the aircraft banks southeast toward the Baltic. The right side mostly shows inland forest and farmland with little variation.
Landing at IST
LEFTArrivals into IST from the north typically cross the Black Sea coast before turning onto final approach, giving left-side passengers a view of the Bosphorus strait, the historic peninsula, and the dense Istanbul skyline as the plane descends. The right side mainly faces open water or the less distinctive Sea of Marmara approach.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Oslo to Istanbul. The left side offers the more scenic bookends of the flight — the Oslofjord on departure and the Bosphorus/Istanbul skyline on arrival — while the cruise phase over the Baltic plains and Romanian lowlands is fairly flat and similar on both sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Oslo Gardermoen in Oslo?
During takeoff from Oslo Gardermoen (OSL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing OSL southbound, the initial climb tracks along the Oslofjord, with its islands and forested shorelines visible on the left before the aircraft banks southeast toward the Baltic. The right side mostly shows inland forest and farmland with little variation. Notable sights include: Oslofjord, Nesodden peninsula, Drøbak islands, forested Akershus countryside.
What can I see when landing at İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
When landing at İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arrivals into IST from the north typically cross the Black Sea coast before turning onto final approach, giving left-side passengers a view of the Bosphorus strait, the historic peninsula, and the dense Istanbul skyline as the plane descends. The right side mainly faces open water or the less distinctive Sea of Marmara approach. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn, Istanbul old city skyline, Black Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Oslo to Istanbul?
The flight from Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes 3h 55m.
What does the Oslo to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Baltic Sea crossing near Poland, flat Polish and Hungarian plains, distant Carpathian foothills over Romania, Black Sea coastline approaching Turkey