Bucharest to Istanbul flight pathOTPIST

Sit on the left side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time1h 20m
Distance264
Heading149° → 151°

Bucharest to Istanbul is 264 miles (424 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Best side
Left
★ 3.0 left·★ 1.5 right

The left side captures Bucharest's urban and water features on departure and the more geographically interesting Black Sea coast and Istanbul approach on arrival, while the right side stays over featureless plains for most of the flight.

Takeoff · OTPLEFTBucharest northern suburbs, Colentina lakes chain, Wallachian plain edge
Landing · ISTLEFTBlack Sea coastline, Bosphorus strait mouth, Istanbul's northern districts

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Northern Bulgarian plains and the Balkan Mountains' eastern foothills, with the Black Sea coastline visible to the east as the flight nears Istanbul

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from OTP

LEFT

Departing OTP toward the south, the left side offers views over Bucharest's northern districts and the Danube floodplain before the aircraft turns onto its southeast track toward Bulgaria. The right side mostly shows the flat, featureless Wallachian plain.

Bucharest northern suburbsColentina lakes chainWallachian plain edge
Aerial window seat view during landing at Istanbul (left side) — Black Sea coastline, Bosphorus strait mouth, Istanbul's northern districts, forested ridges near Terkos

Landing at IST

LEFT

Approaches into IST from the north frequently track down over the western Black Sea coast before turning onto final, giving left-side passengers a view of the coastline, forested ridges near the Bosphorus mouth, and glimpses of Istanbul's sprawling skyline. The right side mainly faces inland Thrace farmland with little to distinguish it.

Black Sea coastlineBosphorus strait mouthIstanbul's northern districtsforested ridges near Terkos

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 Otopeni (OTP) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bucharest to Istanbul. The left side captures Bucharest's urban and water features on departure and the more geographically interesting Black Sea coast and Istanbul approach on arrival, while the right side stays over featureless plains for most of the flight.

What can I see during takeoff from Otopeni in Bucharest?

During takeoff from Otopeni (OTP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing OTP toward the south, the left side offers views over Bucharest's northern districts and the Danube floodplain before the aircraft turns onto its southeast track toward Bulgaria. The right side mostly shows the flat, featureless Wallachian plain. Notable sights include: Bucharest northern suburbs, Colentina lakes chain, Wallachian plain edge.

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. Approaches into IST from the north frequently track down over the western Black Sea coast before turning onto final, giving left-side passengers a view of the coastline, forested ridges near the Bosphorus mouth, and glimpses of Istanbul's sprawling skyline. The right side mainly faces inland Thrace farmland with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Black Sea coastline, Bosphorus strait mouth, Istanbul's northern districts, forested ridges near Terkos.

How long is the flight from Bucharest to Istanbul?

The flight from Otopeni (OTP) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 264 miles (424 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Bucharest to Istanbul flight path pass over?

Northern Bulgarian plains and the Balkan Mountains' eastern foothills, with the Black Sea coastline visible to the east as the flight nears Istanbul