Although the PEK departure favors the right side briefly, the long cruise phase over Central Asian terrain and the dramatic Istanbul arrival over the Bosphorus give the left side far more sustained visual interest across the whole flight.
Flown PEK to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Beijing to Istanbul is 4,388 miles (7,061 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.
Mongolian steppe and Gobi Desert fringes, Kazakh steppe, the northern Caspian Sea basin, and the Caucasus foothills before descending toward the Black Sea and Istanbul
Great circle distance and headings ›
_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PEK
RIGHTPEK departures typically climb out toward the north before turning west, putting the Yan Mountains and the forested ridgelines near the Great Wall corridor on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows Beijing's flat urban sprawl and North China Plain.
Landing at IST
LEFTArrivals into IST from the east typically cross the Black Sea coast and swing south over the Bosphorus before lining up on the north-south runways, giving left-side passengers a view of the strait, the historic peninsula, and the Sea of Marmara. The right side mostly faces open water or the flatter European hinterland during the turn.
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 Capital (PEK) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Istanbul. Although the PEK departure favors the right side briefly, the long cruise phase over Central Asian terrain and the dramatic Istanbul arrival over the Bosphorus give the left side far more sustained visual interest across the whole flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Capital in Beijing?
During takeoff from Capital (PEK), sit on the Right side for the best views. PEK departures typically climb out toward the north before turning west, putting the Yan Mountains and the forested ridgelines near the Great Wall corridor on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows Beijing's flat urban sprawl and North China Plain. Notable sights include: Yan Mountains foothills, Great Wall corridor near Badaling, Beijing's northern suburbs, North China Plain.
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 east typically cross the Black Sea coast and swing south over the Bosphorus before lining up on the north-south runways, giving left-side passengers a view of the strait, the historic peninsula, and the Sea of Marmara. The right side mostly faces open water or the flatter European hinterland during the turn. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul's historic peninsula (Hagia Sophia/Topkapi area), Sea of Marmara, Black Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Beijing to Istanbul?
The flight from Capital (PEK) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,388 miles (7,061 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beijing to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Mongolian steppe and Gobi Desert fringes, Kazakh steppe, the northern Caspian Sea basin, and the Caucasus foothills before descending toward the Black Sea and Istanbul