The right side scores higher due to St. Petersburg's distinctive river-delta geography and urban complexity during landing, combined with the Gulf of Finland coastline. While Istanbul's takeoff offers immediate urban interest, the cruise segment over the Black Sea and then northward across relatively featureless terrain (southern Russia plains) provides limited scenic variety. The right side's landing approach compensates with genuine geographic drama—the Neva delta's intricate waterway system and the city's island-based layout create visual interest that the left side's open-water cruise cannot match.
Flown SAW to LED? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to St. Petersburg is 1,307 miles (2,103 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Black Sea coastline (Turkish and Georgian shores), Caucasus Mountains (distant southern horizon during cruise), Pontic Mountains near Turkish coast, transition from maritime to continental landscape over southern Russia, Don River basin, Azov Sea (possible sighting on northern route variants)
Great circle distance and headings ›_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAW
LEFTIstanbul's Asian side offers immediate urban density and the Sea of Marmara coastline during climb-out. The left (south/southeast) side captures Pendik's waterfront and the sprawling city grid before transitioning to open water.
Landing at LED
RIGHTThe right (north/northeast) side during approach to Pulkovo captures the Neva River delta, Gulf of Finland coastline, and St. Petersburg's distinctive urban layout. The city's islands, waterways, and palace complexes are recognizable from altitude during final descent.
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 Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Pulkovo (LED)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to St. Petersburg. The right side scores higher due to St. Petersburg's distinctive river-delta geography and urban complexity during landing, combined with the Gulf of Finland coastline. While Istanbul's takeoff offers immediate urban interest, the cruise segment over the Black Sea and then northward across relatively featureless terrain (southern Russia plains) provides limited scenic variety. The right side's landing approach compensates with genuine geographic drama—the Neva delta's intricate waterway system and the city's island-based layout create visual interest that the left side's open-water cruise cannot match.
What can I see during takeoff from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
During takeoff from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Istanbul's Asian side offers immediate urban density and the Sea of Marmara coastline during climb-out. The left (south/southeast) side captures Pendik's waterfront and the sprawling city grid before transitioning to open water. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Pendik waterfront district, Istanbul's Asian suburbs, Bosphorus strait (distant).
What can I see when landing at Pulkovo in St. Petersburg?
When landing at Pulkovo (LED), sit on the Right side for the best views. The right (north/northeast) side during approach to Pulkovo captures the Neva River delta, Gulf of Finland coastline, and St. Petersburg's distinctive urban layout. The city's islands, waterways, and palace complexes are recognizable from altitude during final descent. Notable sights include: Neva River delta and islands, Gulf of Finland coastline, St. Petersburg urban grid, Pulkovo Airport approach corridor.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to St. Petersburg?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Pulkovo (LED) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,307 miles (2,103 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to St. Petersburg flight path pass over?
Black Sea coastline (Turkish and Georgian shores), Caucasus Mountains (distant southern horizon during cruise), Pontic Mountains near Turkish coast, transition from maritime to continental landscape over southern Russia, Don River basin, Azov Sea (possible sighting on northern route variants)