The right (south) side captures the dramatic Dinaric Alps terrain on departure from Sarajevo and offers views of the Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands, and Istanbul's skyline during the approach, giving it far more visual variety than the left side's plains and interior views.
Flown SJJ to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sarajevo to Istanbul is 557 miles (897 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Balkan mountain range (Stara Planina) and the Thracian plain of Bulgaria are crossed during cruise, with the terrain flattening toward the Turkish border before descent into the Istanbul region.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SJJ
RIGHTSarajevo sits in a bowl surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, and departures typically bank to reveal Trebević and the forested ridges south of the city as the aircraft climbs out of the valley. The southern side gets the best view of this dramatic mountain terrain before the plane levels off toward Serbia and Bulgaria.
Landing at IST
RIGHTArrivals into Istanbul Airport from the west often cross the Sea of Marmara before turning north for final approach, putting the sea, the Princes' Islands, and glimpses of the Istanbul skyline and Bosphorus entrance on the southern side of the aircraft.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sarajevo (SJJ) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sarajevo to Istanbul. The right (south) side captures the dramatic Dinaric Alps terrain on departure from Sarajevo and offers views of the Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands, and Istanbul's skyline during the approach, giving it far more visual variety than the left side's plains and interior views.
What can I see during takeoff from Sarajevo in Sarajevo?
During takeoff from Sarajevo (SJJ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Sarajevo sits in a bowl surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, and departures typically bank to reveal Trebević and the forested ridges south of the city as the aircraft climbs out of the valley. The southern side gets the best view of this dramatic mountain terrain before the plane levels off toward Serbia and Bulgaria. Notable sights include: Trebević mountain, Igman ridge, Sarajevo valley, Dinaric Alps foothills.
What can I see when landing at İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
When landing at İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into Istanbul Airport from the west often cross the Sea of Marmara before turning north for final approach, putting the sea, the Princes' Islands, and glimpses of the Istanbul skyline and Bosphorus entrance on the southern side of the aircraft. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands, Istanbul skyline silhouette, Bosphorus mouth.
How long is the flight from Sarajevo to Istanbul?
The flight from Sarajevo (SJJ) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 557 miles (897 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sarajevo to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Balkan mountain range (Stara Planina) and the Thracian plain of Bulgaria are crossed during cruise, with the terrain flattening toward the Turkish border before descent into the Istanbul region.