The right side wins on both ends of the flight: Taiwan's mountainous departure and the dramatic Bosphorus/Istanbul arrival outweigh the left side's ocean and steppe views, and cruise-phase Tian Shan and Pamir foothills are also better positioned on this side.
Flown TPE to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Taipei to Istanbul is 5,219 miles (8,398 km), a flight of about 11 hours 40 minutes.
Route crosses eastern China, the Gobi Desert fringe, Tian Shan mountains of Xinjiang, Kazakh steppe, the northern Caspian Sea, and the Caucasus Mountains before descending toward the Black Sea and Istanbul.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from TPE
RIGHTDeparting TPE toward the northwest, the right side offers views of Taiwan's rugged Central Mountain Range and the Taipei Basin as the aircraft climbs out, while the left side only shows the flat Taiwan Strait.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach to IST from the east, the right side reveals the Bosphorus strait, the Sea of Marmara coastline, and Istanbul's dense skyline as the aircraft turns onto final for the north-south runways.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Taipei to Istanbul. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: Taiwan's mountainous departure and the dramatic Bosphorus/Istanbul arrival outweigh the left side's ocean and steppe views, and cruise-phase Tian Shan and Pamir foothills are also better positioned on this side.
What can I see during takeoff from Chiang Kai Shek International in Taipei?
During takeoff from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing TPE toward the northwest, the right side offers views of Taiwan's rugged Central Mountain Range and the Taipei Basin as the aircraft climbs out, while the left side only shows the flat Taiwan Strait. Notable sights include: Taipei Basin, Central Mountain Range (Xueshan foothills), Tamsui River mouth.
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. On approach to IST from the east, the right side reveals the Bosphorus strait, the Sea of Marmara coastline, and Istanbul's dense skyline as the aircraft turns onto final for the north-south runways. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul city skyline, Princes' Islands.
How long is the flight from Taipei to Istanbul?
The flight from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 11 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,219 miles (8,398 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Taipei to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Route crosses eastern China, the Gobi Desert fringe, Tian Shan mountains of Xinjiang, Kazakh steppe, the northern Caspian Sea, and the Caucasus Mountains before descending toward the Black Sea and Istanbul.