While takeoff offers Lake Ontario views, the landing approach on the right side provides more dramatic and varied scenery: the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, and Istanbul's sprawling urban landscape make the arrival more visually rewarding than the departure.
Flown YYZ to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Pendik, Istanbul is 5,117 miles (8,235 km), a flight of about 11 hours.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean, then over the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Notable features include the Irish Sea, the Alps (visible as a distant snow-capped ridge if flying south of the standard corridor), the Carpathian Mountains in Romania, and the Danube River valley in southeastern Europe before descending toward the Marmara region. The Mediterranean coast of southern Europe and the Balkans are also crossed depending on the exact routing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
LEFTLeft side offers views of Lake Ontario immediately after departure, with the Greater Toronto Area sprawling westward. You'll see the shoreline, Toronto Islands, and the downtown core receding as you climb.
Landing at SAW
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views during approach to Istanbul. You'll see the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian side of Istanbul including the city's eastern districts and the Sea of Marmara coastline.
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 Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Pendik, Istanbul. While takeoff offers Lake Ontario views, the landing approach on the right side provides more dramatic and varied scenery: the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, and Istanbul's sprawling urban landscape make the arrival more visually rewarding than the departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
During takeoff from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of Lake Ontario immediately after departure, with the Greater Toronto Area sprawling westward. You'll see the shoreline, Toronto Islands, and the downtown core receding as you climb. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto Islands, Scarborough Bluffs, Greater Toronto Area urban grid.
What can I see when landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
When landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views during approach to Istanbul. You'll see the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian side of Istanbul including the city's eastern districts and the Sea of Marmara coastline. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, Asian Istanbul urban area, Pendik waterfront.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 11 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,117 miles (8,235 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean, then over the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Notable features include the Irish Sea, the Alps (visible as a distant snow-capped ridge if flying south of the standard corridor), the Carpathian Mountains in Romania, and the Danube River valley in southeastern Europe before descending toward the Marmara region. The Mediterranean coast of southern Europe and the Balkans are also crossed depending on the exact routing.