Right-side seats offer superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The takeoff climb over the Alps is exceptional from the right, and the right side captures the Danube River valley, the Carpathian Mountains, and the transition into the Balkan highlands during cruise. The landing view from the left is good but brief; the extended right-side views during climb and cruise outweigh the landing advantage.
Flown ZRH to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zurich to Pendik, Istanbul is 1,120 miles (1,802 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Danube River valley (visible near Budapest, Hungary), Carpathian Mountains (Romania, right side during cruise), Balkan highlands (Serbia/Bulgaria), Rhodope Mountains (Bulgaria/Greece border), Aegean Sea (southern Greece, left side), Marmara region approaching Istanbul
Great circle distance and headings ›
_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Alps immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs southeast from Zurich, and right-side windows capture the snow-capped peaks of the Appenzell Alps and Säntis massif rising directly off the wing.
Landing at SAW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. The aircraft descends from the northwest over the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus strait, and left-side windows capture the Anatolian coastline, the city sprawl of Istanbul, and the Kocaeli Peninsula.
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 Zurich (ZRH) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Pendik, Istanbul. Right-side seats offer superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The takeoff climb over the Alps is exceptional from the right, and the right side captures the Danube River valley, the Carpathian Mountains, and the transition into the Balkan highlands during cruise. The landing view from the left is good but brief; the extended right-side views during climb and cruise outweigh the landing advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?
During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Alps immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs southeast from Zurich, and right-side windows capture the snow-capped peaks of the Appenzell Alps and Säntis massif rising directly off the wing. Notable sights include: Appenzell Alps, Säntis (2,502 m), Lake Zurich (below), Glarus Alps.
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 Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. The aircraft descends from the northwest over the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus strait, and left-side windows capture the Anatolian coastline, the city sprawl of Istanbul, and the Kocaeli Peninsula. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul urban area, Kocaeli Peninsula.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,120 miles (1,802 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zurich to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
Danube River valley (visible near Budapest, Hungary), Carpathian Mountains (Romania, right side during cruise), Balkan highlands (Serbia/Bulgaria), Rhodope Mountains (Bulgaria/Greece border), Aegean Sea (southern Greece, left side), Marmara region approaching Istanbul