About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Lisboa (LIS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Lisbon. The right side misses the DC departure views but wins decisively on arrival with the spectacular Tagus estuary and Lisbon approach. Over the Atlantic the views are similar on both sides, but the Lisbon arrival on the right is one of the more dramatic urban approaches in Europe.
What can I see during takeoff from Washington Dulles International in Washington?
During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dulles typically departs eastward on runways 01L/01R or 19L/19R depending on winds. On an eastbound departure climbing northeast, the left side gets the Washington DC skyline and the Potomac River corridor. You'll see the Capitol dome, Washington Monument, and the Mall laid out clearly before the aircraft turns east over the Chesapeake. Notable sights include: Washington DC Mall and monuments, Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore harbor in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Lisboa in Lisbon?
When landing at Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport typically lands on runway 03 from the south or runway 21 from the north. Transatlantic flights from the west usually approach from over the Atlantic and land on runway 03, tracking northeast over the Tagus estuary. The right side gets the Tagus River mouth, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the Belem district on final approach. Notable sights include: Tagus River estuary, 25 de Abril suspension bridge, Belem Tower area, Lisbon city center hillside neighborhoods.
How long is the flight from Washington to Lisbon?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Lisboa (LIS) takes Approximately 7 to 8 hours.
What does the Washington to Lisbon flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast from DC, crossing the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware coast before heading out over the North Atlantic near Newfoundland. The great circle route passes south of Greenland and Iceland, crossing the mid-Atlantic ridge around 30-35 degrees west longitude. The Azores archipelago may be visible far to the south depending on exact routing. The Portuguese coast appears as the aircraft descends over the Atlantic, with the Serra da Arrábida hills visible south of Lisbon on approach.