The cruise phase favors the left side, as the great-circle route from Istanbul to Lisbon passes over the Aegean islands, the Ionian Sea, Sicily, Sardinia, and the Balearic Islands, all visible to the south. The right side mostly overlooks the less distinct Balkan interior and central Spain.
Flown IST to LIS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Lisbon is 1,995 miles (3,211 km), a flight of about 4 hours 35 minutes.
Aegean Sea islands, Ionian Sea, Sicily and the Strait of Messina, Sardinia, Balearic Islands, and the Spanish Mediterranean coast near Valencia before crossing into Portugal
Great circle distance and headings ›_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST to the southwest, the initial climb out crosses the Sea of Marmara, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Princes' Islands and the Istanbul skyline receding behind the aircraft. The right side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside.
Landing at LIS
RIGHTOn the common northerly-wind approach into LIS, aircraft descend from the north over the Tagus estuary before landing south on runway 20. Right-side passengers get a clear view of Lisbon's hillside skyline, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the wide Tagus River mouth.
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 İstanbul Airport (IST) to Lisboa (LIS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Lisbon. The cruise phase favors the left side, as the great-circle route from Istanbul to Lisbon passes over the Aegean islands, the Ionian Sea, Sicily, Sardinia, and the Balearic Islands, all visible to the south. The right side mostly overlooks the less distinct Balkan interior and central Spain.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing IST to the southwest, the initial climb out crosses the Sea of Marmara, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Princes' Islands and the Istanbul skyline receding behind the aircraft. The right side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands (Büyükada), Istanbul skyline, Bosphorus mouth.
What can I see when landing at Lisboa in Lisbon?
When landing at Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the common northerly-wind approach into LIS, aircraft descend from the north over the Tagus estuary before landing south on runway 20. Right-side passengers get a clear view of Lisbon's hillside skyline, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the wide Tagus River mouth. Notable sights include: Tagus River estuary, 25 de Abril Bridge, Lisbon historic center, Belém waterfront.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Lisbon?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Lisboa (LIS) takes about 4 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,995 miles (3,211 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Lisbon flight path pass over?
Aegean Sea islands, Ionian Sea, Sicily and the Strait of Messina, Sardinia, Balearic Islands, and the Spanish Mediterranean coast near Valencia before crossing into Portugal