The left side offers the Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline at departure, then Aegean and Adriatic coastlines, and finally alpine foothills near Lyon on arrival — a much more varied and dramatic sequence than the largely flat Balkan interior visible on the right.
Flown IST to LYS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Lyon is 1,219 miles (1,962 km), a flight of about 3 hours 30 minutes.
Northern Aegean Sea, Greek Macedonia, Adriatic Sea near Albania/Italy, and the southern Alps of northern Italy
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST, flights heading west typically bank south over the Sea of Marmara, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Istanbul's skyline, the Bosphorus strait, and the Marmara coastline before climbing out over Thrace.
Landing at LYS
LEFTOn approach into Lyon from the east, the descent path crosses the foothills of the Alps before turning onto the north-south runway, so left-side passengers get a last good look at alpine ridgelines and the Rhône valley as the plane lines up for landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Saint Exupery (LYS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Lyon. The left side offers the Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline at departure, then Aegean and Adriatic coastlines, and finally alpine foothills near Lyon on arrival — a much more varied and dramatic sequence than the largely flat Balkan interior visible on the right.
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, flights heading west typically bank south over the Sea of Marmara, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Istanbul's skyline, the Bosphorus strait, and the Marmara coastline before climbing out over Thrace. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul historic peninsula, Sea of Marmara, Prince Islands.
What can I see when landing at Saint Exupery in Lyon?
When landing at Saint Exupery (LYS), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Lyon from the east, the descent path crosses the foothills of the Alps before turning onto the north-south runway, so left-side passengers get a last good look at alpine ridgelines and the Rhône valley as the plane lines up for landing. Notable sights include: Alpine foothills, Rhône River, Lyon urban area, Bourgoin-Jallieu plain.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Lyon?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Saint Exupery (LYS) takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,219 miles (1,962 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Lyon flight path pass over?
Northern Aegean Sea, Greek Macedonia, Adriatic Sea near Albania/Italy, and the southern Alps of northern Italy