The right side captures the flight's two most distinctive scenic moments — glimpses of the Bay of Biscay coastline during cruise and the dramatic Tagus estuary, bridge, and Cristo Rei statue on final approach into Lisbon — outweighing the left side's single strong moment over London at takeoff.
Flight Path
London to Lisbon is 972 miles (1,564 km), a flight of about 2 hours 50 minutes.
The route crosses western France near Bordeaux, briefly skirting the Bay of Biscay coastline, then continues over the plains of western Spain before descending into Portugal near the Tagus valley.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTHeathrow's westerly departure sends the aircraft out toward Windsor before it banks left onto its southbound track to Lisbon, and that turn swings the whole west London skyline and the looping Thames into view on the left side. Right-side passengers mostly see the flat suburban sprawl of Surrey with no distinct landmarks.
Landing at LIS
RIGHTOn the approach to runway 20, the aircraft descends south over Lisbon, and the Tagus estuary opens up on the right side with the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Cristo Rei statue clearly visible before touchdown. Left-side passengers see mostly the denser inland districts of the city with less of the dramatic river and bridge scenery.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Lisboa (LIS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Lisbon. The right side captures the flight's two most distinctive scenic moments — glimpses of the Bay of Biscay coastline during cruise and the dramatic Tagus estuary, bridge, and Cristo Rei statue on final approach into Lisbon — outweighing the left side's single strong moment over London at takeoff.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's westerly departure sends the aircraft out toward Windsor before it banks left onto its southbound track to Lisbon, and that turn swings the whole west London skyline and the looping Thames into view on the left side. Right-side passengers mostly see the flat suburban sprawl of Surrey with no distinct landmarks. Notable sights include: River Thames loop through Kew and Richmond, Windsor Castle in the distance, central London skyline, Heathrow's runways receding below.
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 approach to runway 20, the aircraft descends south over Lisbon, and the Tagus estuary opens up on the right side with the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Cristo Rei statue clearly visible before touchdown. Left-side passengers see mostly the denser inland districts of the city with less of the dramatic river and bridge scenery. Notable sights include: Tagus River estuary, 25 de Abril Bridge, Cristo Rei statue, Belem waterfront district.
How long is the flight from London to Lisbon?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Lisboa (LIS) takes about 2 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 972 miles (1,564 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Lisbon flight path pass over?
The route crosses western France near Bordeaux, briefly skirting the Bay of Biscay coastline, then continues over the plains of western Spain before descending into Portugal near the Tagus valley.