London to Lyon flight pathLHRLYS

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Flight time1h 35m
Distance471
Heading145° → 149°

London to Lyon is 471 miles (758 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.

Best side
Left
★ 3.0 left·★ 1.5 right

The left side captures both the London skyline on departure and a distant Alps view on arrival into Lyon, while the right side offers mostly flat, unremarkable countryside throughout the short flight.

Takeoff · LHRLEFTRiver Thames, City of London skyline, Canary Wharf
Landing · LYSLEFTFrench Alps foothills, Rhone-Saone confluence, Lyon cityscape

Flight Path

Flight path overview

English Channel crossing near the Kent/Normandy coast, followed by the rolling farmland and vineyards of Picardy and Burgundy before descending toward the Rhone valley

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from London (left side) — River Thames, City of London skyline, Canary Wharf, Heathrow's western suburbs

Takeoff from LHR

LEFT

Departing Heathrow to the west then turning south toward Lyon, passengers on the left get a sweeping view of the Thames as it winds through central London, with the City and Canary Wharf skylines briefly visible during the turn. The right side mostly shows featureless western suburbs and reservoirs.

River ThamesCity of London skylineCanary WharfHeathrow's western suburbs

Landing at LYS

LEFT

On the descent into Lyon, the flight path from the north brings the foothills of the French Alps into view on the left, with the Rhone and Saone rivers converging near the city below. The right side faces west toward flat Beaujolais farmland with little relief.

French Alps foothillsRhone-Saone confluenceLyon cityscapeMont Blanc massif (distant

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Saint Exupery (LYS)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Lyon. The left side captures both the London skyline on departure and a distant Alps view on arrival into Lyon, while the right side offers mostly flat, unremarkable countryside throughout the short flight.

What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?

During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Heathrow to the west then turning south toward Lyon, passengers on the left get a sweeping view of the Thames as it winds through central London, with the City and Canary Wharf skylines briefly visible during the turn. The right side mostly shows featureless western suburbs and reservoirs. Notable sights include: River Thames, City of London skyline, Canary Wharf, Heathrow's western suburbs.

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 the descent into Lyon, the flight path from the north brings the foothills of the French Alps into view on the left, with the Rhone and Saone rivers converging near the city below. The right side faces west toward flat Beaujolais farmland with little relief. Notable sights include: French Alps foothills, Rhone-Saone confluence, Lyon cityscape, Mont Blanc massif (distant, weather permitting).

How long is the flight from London to Lyon?

The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Saint Exupery (LYS) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 471 miles (758 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the London to Lyon flight path pass over?

English Channel crossing near the Kent/Normandy coast, followed by the rolling farmland and vineyards of Picardy and Burgundy before descending toward the Rhone valley