While the takeoff from Lisbon favors the left, the landing approach into Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen on the right side is more visually rewarding, offering extended views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and Istanbul's waterfront. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown LIS to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Lisbon to Pendik, Istanbul is 2,028 miles (3,264 km), a flight of about 4 hours 35 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea, passing over southern Greece (Peloponnese and Aegean islands visible at altitude), then continues over the Aegean toward the Turkish coast. Notable midpoint views include the Greek island chains, the Turkish mainland coast near Izmir, and the approach to the Marmara region. Clear-day flights may show the Rhodope Mountains on the Greek-Bulgarian border to the north, though these appear distant. The Aegean crossing dominates the middle 2.5 hours of flight.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LIS
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Tagus River estuary and Lisbon's western waterfront during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs westbound over the Atlantic before turning east, so left-side passengers see the city and river system clearly before heading out over open water.
Landing at SAW
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and Istanbul's Asian side during the descent into Sabiha Gökçen. The airport sits on the Asian shore, and right-side passengers see the water approaches and the city's eastern sprawl clearly during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lisboa (LIS) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lisbon to Pendik, Istanbul. While the takeoff from Lisbon favors the left, the landing approach into Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen on the right side is more visually rewarding, offering extended views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and Istanbul's waterfront. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Lisboa in Lisbon?
During takeoff from Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the Tagus River estuary and Lisbon's western waterfront during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs westbound over the Atlantic before turning east, so left-side passengers see the city and river system clearly before heading out over open water. Notable sights include: Tagus River estuary, Lisbon city center and Baixa district, Atlantic coastline west of Cascais, Cristo Rei monument across the river in Almada.
What can I see when landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
When landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and Istanbul's Asian side during the descent into Sabiha Gökçen. The airport sits on the Asian shore, and right-side passengers see the water approaches and the city's eastern sprawl clearly during final approach. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait entrance, Pendik waterfront and industrial areas, Asian side of Istanbul with Anatolia beyond.
How long is the flight from Lisbon to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Lisboa (LIS) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 4 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,028 miles (3,264 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Lisbon to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea, passing over southern Greece (Peloponnese and Aegean islands visible at altitude), then continues over the Aegean toward the Turkish coast. Notable midpoint views include the Greek island chains, the Turkish mainland coast near Izmir, and the approach to the Marmara region. Clear-day flights may show the Rhodope Mountains on the Greek-Bulgarian border to the north, though these appear distant. The Aegean crossing dominates the middle 2.5 hours of flight.