The right side wins overall because the Alpine views during climb-out from Lyon are among the most dramatic scenery on any European short-haul route. The left side has the better landing approach into Schiphol, but the flat Dutch polders, while interesting, are less spectacular than the Mont Blanc massif on departure. Right side passengers also get views over the Rhine valley and Belgian Ardennes during the cruise.
Flight Path
The route tracks northwest over Burgundy's rolling vineyard landscape, then crosses the Rhine near Strasbourg or Mulhouse, passes over the Ardennes plateau of Belgium (forested uplands visible as dark green blocks), then descends over the flat Belgian and Dutch lowlands. The Rhine crossing near the Franco-German border is a notable landmark mid-flight, as is the transition from the Ardennes hills to the completely flat Netherlands coastal plain.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LYS
RIGHTLyon's main departure runway 36R sends aircraft northbound, and the right side faces east toward the Alps. As you climb out, the Belledonne massif and the Mont Blanc massif are visible to the southeast, with the Rhône valley laid out below. The city of Lyon itself is also visible to the southwest on the right side during the initial turn.
Landing at AMS
LEFTSchiphol predominantly uses runways oriented northeast-southwest; aircraft approaching from the south on runway 18R/18C track northward, placing the left side facing west over the Dutch polders and the North Sea coast. The left seat gives views of the IJsselmeer, the flat polder landscape of North Holland, and Amsterdam's canal ring as you descend.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Saint Exupery (LYS) to Schiphol (AMS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lyon to Amsterdam. The right side wins overall because the Alpine views during climb-out from Lyon are among the most dramatic scenery on any European short-haul route. The left side has the better landing approach into Schiphol, but the flat Dutch polders, while interesting, are less spectacular than the Mont Blanc massif on departure. Right side passengers also get views over the Rhine valley and Belgian Ardennes during the cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Saint Exupery in Lyon?
During takeoff from Saint Exupery (LYS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Lyon's main departure runway 36R sends aircraft northbound, and the right side faces east toward the Alps. As you climb out, the Belledonne massif and the Mont Blanc massif are visible to the southeast, with the Rhône valley laid out below. The city of Lyon itself is also visible to the southwest on the right side during the initial turn. Notable sights include: Mont Blanc massif (southeast horizon), Belledonne massif, Rhône-Saône confluence at Lyon, Ain river valley below.
What can I see when landing at Schiphol in Amsterdam?
When landing at Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Schiphol predominantly uses runways oriented northeast-southwest; aircraft approaching from the south on runway 18R/18C track northward, placing the left side facing west over the Dutch polders and the North Sea coast. The left seat gives views of the IJsselmeer, the flat polder landscape of North Holland, and Amsterdam's canal ring as you descend. Notable sights include: IJsselmeer (large inland lake to the east), Amsterdam canal ring, North Holland polder landscape, Markermeer.
How long is the flight from Lyon to Amsterdam?
The flight from Saint Exupery (LYS) to Schiphol (AMS) takes Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
What does the Lyon to Amsterdam flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over Burgundy's rolling vineyard landscape, then crosses the Rhine near Strasbourg or Mulhouse, passes over the Ardennes plateau of Belgium (forested uplands visible as dark green blocks), then descends over the flat Belgian and Dutch lowlands. The Rhine crossing near the Franco-German border is a notable landmark mid-flight, as is the transition from the Ardennes hills to the completely flat Netherlands coastal plain.