While left offers the dramatic Río de la Plata departure, right seats dominate the approach into Lisbon with superior views of the Tagus estuary, the city's iconic geography, and the bridge. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown MVD to LIS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montevideo to Lisbon is 5,903 miles (9,501 km), a flight of about 14 hours.
The flight path crosses the South Atlantic at high altitude (typically FL350-FL380), passing east of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. No significant landmarks are visible at cruise altitude over open ocean. The route crosses the equator roughly 1,200 nautical miles east of the Brazilian coast, then continues northeast across the Atlantic toward the Iberian Peninsula. The African coast (Senegal/Mauritania region) becomes visible on the right side during the final descent phase approximately 2-3 hours before Lisbon, appearing as a thin tan line on the horizon. The Strait of Gibraltar is crossed at altitude but not distinctly visible. The Portuguese coast becomes visible roughly 1 hour before landing, with the Tagus estuary and Lisbon appearing in the final 30 minutes of approach.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MVD
LEFTCarrasco typically departs eastbound over the Río de la Plata estuary. Left seats face north across the wide brown waters and toward the Uruguayan coastline, while right seats look south toward open water with less geographic interest.
Landing at LIS
RIGHTLisbon typically lands on runway 03 (northbound) or 01 (eastbound depending on wind). Right seats offer superior views of the Tagus River estuary and the city's distinctive geography as the aircraft descends toward Humberto Delgado Airport on the north bank.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Carrasco International (MVD) to Lisboa (LIS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montevideo to Lisbon. While left offers the dramatic Río de la Plata departure, right seats dominate the approach into Lisbon with superior views of the Tagus estuary, the city's iconic geography, and the bridge. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Carrasco International in Montevideo?
During takeoff from Carrasco International (MVD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Carrasco typically departs eastbound over the Río de la Plata estuary. Left seats face north across the wide brown waters and toward the Uruguayan coastline, while right seats look south toward open water with less geographic interest. Notable sights include: Río de la Plata estuary (distinctive muddy-brown color from sediment), Punta Carrasco headland, Montevideo city grid receding westward, Atlantic coastline trending northeast.
What can I see when landing at Lisboa in Lisbon?
When landing at Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Lisbon typically lands on runway 03 (northbound) or 01 (eastbound depending on wind). Right seats offer superior views of the Tagus River estuary and the city's distinctive geography as the aircraft descends toward Humberto Delgado Airport on the north bank. Notable sights include: Tagus River estuary with its characteristic wide mouth and tidal mudflats, Lisbon city center on the south bank, Cristo Rei monument on the south side, Ponte 25 de Abril bridge spanning the estuary.
How long is the flight from Montevideo to Lisbon?
The flight from Carrasco International (MVD) to Lisboa (LIS) takes about 14 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,903 miles (9,501 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montevideo to Lisbon flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the South Atlantic at high altitude (typically FL350-FL380), passing east of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. No significant landmarks are visible at cruise altitude over open ocean. The route crosses the equator roughly 1,200 nautical miles east of the Brazilian coast, then continues northeast across the Atlantic toward the Iberian Peninsula. The African coast (Senegal/Mauritania region) becomes visible on the right side during the final descent phase approximately 2-3 hours before Lisbon, appearing as a thin tan line on the horizon. The Strait of Gibraltar is crossed at altitude but not distinctly visible. The Portuguese coast becomes visible roughly 1 hour before landing, with the Tagus estuary and Lisbon appearing in the final 30 minutes of approach.