While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach over Lisbon's iconic estuary and city geography from the left side is more visually rewarding and geographically significant. The Tagus River and bridge views outweigh the volcanic terrain at departure.
Flown RKV to LIS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reykjavik to Lisbon is 1,828 miles (2,942 km), a flight of about 4 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay and passes over the Iberian Peninsula's interior. At cruise altitude (31,000-35,000 feet), you'll see the Atlantic coastlines of Ireland and Wales to the north, the Iberian Peninsula's interior plateau, and potentially the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains near Madrid if flying a more southerly routing. The Douro River valley may be visible during descent into Portugal.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from RKV
RIGHTKeflavík typically departs runway 02 (northbound) or 20 (southbound). Right-side seats offer views of Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic terrain and the Atlantic coastline as you climb. The peninsula's dark lava fields and coastal cliffs are distinctive from 5,000-15,000 feet.
Landing at LIS
LEFTLisbon typically lands runway 03 (northeast approach) or 21 (southwest approach). Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Tagus River estuary, Lisbon's hillside districts, and the 25 de Abril Bridge. These features are clearly visible from 10,000 feet down to final approach.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reykjavik (RKV) to Lisboa (LIS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reykjavik to Lisbon. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach over Lisbon's iconic estuary and city geography from the left side is more visually rewarding and geographically significant. The Tagus River and bridge views outweigh the volcanic terrain at departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
During takeoff from Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Keflavík typically departs runway 02 (northbound) or 20 (southbound). Right-side seats offer views of Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic terrain and the Atlantic coastline as you climb. The peninsula's dark lava fields and coastal cliffs are distinctive from 5,000-15,000 feet. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields, Fagradalsfjall volcanic region, Atlantic Ocean coastline, Keflavík town and harbor.
What can I see when landing at Lisboa in Lisbon?
When landing at Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Lisbon typically lands runway 03 (northeast approach) or 21 (southwest approach). Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Tagus River estuary, Lisbon's hillside districts, and the 25 de Abril Bridge. These features are clearly visible from 10,000 feet down to final approach. Notable sights include: Tagus River estuary, 25 de Abril Bridge, Lisbon city center on hills, Cristo Rei monument on south bank.
How long is the flight from Reykjavik to Lisbon?
The flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to Lisboa (LIS) takes about 4 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,828 miles (2,942 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reykjavik to Lisbon flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay and passes over the Iberian Peninsula's interior. At cruise altitude (31,000-35,000 feet), you'll see the Atlantic coastlines of Ireland and Wales to the north, the Iberian Peninsula's interior plateau, and potentially the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains near Madrid if flying a more southerly routing. The Douro River valley may be visible during descent into Portugal.