The left side captures San Francisco's iconic bridges and skyline at departure and Lisbon's river and historic core at arrival, while the right side offers mostly suburban terrain and open ocean with no comparable landmarks.
Flown SFO to LIS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Lisbon is 5,668 miles (9,121 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
Route crosses the Canadian Rockies foothills, Hudson Bay region, the southern tip of Greenland's ice cap, and the open North Atlantic before approaching the Iberian coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTDeparting on runway 10 eastbound over the bay, the aircraft's initial climb and turn puts San Francisco's skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge on the left side. The right side mainly shows the flatter Peninsula suburbs toward San Jose.
Landing at LIS
LEFTUnder typical Nortada winds, arrivals fly south over Lisbon before turning to land on runway 20, putting the Tagus River, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the historic city center on the left side. The right side mostly shows the hills of Sintra and open Atlantic coastline farther from the aircraft.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Lisboa (LIS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Lisbon. The left side captures San Francisco's iconic bridges and skyline at departure and Lisbon's river and historic core at arrival, while the right side offers mostly suburban terrain and open ocean with no comparable landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing on runway 10 eastbound over the bay, the aircraft's initial climb and turn puts San Francisco's skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge on the left side. The right side mainly shows the flatter Peninsula suburbs toward San Jose. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Lisboa in Lisbon?
When landing at Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Under typical Nortada winds, arrivals fly south over Lisbon before turning to land on runway 20, putting the Tagus River, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the historic city center on the left side. The right side mostly shows the hills of Sintra and open Atlantic coastline farther from the aircraft. Notable sights include: Tagus River estuary, 25 de Abril Bridge, Lisbon historic center, Cristo Rei statue.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Lisbon?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Lisboa (LIS) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,668 miles (9,121 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Lisbon flight path pass over?
Route crosses the Canadian Rockies foothills, Hudson Bay region, the southern tip of Greenland's ice cap, and the open North Atlantic before approaching the Iberian coast.