Loading map...
LYS → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (Lyon) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular visual journey featuring the high French Alps, the sprawling Italian Po Valley, and the breathtaking turquoise archipelago of the Croatian coast.
Search flights from LYS to IST
Massif des Écrins
Dramatic views of the French Alps' glaciers and jagged peaks shortly after takeoff from Lyon.
Turin
The industrial and cultural hub of Piedmont nestled at the foot of the mountains.
Dalmatian Coast
Unrivaled views of the thousands of limestone islands scattered along the Croatian Adriatic.
Sea of Marmara
Final approach views of the Prince Islands and the cargo ships waiting to enter the Bosphorus.
The right side is the premium choice for this route. Sit here for the best views of the French and Italian Alps. During the middle of the flight, the aircraft often tracks along the Croatian coastline, offering stunning views of the Adriatic's clear waters. On the final approach into IST, you will likely see the dense urban sprawl of Istanbul and the Sea of Marmara.
Book Hotels in IstanbulSwiss Alps Vistas
Distant but clear views of the highest Swiss peaks and the Matterhorn to the north.
Belgrade
A bird's-eye view of the Serbian capital where the Sava and Danube rivers meet.
Black Sea Horizon
As the plane descends toward Istanbul, the vast northern sea comes into view.
Balkan Ranges
The rugged, green-covered mountains of Bulgaria and northern Serbia.
Choose the left side for noon or afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun. This side is superior for long-distance visibility of the northern Alpine range and provides a clearer view of the Danube river basin as you transit Eastern Europe.
Get eSIMs for France
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 1,964 km (1,220 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 37 min
Departure: LYS (45.725556, 5.081111)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.