Amsterdam to Madrid flight pathAMSMAD

Sit on the right side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time2h 20m
Distance906
Heading209° → 203°
Best side
RightMostly right
★ 3.0 left·★ 3.5 right

The right side benefits from a stronger cruise segment tracing the Bay of Biscay coastline and distant Pyrenees foothills, plus a rewarding final approach view of the Guadarrama mountains and Madrid skyline, edging out the left side's flatter but still pleasant Dutch takeoff scenery.

Takeoff · AMSLEFTAmsterdam canal ring, IJsselmeer, Dutch polder farmland
Landing · MADRIGHTSierra de Guadarrama, Madrid skyline, Jarama river valley

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Bay of Biscay coastline near Bordeaux, Basque Country hills, western Pyrenees foothills, and the arid Spanish Meseta plateau

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Amsterdam (left side) — Amsterdam canal ring, IJsselmeer, Dutch polder farmland, Schiphol's Polderbaan runway complex

Takeoff from AMS

LEFT

Departing Schiphol's Polderbaan southbound, the initial climb puts Amsterdam's canal rings, IJsselmeer, and the dense polder patchwork on the left (east) side, while the right side mostly shows flat dune country toward the North Sea.

Amsterdam canal ringIJsselmeerDutch polder farmlandSchiphol's Polderbaan runway complex
Aerial window seat view during landing at Madrid (right side) — Sierra de Guadarrama, Madrid skyline (Cuatro Torres business towers), Jarama river valley, Barajas terminal complex

Landing at MAD

RIGHT

On the approach into Barajas, the aircraft typically loops to align with the north-facing runways, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Guadarrama mountains north of the city and the Madrid skyline sliding past before touchdown.

Sierra de GuadarramaMadrid skylineJarama river valleyBarajas terminal complex

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schiphol (AMS) to Barajas (MAD)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Amsterdam to Madrid. The right side benefits from a stronger cruise segment tracing the Bay of Biscay coastline and distant Pyrenees foothills, plus a rewarding final approach view of the Guadarrama mountains and Madrid skyline, edging out the left side's flatter but still pleasant Dutch takeoff scenery.

What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?

During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Schiphol's Polderbaan southbound, the initial climb puts Amsterdam's canal rings, IJsselmeer, and the dense polder patchwork on the left (east) side, while the right side mostly shows flat dune country toward the North Sea. Notable sights include: Amsterdam canal ring, IJsselmeer, Dutch polder farmland, Schiphol's Polderbaan runway complex.

What can I see when landing at Barajas in Madrid?

When landing at Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the approach into Barajas, the aircraft typically loops to align with the north-facing runways, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Guadarrama mountains north of the city and the Madrid skyline sliding past before touchdown. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama, Madrid skyline (Cuatro Torres business towers), Jarama river valley, Barajas terminal complex.

How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Madrid?

The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to Barajas (MAD) takes 2h 20m.

What does the Amsterdam to Madrid flight path pass over?

Bay of Biscay coastline near Bordeaux, Basque Country hills, western Pyrenees foothills, and the arid Spanish Meseta plateau