While takeoff offers the unique Stockholm archipelago, the landing approach into Madrid provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Sierra de Guadarrama and the Meseta Central plateau are visually striking and geographically significant. Left-side seats capture this better during descent.
Flown ARN to MAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Stockholm to Madrid is 1,615 miles (2,600 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Over Germany: the Rhine River valley and Rhineland plateau; the Vosges Mountains (France-Germany border); over France: the Jura Mountains, the Rhône-Saône valley, and the Alps in the distance to the southeast; approaching Spain: the Pyrenees on the horizon (far north), then the Spanish interior plateau (Meseta Central) with scattered mountain ranges including the Sistema Central.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ARN
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Stockholm's archipelago and the Baltic coastline as the aircraft climbs southwestward. The intricate pattern of islands and waterways is distinctive and visible during the initial climb phase.
Landing at MAD
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Spanish plateau (Meseta Central) and the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains during descent into Madrid. These dramatic granite peaks and the surrounding high-altitude terrain are visually striking and geographically significant.
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 Arlanda (ARN) to Barajas (MAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Stockholm to Madrid. While takeoff offers the unique Stockholm archipelago, the landing approach into Madrid provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Sierra de Guadarrama and the Meseta Central plateau are visually striking and geographically significant. Left-side seats capture this better during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Arlanda in Stockholm?
During takeoff from Arlanda (ARN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Stockholm's archipelago and the Baltic coastline as the aircraft climbs southwestward. The intricate pattern of islands and waterways is distinctive and visible during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Stockholm archipelago (thousands of islands and skerries), Lake Mälaren to the west, Baltic Sea coastline, Uppland forests.
What can I see when landing at Barajas in Madrid?
When landing at Barajas (MAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Spanish plateau (Meseta Central) and the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains during descent into Madrid. These dramatic granite peaks and the surrounding high-altitude terrain are visually striking and geographically significant. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama (mountain range north of Madrid), Meseta Central plateau, Tagus River valley, Madrid urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Stockholm to Madrid?
The flight from Arlanda (ARN) to Barajas (MAD) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,615 miles (2,600 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Stockholm to Madrid flight path pass over?
Over Germany: the Rhine River valley and Rhineland plateau; the Vosges Mountains (France-Germany border); over France: the Jura Mountains, the Rhône-Saône valley, and the Alps in the distance to the southeast; approaching Spain: the Pyrenees on the horizon (far north), then the Spanish interior plateau (Meseta Central) with scattered mountain ranges including the Sistema Central.