Takeoff views of the dramatic Cordillera Occidental from the Bogotá plateau are more visually distinctive than Madrid's approach. The western departure offers greater relief contrast and mountain definition than the relatively flat approach into central Spain.
Flown BOG to MAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bogota to Madrid is 4,990 miles (8,031 km), a flight of about 10 hours 10 minutes.
The flight crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 6,000 nautical miles. Notable waypoints include the Caribbean coast of Colombia (visible briefly after departure), the Atlantic basin with no visible landmarks for 8+ hours, the Iberian Peninsula's western coast (Portugal) approaching from the west, and the Meseta Central plateau of Spain. The Sierra de Guadarrama and Sistema Central mountains become visible 60-90 minutes before Madrid arrival. No significant island landmarks are typically visible on this routing—the Azores are south of the standard track.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOG
LEFTBOG typically departs runway 01L/R heading north. Left seats face west toward the Cordillera Occidental (Western Range) of the Colombian Andes, which rises dramatically from the plateau. Right seats see the eastern plateau terrain receding.
Landing at MAD
RIGHTMAD uses runways 32L/R (primary) heading northwest, or 01L/R heading north. On approach from the southwest, right seats face north and northeast toward the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains and the approach corridor over central Spain's meseta. Left seats see the southern approach path over flatter terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Eldorado International (BOG) to Barajas (MAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bogota to Madrid. Takeoff views of the dramatic Cordillera Occidental from the Bogotá plateau are more visually distinctive than Madrid's approach. The western departure offers greater relief contrast and mountain definition than the relatively flat approach into central Spain.
What can I see during takeoff from Eldorado International in Bogota?
During takeoff from Eldorado International (BOG), sit on the Left side for the best views. BOG typically departs runway 01L/R heading north. Left seats face west toward the Cordillera Occidental (Western Range) of the Colombian Andes, which rises dramatically from the plateau. Right seats see the eastern plateau terrain receding. Notable sights include: Cordillera Occidental (Western Andes), Bogotá urban sprawl on the Altiplano Cundiboyacense plateau, Río Magdalena valley to the west, Monserrate peak (east of city, visible on right but smaller from this angle).
What can I see when landing at Barajas in Madrid?
When landing at Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. MAD uses runways 32L/R (primary) heading northwest, or 01L/R heading north. On approach from the southwest, right seats face north and northeast toward the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains and the approach corridor over central Spain's meseta. Left seats see the southern approach path over flatter terrain. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama (north of Madrid), Río Tajo valley, Madrid city center and Retiro Park district, Barajas airport runways and taxiways.
How long is the flight from Bogota to Madrid?
The flight from Eldorado International (BOG) to Barajas (MAD) takes about 10 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,990 miles (8,031 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bogota to Madrid flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 6,000 nautical miles. Notable waypoints include the Caribbean coast of Colombia (visible briefly after departure), the Atlantic basin with no visible landmarks for 8+ hours, the Iberian Peninsula's western coast (Portugal) approaching from the west, and the Meseta Central plateau of Spain. The Sierra de Guadarrama and Sistema Central mountains become visible 60-90 minutes before Madrid arrival. No significant island landmarks are typically visible on this routing—the Azores are south of the standard track.