The right side offers a stronger overall experience thanks to the dramatic Rio de Janeiro coastline and bay scenery during departure, which outweighs the more modest mountain view on landing; the long mid-ocean Atlantic crossing is scenically neutral for both sides.
Flown GRU to MAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sao Paulo to Madrid is 5,206 miles (8,378 km), a flight of about 9 hours 35 minutes.
Open Atlantic Ocean for most of the crossing, with no significant landmarks visible; the route passes well north of the Canary Islands and south of the Azores, over deep blue open water under high-altitude cruise conditions.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from GRU
RIGHTDeparting GRU to the northeast, the right side of the aircraft faces the Brazilian coastline as the flight climbs past São Paulo's urban sprawl and later tracks near Rio de Janeiro's shoreline, offering glimpses of Guanabara Bay and the dramatic granite peaks around Sugarloaf Mountain before heading out over the Atlantic.
Landing at MAD
LEFTOn approach into Madrid from the south in the typical north-flow configuration, the left side faces west toward the Sierra de Guadarrama, whose jagged silhouette rises above the flat Castilian plateau, adding visual interest as the plane descends over dry farmland toward Barajas.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Guarulhos (GRU) to Barajas (MAD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sao Paulo to Madrid. The right side offers a stronger overall experience thanks to the dramatic Rio de Janeiro coastline and bay scenery during departure, which outweighs the more modest mountain view on landing; the long mid-ocean Atlantic crossing is scenically neutral for both sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Guarulhos in Sao Paulo?
During takeoff from Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing GRU to the northeast, the right side of the aircraft faces the Brazilian coastline as the flight climbs past São Paulo's urban sprawl and later tracks near Rio de Janeiro's shoreline, offering glimpses of Guanabara Bay and the dramatic granite peaks around Sugarloaf Mountain before heading out over the Atlantic. Notable sights include: São Paulo skyline, Santos coastline, Rio de Janeiro's Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain silhouette.
What can I see when landing at Barajas in Madrid?
When landing at Barajas (MAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Madrid from the south in the typical north-flow configuration, the left side faces west toward the Sierra de Guadarrama, whose jagged silhouette rises above the flat Castilian plateau, adding visual interest as the plane descends over dry farmland toward Barajas. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama, Tagus river valley, Castilian plateau farmland, Madrid's northern suburbs.
How long is the flight from Sao Paulo to Madrid?
The flight from Guarulhos (GRU) to Barajas (MAD) takes about 9 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,206 miles (8,378 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sao Paulo to Madrid flight path pass over?
Open Atlantic Ocean for most of the crossing, with no significant landmarks visible; the route passes well north of the Canary Islands and south of the Azores, over deep blue open water under high-altitude cruise conditions.