The takeoff from Havana on the left side offers more dramatic and colorful scenery with the Straits of Florida and Caribbean waters. While the landing approach into Madrid on the right provides mountain views, the takeoff experience is more visually distinctive and memorable.
Flown HAV to MAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Havana to Madrid is 4,636 miles (7,461 km), a flight of about 8 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 3,600 nautical miles. Notable features include the Bahamas Banks (visible shortly after departure as shallow turquoise water), the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (underwater, not visible), the Azores archipelago (if passing south of direct route—visible as small volcanic islands), and the Portuguese coast approaching landfall near Lisbon before turning southeast toward Madrid.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HAV
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Straits of Florida and the northern Cuban coastline as the aircraft climbs northwestward. Right side faces inland toward central Cuba with less dramatic scenery during initial climb.
Landing at MAD
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Spanish Meseta Central (central plateau) and the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains as the aircraft descends toward Madrid from the northwest. Left side faces toward Portugal with less distinctive terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jose Marti International (HAV) to Barajas (MAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Havana to Madrid. The takeoff from Havana on the left side offers more dramatic and colorful scenery with the Straits of Florida and Caribbean waters. While the landing approach into Madrid on the right provides mountain views, the takeoff experience is more visually distinctive and memorable.
What can I see during takeoff from Jose Marti International in Havana?
During takeoff from Jose Marti International (HAV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Straits of Florida and the northern Cuban coastline as the aircraft climbs northwestward. Right side faces inland toward central Cuba with less dramatic scenery during initial climb. Notable sights include: Straits of Florida, Florida Keys (distant), Havana Bay, northern Cuban coastline.
What can I see when landing at Barajas in Madrid?
When landing at Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Spanish Meseta Central (central plateau) and the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains as the aircraft descends toward Madrid from the northwest. Left side faces toward Portugal with less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama, Meseta Central plateau, Tagus River valley, Madrid city sprawl.
How long is the flight from Havana to Madrid?
The flight from Jose Marti International (HAV) to Barajas (MAD) takes about 8 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,636 miles (7,461 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Havana to Madrid flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 3,600 nautical miles. Notable features include the Bahamas Banks (visible shortly after departure as shallow turquoise water), the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (underwater, not visible), the Azores archipelago (if passing south of direct route—visible as small volcanic islands), and the Portuguese coast approaching landfall near Lisbon before turning southeast toward Madrid.