Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lisbon to Madrid. While takeoff favors the right for Lisbon's river and city views, the landing approach into Madrid from the west provides superior geography—the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains are a dramatic and consistent visual landmark during descent, and the left side captures both the mountain range and the city's approach corridor.

During takeoff from Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Tagus River estuary and Lisbon's waterfront during the initial climb. Depending on runway assignment (typically 03 or 21), a right-side view shows the river's distinctive bend and the city spreading eastward along the north bank. Notable sights include: Tagus River estuary, Lisbon city center and Baixa district, Cristo Rei monument on the south bank, Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge.

When landing at Barajas (MAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide the best approach view of the Spanish plateau and Sierra de Guadarrama mountains as you descend into Madrid. The mountain range forms a dramatic natural boundary north of the city and is clearly visible during final approach from the west. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, Manzanares River valley, Madrid city sprawl extending to the horizon, Barajas airport runways and taxiways.

The flight from Lisboa (LIS) to Barajas (MAD) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses central Portugal's interior plateau, passing north of the Tagus River valley. Notable features include the rolling terrain of Ribatejo and Estremadura regions, the Douro River valley to the north (not directly on route but visible to the left), and the transition into Spain's Meseta Central plateau. The landscape gradually shifts from Portugal's greener western terrain to Spain's drier, more open plateau as you approach Madrid. No major mountain ranges cross the direct flight path, but the Sierra de Guadarrama becomes increasingly prominent as you approach Madrid from the west.