Left side wins at both ends of the flight. The Sierra de Guadarrama on departure and Amsterdam's canal ring and polders on approach are both on the left. Through the cruise phase over France, the left side also tracks closer to the Loire Valley and Paris basin, though at 35,000 feet these are less distinct.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Pyrenees foothills north of Burgos, then tracks over the French Meseta and into the Paris Basin. The Loire River valley is visible in central France. Northern France transitions into Belgium's flat agricultural plains before descending into the Dutch polder landscape approaching Schiphol.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAD
LEFTDeparting Madrid Barajas, aircraft typically use runways 32L/32R heading northwest, which puts the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range on the left side. These peaks rise to over 2,400 meters and are clearly visible as a dramatic ridgeline just west of the departure path.
Landing at AMS
LEFTSchiphol typically uses runways 18L/18C/18R for southerly landings or 06 for easterly approaches. On the common westerly approach to runway 27, the left side offers views over Amsterdam city center, the IJ waterway, and the patchwork of Dutch polders. Even on southerly approaches, the left side captures the city and harbor.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to Schiphol (AMS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Amsterdam. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. The Sierra de Guadarrama on departure and Amsterdam's canal ring and polders on approach are both on the left. Through the cruise phase over France, the left side also tracks closer to the Loire Valley and Paris basin, though at 35,000 feet these are less distinct.
What can I see during takeoff from Barajas in Madrid?
During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Madrid Barajas, aircraft typically use runways 32L/32R heading northwest, which puts the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range on the left side. These peaks rise to over 2,400 meters and are clearly visible as a dramatic ridgeline just west of the departure path. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama ridgeline, Madrid city center and Retiro Park, Manzanares River valley, Alcobendas suburban sprawl below.
What can I see when landing at Schiphol in Amsterdam?
When landing at Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Schiphol typically uses runways 18L/18C/18R for southerly landings or 06 for easterly approaches. On the common westerly approach to runway 27, the left side offers views over Amsterdam city center, the IJ waterway, and the patchwork of Dutch polders. Even on southerly approaches, the left side captures the city and harbor. Notable sights include: Amsterdam city center and canal ring, IJ waterway and Amsterdam harbor, Dutch polder farmland grid, Westpoort industrial port district.
How long is the flight from Madrid to Amsterdam?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Schiphol (AMS) takes Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
What does the Madrid to Amsterdam flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Pyrenees foothills north of Burgos, then tracks over the French Meseta and into the Paris Basin. The Loire River valley is visible in central France. Northern France transitions into Belgium's flat agricultural plains before descending into the Dutch polder landscape approaching Schiphol.