While takeoff offers Madrid's mountains, the landing descent provides more visually distinctive features—the Severn Estuary, Welsh coast, and Cotswolds hills are more dramatic than the Midlands approach from the left.
Flown MAD to BHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madrid to Birmingham is 831 miles (1,337 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
English Channel crossing (visible as water body separating southern England from northern France), Pyrenees mountains (visible during climb-out on clear days, forming the Spain-France border to the northeast), Bay of Biscay (offshore to the west during cruise), Cotswolds and Malvern Hills (visible during descent into UK)
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAD
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range and the sprawling Madrid urban area during climb-out. Right side faces open plateau with minimal visual interest.
Landing at BHX
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Cotswolds hills and the Severn Estuary during descent into Birmingham. Left side faces the Midlands industrial plain with less distinctive topography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to Birmingham (BHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Birmingham. While takeoff offers Madrid's mountains, the landing descent provides more visually distinctive features—the Severn Estuary, Welsh coast, and Cotswolds hills are more dramatic than the Midlands approach from the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Barajas in Madrid?
During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range and the sprawling Madrid urban area during climb-out. Right side faces open plateau with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama (north), Madrid city grid and Retiro Park district (south), Tagus River valley (east).
What can I see when landing at Birmingham in Birmingham?
When landing at Birmingham (BHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Cotswolds hills and the Severn Estuary during descent into Birmingham. Left side faces the Midlands industrial plain with less distinctive topography. Notable sights include: Cotswolds hills (south), Severn Estuary and Wales coastline (southwest), Birmingham urban area (north), Malvern Hills (west).
How long is the flight from Madrid to Birmingham?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Birmingham (BHX) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 831 miles (1,337 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madrid to Birmingham flight path pass over?
English Channel crossing (visible as water body separating southern England from northern France), Pyrenees mountains (visible during climb-out on clear days, forming the Spain-France border to the northeast), Bay of Biscay (offshore to the west during cruise), Cotswolds and Malvern Hills (visible during descent into UK)