Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Rome. While takeoff offers good Madrid plateau views on the right, the landing approach into Rome on the left provides more dramatic and varied scenery: the Castelli Romani volcanic hills, Tiber River valley, and the approach to Rome itself create a more visually compelling final descent than the relatively flat Spanish plateau departure.

During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the climb-out northeast toward the Sierra de Guadarrama and the Tagus River valley. Madrid's urban sprawl and the surrounding plateau terrain are visible immediately after departure. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama (northeast), Tagus River valley, Madrid city center and suburbs, Central Plateau (Meseta Central).

When landing at Ciampino (CIA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats on descent into Ciampino offer views of the Apennine Mountains to the east and the Tiber River valley approaching Rome. The Castelli Romani hills and Rome's urban area become visible in the final approach. Notable sights include: Apennine Mountains (eastern horizon), Tiber River valley, Castelli Romani hills, Rome metropolitan area.

The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Ciampino (CIA) takes 2h 15m.

The flight crosses the Mediterranean coast near the Spanish-French border, then traverses the Alps (Mont Blanc visible on clear days), descends into the Po Valley in northern Italy, and follows the Apennine Mountains southward before approaching Rome from the north. The Mediterranean Sea is visible briefly during the coastal crossing near Barcelona or further east.