Left seats capture the dramatic Sierra de Guadarrama departure from Madrid and the Río de la Plata estuary approach to Buenos Aires, providing the most visually distinctive geography at both ends of this transatlantic route.
Flown MAD to EZE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madrid to Buenos Aires is 6,267 miles (10,087 km), a flight of about 12 hours.
The route crosses the Atlantic Ocean with no significant landmarks visible for roughly 8-9 hours. Notable waypoints include: the Iberian Peninsula coast (Portugal's Algarve region visible shortly after departure), the Atlantic basin (featureless ocean for extended period), potential views of the Azores archipelago if routing permits (though typically south of standard tracks), the African coast near Morocco/Western Sahara (visible only on southern routing variants), and the South American continent approaching from the northeast with the Brazilian coast visible before turning toward Buenos Aires. The Andes Mountains remain too far west to be visible from standard flight paths. Most of the flight offers only ocean and cloud formations.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAD
RIGHTMadrid-Barajas typically departs runways 32L/32R (northwest heading). Right-side seats face toward the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range immediately northwest of the airport, visible during initial climb. Left side shows the flat Madrid urban sprawl with less dramatic relief.
Landing at EZE
LEFTEzeiza typically uses runways 09/27 depending on wind. For standard approaches from the north, left-side seats offer views of the Río de la Plata estuary and the approach path over Buenos Aires' western suburbs. Right side faces inland toward less distinctive terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Buenos Aires. Left seats capture the dramatic Sierra de Guadarrama departure from Madrid and the Río de la Plata estuary approach to Buenos Aires, providing the most visually distinctive geography at both ends of this transatlantic route.
What can I see during takeoff from Barajas in Madrid?
During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Madrid-Barajas typically departs runways 32L/32R (northwest heading). Right-side seats face toward the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range immediately northwest of the airport, visible during initial climb. Left side shows the flat Madrid urban sprawl with less dramatic relief. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama (snow-capped in winter, visible 20-30 miles northwest), Manzanares River valley (threading through Madrid below), Madrid city grid (expanding southeastward), Retiro Park district (small green rectangle visible in central Madrid).
What can I see when landing at Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini in Buenos Aires?
When landing at Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Ezeiza typically uses runways 09/27 depending on wind. For standard approaches from the north, left-side seats offer views of the Río de la Plata estuary and the approach path over Buenos Aires' western suburbs. Right side faces inland toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Río de la Plata estuary (wide, muddy-brown water body), Ezeiza International Airport complex (visible 15-20 miles ahead during descent), Buenos Aires western suburbs (Morón, Merlo districts with grid pattern), Salado River delta (tributary system feeding into the estuary).
How long is the flight from Madrid to Buenos Aires?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE) takes about 12 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 6,267 miles (10,087 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madrid to Buenos Aires flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Atlantic Ocean with no significant landmarks visible for roughly 8-9 hours. Notable waypoints include: the Iberian Peninsula coast (Portugal's Algarve region visible shortly after departure), the Atlantic basin (featureless ocean for extended period), potential views of the Azores archipelago if routing permits (though typically south of standard tracks), the African coast near Morocco/Western Sahara (visible only on southern routing variants), and the South American continent approaching from the northeast with the Brazilian coast visible before turning toward Buenos Aires. The Andes Mountains remain too far west to be visible from standard flight paths. Most of the flight offers only ocean and cloud formations.