While takeoff offers excellent mountain views on the right, the landing experience on the left is more dramatic and geographically distinctive. London City's approach over the Thames and Canary Wharf is visually superior to Madrid's departure, and the left side captures it perfectly.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay (no landmarks, open water), then the Aquitaine region of southwestern France (scattered towns and agricultural patchwork visible at cruise altitude), the Loire Valley (river visible as a linear feature), and approaches the English Channel near the Normandy coast (chalk cliffs of Étretat visible on clear days, though often obscured by cloud). The Channel crossing itself offers views of shipping traffic and, on clear days, the Normandy and Sussex coasts. Most of the cruise altitude flight (25,000-31,000 feet) offers limited distinctive landmarks—primarily cloud tops and the general landscape texture of central France.
Phase by phase
Takeoff from
Landing at
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
.jpeg?width=600)
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to London. While takeoff offers excellent mountain views on the right, the landing experience on the left is more dramatic and geographically distinctive. London City's approach over the Thames and Canary Wharf is visually superior to Madrid's departure, and the left side captures it perfectly.
What can I see during takeoff from Barajas in Madrid?
During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Guadarrama Mountains immediately after departure. Madrid typically departs runways 32L/32R (northwesterly), so right-side passengers get a direct view of the sierra as the aircraft climbs northbound. Left side faces the sprawl of southern Madrid. Notable sights include: Guadarrama Mountains (snow-capped in winter, visible as a distinct ridge 30 miles northwest), Manzanares River valley (threading through Madrid's urban grid below), Madrid-Barajas airport complex receding beneath, Toledo's hilltop silhouette to the south (visible briefly during initial climb).
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best approach view into London City. The aircraft descends steeply over the Thames estuary from the east, and left-side passengers see the river's dramatic bend at Canary Wharf, the Isle of Dogs, and the final approach corridor directly. Right side faces North London's suburbs. Notable sights include: Thames River with Canary Wharf's distinctive cluster visible at the bend (unmistakable modern skyline), Isle of Dogs peninsula (clearly defined by the Thames loop), Royal Docks and their geometric basin shapes, Tower Bridge and the City of London skyline (visible during final approach).
How long is the flight from Madrid to London?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to City (LCY) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Madrid to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay (no landmarks, open water), then the Aquitaine region of southwestern France (scattered towns and agricultural patchwork visible at cruise altitude), the Loire Valley (river visible as a linear feature), and approaches the English Channel near the Normandy coast (chalk cliffs of Étretat visible on clear days, though often obscured by cloud). The Channel crossing itself offers views of shipping traffic and, on clear days, the Normandy and Sussex coasts. Most of the cruise altitude flight (25,000-31,000 feet) offers limited distinctive landmarks—primarily cloud tops and the general landscape texture of central France.