Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over France, the left side also offers occasional views of the Loire Valley and the Massif Central on the eastern horizon, making it the consistently better side throughout the journey.
Flown MAD to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madrid to London is 754 miles (1,213 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
The route tracks northwest from Madrid across the Castilian plateau, crosses the Pyrenees (or skirts west of them depending on routing), passes over the Basque Country and Bay of Biscay coast, then crosses northern France over Brittany or Normandy before crossing the English Channel near Cherbourg or Caen and entering southern England over Hampshire or West Sussex
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 dramatically visible during climb-out, with snow cover much of the year.
Landing at LGW
LEFTGatwick predominantly uses runway 08R/26L. On approach from the south landing eastward on 08R, the aircraft tracks over the Surrey Hills and the left side offers views over Crawley, the North Downs, and central London on the horizon. On the more common westward landing on 26L, the left side looks south over the Sussex Weald toward the South Downs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to London. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over France, the left side also offers occasional views of the Loire Valley and the Massif Central on the eastern horizon, making it the consistently better side throughout the journey.
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 dramatically visible during climb-out, with snow cover much of the year. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama range, El Escorial monastery complex on the lower slopes, Madrid city center receding to the southeast, Embalse de Santillana reservoir.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gatwick predominantly uses runway 08R/26L. On approach from the south landing eastward on 08R, the aircraft tracks over the Surrey Hills and the left side offers views over Crawley, the North Downs, and central London on the horizon. On the more common westward landing on 26L, the left side looks south over the Sussex Weald toward the South Downs. Notable sights include: Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Crawley urban area directly below on final approach, South Downs ridge to the south, M23 motorway corridor.
How long is the flight from Madrid to London?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 754 miles (1,213 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madrid to London flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest from Madrid across the Castilian plateau, crosses the Pyrenees (or skirts west of them depending on routing), passes over the Basque Country and Bay of Biscay coast, then crosses northern France over Brittany or Normandy before crossing the English Channel near Cherbourg or Caen and entering southern England over Hampshire or West Sussex