About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to London. Left side wins both ends of this flight. At takeoff you get the Sierra de Guadarrama and Madrid city views, and on approach into Heathrow you get the Thames and London skyline. The right side offers little of comparable interest at either end.
What can I see during takeoff from Barajas in Madrid?
During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Madrid's runways 32L/32R are the most commonly used for northbound departures, meaning a left-side seat faces west and southwest during climb-out, giving you a clear view back over central Madrid and the Sierra de Guadarrama rising sharply to the northwest. The city grid and Barajas terminal complex are also visible below briefly before the aircraft tracks north. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range to the northwest, central Madrid urban grid to the southwest, Jarama River valley below the airport, Alcalá de Henares urban sprawl to the east.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's most common landing runways are 27L and 27R, meaning aircraft approach from the east on a westward heading. A left-side seat faces south during this approach, giving views over central London, the Thames, and the city's landmarks as you descend through 3,000-6,000 feet over the eastern suburbs. The right side faces north toward less distinctive suburban terrain. Notable sights include: River Thames snaking through central London, City of London and Canary Wharf tower clusters, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park to the west on final approach, Wembley Stadium arch visible to the north.
How long is the flight from Madrid to London?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes.
What does the Madrid to London flight path pass over?
After crossing the Pyrenees (visible as a broad snowy ridgeline from both sides around 30 minutes into the flight), the route tracks over the Bay of Biscay coastline near Bilbao, then crosses the Basque Country and southwestern France. Over France the Garonne River valley and Bordeaux wine country are below. The English Channel crossing takes roughly 20 minutes, with the French coast near Brest or Cherbourg and the English coast near Cornwall or Devon visible depending on exact routing. The left side gets the better view of the Pyrenees on departure and the French Atlantic coast.