Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Lisbon. While right seats offer the better Madrid departure view, left seats dominate the approach to Lisbon with superior views of the estuary, bridge, and city landmarks. Since the approach is more visually rewarding and memorable, left is the overall choice for this route.

During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Madrid-Barajas typically departs westbound (runways 32L/32R). Right-side seats face south initially, offering views of the Tagus River valley and the southern Madrid metropolitan sprawl before the aircraft turns southwest toward Portugal. Left seats see the northern suburbs and plateau. Notable sights include: Tagus River (Tajo) winding southeast through the Madrid basin, Southern Madrid urban districts fading into agricultural plains, Sierra de Guadarrama mountains visible on the distant northern horizon, Toledo region to the south.

When landing at Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Lisbon typically lands on runway 03 (northbound approach from the south). Left-side seats during descent offer direct views of the Tagus estuary, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and Lisbon's hillside districts. Right seats see the Atlantic and Caparica peninsula but miss the city's iconic landmarks. Notable sights include: Tagus estuary widening dramatically as it meets the Atlantic, 25 de Abril suspension bridge spanning the estuary (distinctive red color visible), Lisbon's tiered hillside districts with the Castelo de São Jorge visible on the highest point, Cristo Rei monument on the south bank.

The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Lisboa (LIS) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Spanish-Portuguese border near the Tagus River's upper course in the Extremadura region. En route, passengers see the transition from the Madrid plateau (Meseta Central) to the lower, more undulating terrain of western Spain and eastern Portugal. The Montes de Toledo appear briefly to the south during the initial westbound climb. The Tagus River valley becomes increasingly prominent as the aircraft descends toward Lisbon, with the river's course visible for much of the final 30 minutes of flight.