While takeoff favors the right for the Sierra de Guadarrama, the landing view of the Oslofjord and approach to Oslo is more dramatic and geographically distinctive. The fjord's islands and the contrast between water and forested shores provide superior visual interest on the descent.
Flown MAD to OSL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madrid to Oslo is 1,499 miles (2,413 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Pyrenees (visible from 25,000+ feet as a distinct mountain chain on the left/east side during the first 90 minutes), then tracks over the Bay of Biscay and Atlantic coast of France. The Loire Valley and central French plateau appear as rolling terrain. Over Germany and Denmark, the North European Plain dominates—flat agricultural land with scattered lakes. The Kattegat strait (between Denmark and Sweden) appears as a narrow water passage. The final approach crosses the Swedish-Norwegian border and enters the Scandinavian shield terrain with its characteristic forests and glacially-carved valleys.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAD
RIGHTMadrid-Barajas typically departs runway 32L or 32R (northwest heading). Right-side seats face the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range immediately north of the airport, which rises dramatically during climb-out. Left seats see the flat Meseta plateau extending south toward Toledo.
Landing at OSL
LEFTOslo Gardermoen typically lands runway 01L or 01R (northbound final approach). Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Oslofjord's eastern shore, the Follo region's forests, and the approach over Romerike plain. Right seats see only inland forest and agricultural land.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to Oslo Gardermoen (OSL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Oslo. While takeoff favors the right for the Sierra de Guadarrama, the landing view of the Oslofjord and approach to Oslo is more dramatic and geographically distinctive. The fjord's islands and the contrast between water and forested shores provide superior visual interest on the descent.
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 runway 32L or 32R (northwest heading). Right-side seats face the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range immediately north of the airport, which rises dramatically during climb-out. Left seats see the flat Meseta plateau extending south toward Toledo. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama (snow-capped in winter, visible 20-30 miles north), Manzanares River valley (threading through Madrid's northern suburbs), Madrid city grid (receding southward), Retiro Park and Casa de Campo (visible as green patches in the urban sprawl).
What can I see when landing at Oslo Gardermoen in Oslo?
When landing at Oslo Gardermoen (OSL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Oslo Gardermoen typically lands runway 01L or 01R (northbound final approach). Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Oslofjord's eastern shore, the Follo region's forests, and the approach over Romerike plain. Right seats see only inland forest and agricultural land. Notable sights include: Oslofjord (broad water body with islands visible, especially Hovedøya and Lindøya), Follo forest region (dense coniferous woodland covering rolling terrain), Romerike plain (flat agricultural and residential area north of fjord), Oslo city center and Akershus Fortress (visible on final approach, left of runway).
How long is the flight from Madrid to Oslo?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,499 miles (2,413 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madrid to Oslo flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Pyrenees (visible from 25,000+ feet as a distinct mountain chain on the left/east side during the first 90 minutes), then tracks over the Bay of Biscay and Atlantic coast of France. The Loire Valley and central French plateau appear as rolling terrain. Over Germany and Denmark, the North European Plain dominates—flat agricultural land with scattered lakes. The Kattegat strait (between Denmark and Sweden) appears as a narrow water passage. The final approach crosses the Swedish-Norwegian border and enters the Scandinavian shield terrain with its characteristic forests and glacially-carved valleys.