The right side benefits from the Alps and Mediterranean coast glimpsed early in the route, the Caucasus and Caspian basin at cruise, and a Beijing skyline view on landing, giving it more consistent terrain variety than the left, which mostly overlooks steppe and plains.
Flown MAD to PEK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madrid to Beijing is 5,720 miles (9,205 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
Caucasus Mountains, Caspian Sea, Kazakh steppe, Tian Shan foothills, edge of the Gobi Desert
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAD
LEFTDeparting Barajas in the typical north configuration, the climb-out passes just west of central Madrid with the Sierra de Guadarrama rising on the northern horizon to the left as the aircraft turns onto its eastbound routing. The right side mostly shows the flatter Meseta plain south of the city.
Landing at PEK
RIGHTOn approach into PEK from the south, the final turn typically banks the aircraft so passengers on the right get a clear view of Beijing's dense urban sprawl and the Chaoyang/CBD skyline before the flat North China Plain gives way to landing. The left side mainly faces open agricultural land with fewer identifiable features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to Capital (PEK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Beijing. The right side benefits from the Alps and Mediterranean coast glimpsed early in the route, the Caucasus and Caspian basin at cruise, and a Beijing skyline view on landing, giving it more consistent terrain variety than the left, which mostly overlooks steppe and plains.
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 Barajas in the typical north configuration, the climb-out passes just west of central Madrid with the Sierra de Guadarrama rising on the northern horizon to the left as the aircraft turns onto its eastbound routing. The right side mostly shows the flatter Meseta plain south of the city. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama, Madrid's northern suburbs, Jarama river valley.
What can I see when landing at Capital in Beijing?
When landing at Capital (PEK), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into PEK from the south, the final turn typically banks the aircraft so passengers on the right get a clear view of Beijing's dense urban sprawl and the Chaoyang/CBD skyline before the flat North China Plain gives way to landing. The left side mainly faces open agricultural land with fewer identifiable features. Notable sights include: Beijing skyline (CBD towers), Chaobai River, North China Plain farmland.
How long is the flight from Madrid to Beijing?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Capital (PEK) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,720 miles (9,205 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madrid to Beijing flight path pass over?
Caucasus Mountains, Caspian Sea, Kazakh steppe, Tian Shan foothills, edge of the Gobi Desert