While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left is more dramatic and geographically distinctive. The approach to Rabat over the Atlantic and the Bouregreg estuary provides a clearer sense of arrival and coastal geography than the Madrid departure.
Flown MAD to RBA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madrid to Rabat is 478 miles (769 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Strait of Gibraltar region at altitude. Passengers may glimpse the Sierra Nevada mountains in southern Spain (left side during cruise), the Strait itself as a narrow water passage between Spain and Morocco (visible as a distinct geographic pinch point), and the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco rising along the southern horizon. The Mediterranean Sea lies to the east, and the Atlantic to the west. Most of the cruise occurs over water or sparsely populated Moroccan terrain.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAD
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the climb-out over Madrid's urban sprawl and the Sierra de Guadarrama to the north. Barajas typically departs runways 32L/32R (northwest heading), so right-side passengers get the best angle on the mountain range as the aircraft banks and climbs.
Landing at RBA
LEFTLeft-side seats offer superior views during the approach to Rabat-Salé. The airport sits on the north bank of the Bouregreg River estuary, and aircraft typically approach from the northwest on runways 01 or 03. Left-side passengers see the Atlantic coastline, the river mouth, and the medina of Rabat clearly before touchdown.
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 Sale (RBA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Rabat. While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left is more dramatic and geographically distinctive. The approach to Rabat over the Atlantic and the Bouregreg estuary provides a clearer sense of arrival and coastal geography than the Madrid departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Barajas in Madrid?
During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the climb-out over Madrid's urban sprawl and the Sierra de Guadarrama to the north. Barajas typically departs runways 32L/32R (northwest heading), so right-side passengers get the best angle on the mountain range as the aircraft banks and climbs. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama (snow-capped peaks to the north), Madrid city center with Retiro Park visible as a green rectangle, Tagus River valley, sprawling suburban development radiating from the city.
What can I see when landing at Sale in Rabat?
When landing at Sale (RBA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer superior views during the approach to Rabat-Salé. The airport sits on the north bank of the Bouregreg River estuary, and aircraft typically approach from the northwest on runways 01 or 03. Left-side passengers see the Atlantic coastline, the river mouth, and the medina of Rabat clearly before touchdown. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean and coastal cliffs, Bouregreg River estuary (distinctive wide mouth), Rabat medina with its kasbah walls visible as tan-colored fortifications, Sale city across the river to the east.
How long is the flight from Madrid to Rabat?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Sale (RBA) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 478 miles (769 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madrid to Rabat flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Strait of Gibraltar region at altitude. Passengers may glimpse the Sierra Nevada mountains in southern Spain (left side during cruise), the Strait itself as a narrow water passage between Spain and Morocco (visible as a distinct geographic pinch point), and the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco rising along the southern horizon. The Mediterranean Sea lies to the east, and the Atlantic to the west. Most of the cruise occurs over water or sparsely populated Moroccan terrain.