Left side wins both ends of the flight. At takeoff you get the Sierra de Guadarrama and Madrid spread below you; on landing you get the full Toronto waterfront and Lake Ontario panorama. The transatlantic cruise portion offers little differentiation between sides — mostly open North Atlantic — but the bookend views strongly favor the left.
Flown MAD to YYZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madrid to Toronto is 3,764 miles (6,058 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
The flight tracks northwest over the Iberian Peninsula, crosses the Bay of Biscay, passes over the southwestern tip of Ireland near Cork, then crosses the open North Atlantic on a great circle route. The southern tip of Greenland may be visible in the far distance depending on exact routing. The flight then crosses Newfoundland — look for the rugged coastline and boreal forest — before tracking over Quebec and Ontario toward Toronto.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAD
LEFTDeparting Madrid on runway 32L/32R (northwest heading, most common for westbound transatlantic departures), the left side gives you a clear view of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range rising to over 2,400 meters, with the Peñalara massif and the snow-capped ridgeline clearly visible. The city of Madrid itself also spreads out to the left as you climb out.
Landing at YYZ
LEFTPearson typically lands westbound traffic on runways 23/24L/24R, meaning the approach track comes in from the northeast over Lake Ontario. The left side gives you a prolonged view of Lake Ontario's northern shoreline, the Toronto skyline including the CN Tower, and the city's waterfront as you descend. The right side faces north toward suburban sprawl with far less visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Toronto. Left side wins both ends of the flight. At takeoff you get the Sierra de Guadarrama and Madrid spread below you; on landing you get the full Toronto waterfront and Lake Ontario panorama. The transatlantic cruise portion offers little differentiation between sides — mostly open North Atlantic — but the bookend views strongly favor the left.
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 Madrid on runway 32L/32R (northwest heading, most common for westbound transatlantic departures), the left side gives you a clear view of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range rising to over 2,400 meters, with the Peñalara massif and the snow-capped ridgeline clearly visible. The city of Madrid itself also spreads out to the left as you climb out. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama range, Peñalara peak, Madrid city center grid and Cuatro Torres business district, Embalse de Santillana reservoir.
What can I see when landing at Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
When landing at Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Pearson typically lands westbound traffic on runways 23/24L/24R, meaning the approach track comes in from the northeast over Lake Ontario. The left side gives you a prolonged view of Lake Ontario's northern shoreline, the Toronto skyline including the CN Tower, and the city's waterfront as you descend. The right side faces north toward suburban sprawl with far less visual interest. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto waterfront and CN Tower, Toronto Islands, Scarborough Bluffs shoreline.
How long is the flight from Madrid to Toronto?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,764 miles (6,058 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madrid to Toronto flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over the Iberian Peninsula, crosses the Bay of Biscay, passes over the southwestern tip of Ireland near Cork, then crosses the open North Atlantic on a great circle route. The southern tip of Greenland may be visible in the far distance depending on exact routing. The flight then crosses Newfoundland — look for the rugged coastline and boreal forest — before tracking over Quebec and Ontario toward Toronto.