The right side offers the more consistently dramatic experience: the Pyrenees appear briefly during cruise, and the Alps dominate the horizon on approach into Zurich, both far more visually striking than the flatter terrain seen from the left for most of the flight.
Flown MAD to ZRH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madrid to Zurich is 770 miles (1,239 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Eastern Pyrenees foothills near the Spain-France border, and the upper Rhône valley approaching the Alps
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAD
LEFTDeparting Barajas in the north configuration, the aircraft climbs north before banking east toward France, giving left-side passengers a good look back at Madrid's skyline and the Sierra de Guadarrama rising north of the city. The right side mostly shows flat, featureless meseta during this maneuver.
Landing at ZRH
RIGHTArriving into Zurich, aircraft on the westbound or southbound approach pass close to the northern edge of the Alps, giving right-side passengers dramatic views of snow-capped peaks before descending over the rolling hills and lake near Zurich. The left side during this phase mostly faces flatter Swiss farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Zurich. The right side offers the more consistently dramatic experience: the Pyrenees appear briefly during cruise, and the Alps dominate the horizon on approach into Zurich, both far more visually striking than the flatter terrain seen from the left for most of the flight.
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 north configuration, the aircraft climbs north before banking east toward France, giving left-side passengers a good look back at Madrid's skyline and the Sierra de Guadarrama rising north of the city. The right side mostly shows flat, featureless meseta during this maneuver. Notable sights include: Madrid skyline, Sierra de Guadarrama, Jarama river valley.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving into Zurich, aircraft on the westbound or southbound approach pass close to the northern edge of the Alps, giving right-side passengers dramatic views of snow-capped peaks before descending over the rolling hills and lake near Zurich. The left side during this phase mostly faces flatter Swiss farmland. Notable sights include: Swiss Alps foothills, Lake Zurich, Uetliberg ridge, Zurich city outskirts.
How long is the flight from Madrid to Zurich?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Zurich (ZRH) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 770 miles (1,239 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madrid to Zurich flight path pass over?
Eastern Pyrenees foothills near the Spain-France border, and the upper Rhône valley approaching the Alps