The left side wins on both ends of the flight — Mt. Fuji dominates the Narita departure view, and the Guadarrama foothills add visual interest to the Madrid arrival, while the cruise portion over Siberia and Eastern Europe offers little differentiation between sides.
Flown NRT to MAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Madrid is 6,692 miles (10,770 km), a flight of about 13 hours 55 minutes.
The route crosses the Sea of Japan, the vast forested plains and river systems of eastern Siberia, the Ural Mountains, and the flatlands of European Russia and Eastern Europe before descending into the Iberian Peninsula.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from NRT
LEFTDepartures from Narita typically climb out and turn west across Honshu, putting Mt. Fuji and the Izu peninsula coastline on the left side of the aircraft as it gains altitude over the Kanto plain.
Landing at MAD
LEFTOn the north-configuration approach into Madrid, aircraft descend from the south, and the left side offers views of the Sierra de Guadarrama foothills and the city's northern skyline as the plane lines up for landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Barajas (MAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Madrid. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — Mt. Fuji dominates the Narita departure view, and the Guadarrama foothills add visual interest to the Madrid arrival, while the cruise portion over Siberia and Eastern Europe offers little differentiation between sides.
What can I see during takeoff from New Tokyo International in Tokyo?
During takeoff from New Tokyo International (NRT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departures from Narita typically climb out and turn west across Honshu, putting Mt. Fuji and the Izu peninsula coastline on the left side of the aircraft as it gains altitude over the Kanto plain. Notable sights include: Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Bay, Izu Peninsula coastline, Sagami Bay.
What can I see when landing at Barajas in Madrid?
When landing at Barajas (MAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the north-configuration approach into Madrid, aircraft descend from the south, and the left side offers views of the Sierra de Guadarrama foothills and the city's northern skyline as the plane lines up for landing. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama foothills, Madrid skyline, Jarama river valley, Barajas terminal complex.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Madrid?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Barajas (MAD) takes about 13 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,692 miles (10,770 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Madrid flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Sea of Japan, the vast forested plains and river systems of eastern Siberia, the Ural Mountains, and the flatlands of European Russia and Eastern Europe before descending into the Iberian Peninsula.