Although takeoff and landing favor the right side, the long cruise phase over Mongolia's steppe, the southern Urals, and the Carpathian foothills is visible mainly on the left (south-facing) side of the aircraft on this westbound routing, giving it more sustained visual interest over the ten-hour flight.
Flown PEK to MAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Beijing to Madrid is 5,720 miles (9,205 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
Gobi Desert margins and Mongolian steppe, southern Ural Mountains, Kazakh steppe, and the Carpathian foothills over Ukraine/Romania before the final stretch across Central Europe into Spain
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PEK
RIGHTDeparting PEK on the north-south runways with a turn toward the west, the right side offers a glimpse of the Yan Mountains and Beijing's northern hills as the aircraft climbs out, while the left side shows only the flat North China Plain.
Landing at MAD
RIGHTOn approach into Madrid from the east, the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains north of the city are visible on the right side, offering a dramatic contrast to the flat Meseta plain that dominates the left-side view.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Capital (PEK) to Barajas (MAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Madrid. Although takeoff and landing favor the right side, the long cruise phase over Mongolia's steppe, the southern Urals, and the Carpathian foothills is visible mainly on the left (south-facing) side of the aircraft on this westbound routing, giving it more sustained visual interest over the ten-hour flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Capital in Beijing?
During takeoff from Capital (PEK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing PEK on the north-south runways with a turn toward the west, the right side offers a glimpse of the Yan Mountains and Beijing's northern hills as the aircraft climbs out, while the left side shows only the flat North China Plain. Notable sights include: Yan Mountains foothills, Beijing's northern suburbs, the Ming Tombs area, North China Plain.
What can I see when landing at Barajas in Madrid?
When landing at Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Madrid from the east, the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains north of the city are visible on the right side, offering a dramatic contrast to the flat Meseta plain that dominates the left-side view. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama, Madrid's northern skyline (Cuatro Torres), the Jarama river valley.
How long is the flight from Beijing to Madrid?
The flight from Capital (PEK) to Barajas (MAD) 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 Beijing to Madrid flight path pass over?
Gobi Desert margins and Mongolian steppe, southern Ural Mountains, Kazakh steppe, and the Carpathian foothills over Ukraine/Romania before the final stretch across Central Europe into Spain