While takeoff on the left offers Lake Ontario views, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and sustained scenery with the Guadarrama Mountains and Tagus valley. The right side captures the most visually distinctive geography of the entire transatlantic route.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and Iceland (not visible at cruise altitude), then over the Atlantic proper. Over the ocean, passengers may see occasional cloud formations and the curvature of the Atlantic horizon. As the aircraft approaches European airspace, the Irish coast and UK landmass become visible on the left side during descent. The flight then crosses the Bay of Biscay and enters Spanish airspace, where the Pyrenees Mountains may be visible to the north on the left side during final descent, followed by the Castilian plateau and approach to Madrid.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Buttonville Muni (YKZ) to Barajas (MAD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Madrid. While takeoff on the left offers Lake Ontario views, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and sustained scenery with the Guadarrama Mountains and Tagus valley. The right side captures the most visually distinctive geography of the entire transatlantic route.
What can I see during takeoff from Buttonville Muni in Toronto?
During takeoff from Buttonville Muni (YKZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of Lake Ontario immediately after climb-out from Buttonville. The lake dominates the eastern and southern horizon, with Toronto's downtown skyline visible to the south across the water. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto downtown core and CN Tower, Scarborough Bluffs (eastern shoreline), Greater Toronto Area urban sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Barajas in Madrid?
When landing at Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides the best views during descent into Madrid. The Guadarrama Mountains appear prominently to the north and northwest, and the Tagus River valley becomes visible as the aircraft descends toward Barajas from the northeast. Notable sights include: Guadarrama Mountains (Sierra de Guadarrama), Tagus River valley, Madrid urban sprawl, Barajas airport runways.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Madrid?
The flight from Buttonville Muni (YKZ) to Barajas (MAD) takes Approximately 7.5 to 8 hours.
What does the Toronto to Madrid flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and Iceland (not visible at cruise altitude), then over the Atlantic proper. Over the ocean, passengers may see occasional cloud formations and the curvature of the Atlantic horizon. As the aircraft approaches European airspace, the Irish coast and UK landmass become visible on the left side during descent. The flight then crosses the Bay of Biscay and enters Spanish airspace, where the Pyrenees Mountains may be visible to the north on the left side during final descent, followed by the Castilian plateau and approach to Madrid.