The takeoff from Montreal offers more dramatic and varied scenery with the St. Lawrence River and Laurentian Mountains. While the landing approach into Madrid provides some interest with the Tagus River and city views, the transatlantic crossing itself offers limited window views—mostly open ocean, cloud cover, and occasional Greenland or Iceland depending on routing. Left side at departure captures the most visually distinctive segment of the entire journey.
Flown YUL to MAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to Madrid is 3,449 miles (5,551 km), a flight of about 7 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, typically passing south of Greenland and north of Iceland. Depending on routing and weather, passengers may glimpse the southern coast of Greenland (ice sheets and fjords) or Iceland's volcanic terrain and glaciers around the 3-4 hour mark. The majority of the mid-flight window view consists of open ocean and cloud cover. As the aircraft approaches European airspace (5-6 hours into flight), the coast of Ireland or southwestern England may become visible, followed by the English Channel, France, and eventually the approach to the Iberian Peninsula.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YUL
LEFTLeft side offers views of the St. Lawrence River valley and the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs northeastward out of Montreal. Right side faces inland toward less distinctive terrain.
Landing at MAD
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Tagus River valley and the approach to Madrid from the west. The aircraft descends over the Spanish meseta with views of the city's sprawl and surrounding terrain. Left side faces toward less distinctive central Spanish plateau.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Barajas (MAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Madrid. The takeoff from Montreal offers more dramatic and varied scenery with the St. Lawrence River and Laurentian Mountains. While the landing approach into Madrid provides some interest with the Tagus River and city views, the transatlantic crossing itself offers limited window views—mostly open ocean, cloud cover, and occasional Greenland or Iceland depending on routing. Left side at departure captures the most visually distinctive segment of the entire journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the St. Lawrence River valley and the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs northeastward out of Montreal. Right side faces inland toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River (flowing southeast below), Laurentian Mountains (northern horizon), Montreal urban sprawl (receding southward), Île Perrot (visible in river to the west).
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 views of the Tagus River valley and the approach to Madrid from the west. The aircraft descends over the Spanish meseta with views of the city's sprawl and surrounding terrain. Left side faces toward less distinctive central Spanish plateau. Notable sights include: Tagus River (Tajo) valley and meanders, Madrid city center and urban expansion, Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains (distant northern horizon), Barajas Airport runways and surrounding flat terrain.
How long is the flight from Montreal to Madrid?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Barajas (MAD) takes about 7 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,449 miles (5,551 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to Madrid flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, typically passing south of Greenland and north of Iceland. Depending on routing and weather, passengers may glimpse the southern coast of Greenland (ice sheets and fjords) or Iceland's volcanic terrain and glaciers around the 3-4 hour mark. The majority of the mid-flight window view consists of open ocean and cloud cover. As the aircraft approaches European airspace (5-6 hours into flight), the coast of Ireland or southwestern England may become visible, followed by the English Channel, France, and eventually the approach to the Iberian Peninsula.