The left side wins overall because the Zurich departure over Lake Zurich and the Alps is one of the most dramatic climb-out views in Europe, and during the cruise the left side also tracks closer to the Pyrenees as the route crosses from France into Spain. The right side has a strong landing view over Madrid but the left side delivers more sustained scenery across the full flight.
Flown ZRH to MAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zurich to Madrid is 770 miles (1,239 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
The route crosses the Swiss Plateau, then the Jura mountains near Geneva, enters France over the Rhône valley, tracks southwest across the Massif Central plateau, crosses the Pyrenees mountain range near the western passes, and descends over the dry Castilian meseta toward Madrid. The Pyrenees crossing at cruise altitude offers a clear view of the snow-capped ridge running east to west below.
Great circle distance and headings ›
_Panoramica_del_centro_della_citt%C3%A0_dal_lago.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
LEFTZurich typically departs southwest on runway 16 or 28, and a left-side seat gives you views over Lake Zurich stretching southeast and the Glarus Alps rising beyond. The city center and the Limmat river valley are also visible on the left during the initial climb.
Landing at MAD
RIGHTMadrid Barajas typically lands from the east on runways 32L/32R heading northwest, so a right-side seat looks southwest toward the city center of Madrid, the Casa de Campo park, and the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains rising clearly to the northwest. The urban grid of Madrid is well laid out on the right during final approach.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Barajas (MAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Madrid. The left side wins overall because the Zurich departure over Lake Zurich and the Alps is one of the most dramatic climb-out views in Europe, and during the cruise the left side also tracks closer to the Pyrenees as the route crosses from France into Spain. The right side has a strong landing view over Madrid but the left side delivers more sustained scenery across the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?
During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Zurich typically departs southwest on runway 16 or 28, and a left-side seat gives you views over Lake Zurich stretching southeast and the Glarus Alps rising beyond. The city center and the Limmat river valley are also visible on the left during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Glarus Alps, Zurich city center, Limmat river valley.
What can I see when landing at Barajas in Madrid?
When landing at Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Madrid Barajas typically lands from the east on runways 32L/32R heading northwest, so a right-side seat looks southwest toward the city center of Madrid, the Casa de Campo park, and the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains rising clearly to the northwest. The urban grid of Madrid is well laid out on the right during final approach. Notable sights include: Madrid city center, Sierra de Guadarrama, Casa de Campo park, Manzanares river.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Madrid?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Barajas (MAD) takes about 2 hours 20 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 Zurich to Madrid flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Swiss Plateau, then the Jura mountains near Geneva, enters France over the Rhône valley, tracks southwest across the Massif Central plateau, crosses the Pyrenees mountain range near the western passes, and descends over the dry Castilian meseta toward Madrid. The Pyrenees crossing at cruise altitude offers a clear view of the snow-capped ridge running east to west below.