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BUD → MAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Budapest) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers an unparalleled panorama of Europe's most dramatic mountain ranges, including a long stretch of the Alps and a direct crossing of the Pyrenees.
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The Alps
A magnificent sequence of snow-capped peaks spanning Slovenia, the Italian Dolomites, and the Swiss-French Alps.
Northern Italian Lakes
Clear views of Lake Garda or Lake Como tucked into the foothills of the Alps.
Massif Central
The unique volcanic topography and ancient craters of central France's rugged interior.
The Pyrenees
A dramatic crossing of the natural border between France and Spain, featuring jagged granite peaks.
Sierra de Guadarrama
The pine-covered mountains north of Madrid visible during the final approach into Barajas Airport.
This side is a must for geography lovers. For the best experience, choose a seat forward of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Alpine peaks which appear roughly 40-60 minutes into the flight. Morning flights offer the crispest air and best lighting for photography of the mountain ranges. Keep an eye out for Mont Blanc in the distance if the flight path is northerly.
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Lake Balaton
Shortly after takeoff from Budapest, see the turquoise waters of Central Europe's largest lake.
Venetian Coastline
Distant views of the Adriatic Sea and the lagoons surrounding Venice as the flight crosses Northern Italy.
Côte d'Azur
The shimmering Mediterranean coastline and the Gulf of Lion are visible as you pass Southern France.
Barcelona & Port
Depending on the specific airway, the sprawling Catalan capital and its busy harbor may appear on the horizon.
Spanish Meseta
The vast, rust-colored plains of central Spain provide a stark, beautiful contrast during the descent into Madrid.
The left side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the direct southern sun glare. It provides excellent views of the Mediterranean coast. Look for the Danube River snaking through the Hungarian landscape immediately after takeoff from BUD. During winter, the low sun angle can create beautiful long shadows over the Spanish plateau.
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Get eSIMs for SpainDistance: 1,975 km (1,227 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 38 min
Departure: BUD (47.429759999999995, 19.261093)
Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Route Type: International
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