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HEL → MAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side offers superior views of the Scandinavian coastline, major European hubs like Hamburg and potentially Paris, and the most dramatic approach over the Guadarrama mountains into Madrid.
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Helsinki Archipelago
Spectacular view of the thousands of small islands scattered across the Gulf of Finland during climb out.
Gotland & Öland
Clear views of Sweden's largest islands and the dramatic Baltic Sea shipping lanes.
Hamburg & The Elbe
The massive port infrastructure and the winding Elbe river are often visible over Northern Germany.
Greater Paris
On many routes, the plane passes west of Paris, offering a distant view of the city's iconic circular layout.
Sierra de Guadarrama
A stunning close-up of the snow-capped (seasonal) peaks north of Madrid during the final descent.
For the most scenic experience, book a window seat on the right. During the descent into Madrid (usually landing south), the Right Side provides an incredible view of the Guadarrama mountain range and the Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Evening flights offer spectacular sunsets over the Bay of Biscay as you cross into Spain.
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Baltic Coastline
Bird's eye view of the Estonian and Latvian coastlines shortly after departure from Helsinki.
Berlin & Potsdam
On more easterly flight paths, the German capital's sprawling layout and surrounding lakes are visible.
Central Pyrenees
High-altitude views of the jagged peaks and glacial valleys separating France and Spain.
Castilian Plateau
The 'Meseta Central' offers a patchwork of ochre and gold agricultural fields as you enter central Spain.
Sit on the left for softer morning light during southward travel to avoid the harsh direct glare of the afternoon sun. This side is better for spotting the dense urban centers of Eastern Germany and the higher, more rugged sections of the central Pyrenees chain.
Get eSIMs for Finland
Get eSIMs for SpainDistance: 2,947 km (1,831 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 56 min
Departure: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)
Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Route Type: International
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