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LYS → MAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (Lyon) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Lyon city center upon departure, the volcanic craters of the Massif Central, and a spectacular approach past the Sierra de Guadarrama into Madrid.
Lyon Metropolis
Excellent views of the Presqu'île district and the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers immediately after takeoff.
Massif Central
Fly directly over the Chaîne des Puys, a chain of dormant volcanoes and unique cinder cones in central France.
Central Pyrenees
Breathtaking views of the highest limestone massifs in Europe as you cross the Spanish border.
Sierra de Guadarrama
Rugged granite mountains and pine forests that provide a dramatic backdrop just minutes before landing.
Madrid Skyline
On the standard approach to Runway 32L, you get a clear view of the 'Cuatro Torres' skyscrapers and the city's northern business district.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid direct sun glare. It provides the most consistent views of the volcanic landscapes of France and is significantly better for seeing the Madrid skyline during the final approach phase.
Distant French Alps
On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Alps and Mont Blanc are visible to the east shortly after takeoff.
Rhône Valley
Aerial views of the famous vineyards and the winding Rhône river heading south towards the Mediterranean.
Eastern Pyrenees
A crossing over the high-altitude border between France and Spain, featuring jagged peaks and glacial lakes.
Aragon Steppes
The dramatic transition into the semi-arid, reddish landscapes of the Ebro river basin in northern Spain.
Guadalajara
The urban sprawl of this historic Spanish city marks the final stages of the descent into the Madrid region.
Choose the left side for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise reflecting off the Mediterranean coast in the far distance. It is also the better side for spotting the high peaks of the Pyrenees if the flight path tracks slightly westward.
Distance: 912 km (567 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 31 min
Departure: LYS (45.725556, 5.081111)
Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Route Type: International
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