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MAD → CLJ
Which side of the plane to sit from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid) to Cluj-Napoca International Airport (Cluj-napoca)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a front-row seat to the highest peaks of the Alps and the Pyrenees, offering dramatic vertical relief and snow-capped vistas for the majority of the flight.
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The Pyrenees
Early in the flight, view the rugged natural border between Spain and France with its high jagged peaks.
The High Alps
Spectacular views of the Swiss and French Alps, often including glimpses of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn depending on the corridor.
Zürich and Lake Constance
Clear views of the Swiss financial hub and the massive lake bordering Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.
Danube River
Multiple crossings of Europe's second-longest river as it snakes through the Hungarian and Serbian plains.
Transylvanian Highlands
As you enter Romanian airspace, the landscape transitions into the mystical, rolling hills of the Transylvania region.
Sit on the left to avoid direct sunlight when flying eastward during the morning or midday. The lighting is perfect for photographing the Alps without glare. Ensure you look out approximately 60-90 minutes after takeoff for the best mountain scenery. If flying in winter, the snow cover on the Alps is particularly striking from this side.
Get eSIMs for Spain
Get eSIMs for Romania
Costa Brava
Glimpses of the rugged Spanish coastline as the aircraft turns northeast after departure from Madrid.
French Riviera
Distant views of the turquoise Mediterranean waters and the coastal cities of Southern France.
Po Valley and Milan
The industrial heart of Northern Italy and the sprawling urban landscape of Milan.
Dolomites
The unique, jagged limestone formations of the Italian Dolomites visible in the distance to the north.
Apuseni Mountains
On final approach to Cluj, these mountains provide a beautiful green backdrop to the landing sequence.
The right side is excellent for catching the sunset if flying in the late afternoon. However, be aware that the sun will be on this side for most of the flight, which can make the cabin warm and photography difficult due to glare. During the descent into CLJ, the right side often gets a better view of the city center if the wind dictates a landing from the west.
Book Hotels in Cluj-napocaDistance: 2,289 km (1,422 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 3 min
Departure: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Arrival: CLJ (46.78519821166992, 23.686199188232425)
Route Type: International
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