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MAD → EDI
Which side of the plane to sit from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid) to Edinburgh Airport (Edinburgh)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the Spanish capital upon departure, a closer look at the French Atlantic coastline, and most importantly, the iconic approach into Edinburgh over the Firth of Forth and its famous bridges.
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Madrid Skyline
Exceptional views of the Cuatro Torres and the sprawling urban layout of Madrid during the initial climb.
Gironde Estuary
Look for the massive funnel-shaped estuary and the vineyards of the Bordeaux region.
English Midlands
A patchwork of green fields and historic towns like Oxford or Stratford-upon-Avon depending on the airway.
Forth Bridges
The highlight of the trip: the UNESCO World Heritage Forth Bridge and its modern neighbors.
Edinburgh Castle
During the final descent into EDI, the castle and the historic Old Town are frequently visible.
Sit on the right for the best chance to see the iconic Forth Bridges on arrival; even if the plane lands from the west, the loop usually favors this side for city views. In the morning, the light will be behind you, providing excellent conditions for photography of the French and English landscapes.
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Sierra de Guadarrama
Dramatic views of the rugged mountain range north of Madrid shortly after takeoff.
Bay of Biscay
Expansive views of the deep blue Atlantic as the flight crosses from Spain to France.
Brittany Peninsula
The jagged, rocky coastline of western France is often visible during the transit towards the UK.
Lake District
If the flight path takes a western corridor, you can spot the fells and lakes of Northwest England.
The left side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Atlantic. During the initial climb, look out for the reservoirs and granite peaks of central Spain. In the final phase, if the wind is from the west, you may see the Scottish Borders and the Pentland Hills.
Get eSIMs for Spain
Get eSIMs for United KingdomDistance: 1,721 km (1,069 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 18 min
Departure: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Arrival: EDI (55.95000076293945, -3.372499942779541)
Route Type: International
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