Loading map...
SJO → MAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is generally superior as it offers better perspectives of the Caribbean islands during the first leg and a magnificent sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean before reaching the Iberian Peninsula.
Search flights from SJO to MAD
Greater Antilles
Strategic views of the coastlines of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic/Haiti) and Puerto Rico.
Mid-Atlantic Sunrise
An unobstructed view of the sun rising over the horizon as the aircraft approaches Europe.
Alentejo Plains
The rolling hills and cork oak forests of southern Portugal as the flight enters European airspace.
Tagus River
The long, winding Tajo river cutting through the arid landscapes of central Spain.
Madrid Skyline
A view of the city's financial district and the Cuatro Torres Business Area on many arrival patterns.
The right side is the 'sunrise side'—essential for those who enjoy the transition from night to day over the ocean. Keep your window shade down during the middle of the flight to avoid waking other passengers when the sun comes up, usually about 2 hours before landing.
Book Hotels in Madrid
Central Volcanic Range
Aerial views of Poás and Irazú volcanoes shortly after departure from San Jose.
Tortuguero Canals
The intricate network of freshwater lagoons and dense rainforest along the northern Caribbean coast.
Bahamian Cays
On more northerly tracks, glimpse the vibrant turquoise waters surrounding the southern Bahamas.
Sierra de Guadarrama
The rugged mountain range north of Madrid visible during the final descent into Barajas.
Sit on the left if you want to see Costa Rica's famous volcanoes during the initial climb. Because this is an eastbound overnight flight, the left side will face North, minimizing direct glare if you plan to sleep or work on a laptop during the dawn hours.
Get eSIMs for Costa Rica
Get eSIMs for SpainDistance: 8,500 km (5,282 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs
Departure: SJO (9.993860244750977, -84.20880126953125)
Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.