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ZRH → MAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Zürich Airport (Zurich) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior panorama of the high Alps shortly after takeoff from Zurich, followed by a stunning perspective of the Pyrenees crossing and the rugged landscapes of Eastern Spain.
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Bernese Alps
Breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks visible during the initial climb south.
Mont Blanc Massif
Western Europe's highest peak is often visible on the horizon as the flight traverses towards France.
Rhône Valley
The winding river and famous terraced vineyards of the French wine regions are visible below.
Pyrenees Mountains
A spectacular crossing of the natural border between France and Spain, featuring jagged limestone peaks.
Castilian Plateau
The dramatic, arid landscapes of central Spain and historic towns like Guadalajara appear before landing.
Choose a window seat behind the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Alpine range. For morning flights, the sun is positioned on the left side, which can cause glare, so midday or late afternoon flights provide the best lighting for photography of the mountains.
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Jura Mountains
Distinctive limestone ridges and dense forests marking the border between Switzerland and France.
Lake Geneva
Views of the vast crescent-shaped lake and the city of Geneva's shoreline during the early cruise phase.
Massif Central
The ancient volcanic peaks and rugged highlands of central France are clearly visible in the mid-flight.
Western Pyrenees
Views of the western end of the mountain range as the aircraft enters Spanish airspace.
Sierra de Guadarrama
The mountain range north of Madrid is prominent during the descent, especially beautiful when snow-capped in winter.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Bay of Biscay in the distance. When approaching Madrid from the north, this side often gets a great view of the 'Cuatro Torres' skyscrapers and the city's outskirts during the final turn.
Book Hotels in MadridDistance: 1,240 km (771 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 39 min
Departure: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)
Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Route Type: International
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