Global route / Europe
Madrid to Lisbon Flight Path Map
Preview the MAD-LIS route in 3D, then choose the window side with the stronger view.
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Distance
~510 km
great-circle estimate
Flight Time
1h 05m
typical schedule
Direction
West-Southwest (240°)
route bearing
Best View
Final descent
LEFT window
Route Read
Sit on the LEFT side for southern greenland glaciers and icecap.
The transatlantic great circle route arcs dramatically northward from London over the British Isles and Celtic Sea before entering open Atlantic.
Decision
LEFT side
HIGH confidence based on route bearing, terrain position, and likely viewing side.
Why It Works
Left side (south) faces the Tagus (Tejo) valley and the approach to Lisbon from the east
Tagus River and the Vasco da Gama Bridge visible on the left approach to Lisbon
Atlantic Ocean visible on the left as the aircraft crosses the Portuguese border
Route Intelligence
What this flight path is known for
The transatlantic great circle route arcs dramatically northward from London over the British Isles and Celtic Sea before entering open Atlantic.
Side Comparison
LEFT side
Pick this- Cornwall and Southwest England
- Celtic Sea
- North Atlantic ocean
- Newfoundland south coast
RIGHT side
- Wales and Irish Sea
- Ireland south coast
- North Atlantic
- Southern Greenland glaciers
View Timeline
What to watch for
MAD-LIS
Mid-flight
Southern Greenland
RIGHTFjords, glaciers, and the Greenland icecap edge visible — otherworldly
Newfoundland Coast
LEFTCanada's easternmost province with dramatic sea cliffs
Approach to Lisbon
New England Coastline
LEFTMaine, Cape Cod, and the Massachusetts coast
Manhattan Skyline
BothOne of the world's most recognizable skylines visible on approach to JFK
Full route notes
The transatlantic great circle route arcs dramatically northward from London over the British Isles and Celtic Sea before entering open Atlantic. The route passes surprisingly close to Iceland and Greenland — southern Greenland's glaciers and fjords are clearly visible from the right side. Newfoundland marks the North American coast, and the descent through New England's forests and coastline leads to the unmistakable Manhattan skyline.
London-New York is the world's most profitable airline route. The great circle route arcs north over Greenland to save time and fuel.
Actual paths can shift by 10-30 km due to airline routing, wind, weather, or air traffic control.
Timing, weather, and airline variation
Morning
Morning London departures cross the Atlantic in daylight, arriving late afternoon. Greenland views are best in Arctic summer (May-August) — 24-hour daylight makes glaciers clearly visible.
Evening
Evening departures arrive at New York morning. The Atlantic crossing is at night, but Manhattan in morning light on approach is memorable.
Weather
The North Atlantic is frequently overcast. Best views are in the Arctic summer when conditions are clearest over Greenland.
Airline routes
Different carriers may file slightly different paths, especially on long-haul routes, but the left side is the statistically stronger pick for the standard route.
Flight path FAQs
What is the best side for Madrid to Lisbon?
The LEFT side is recommended with high confidence.
What is the flight path?
The MAD-LIS route follows a west-southwest (240°) great-circle path at around 40,000 ft.
What can I see?
Key landmarks include Southern Greenland, Newfoundland Coast, New England Coastline.
Does sunlight matter?
Yes. Sun angle is part of the recommendation, along with the route bearing and scenic features.
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