The flight distance from Madrid Barajas International Airport (MAD) in Madrid, Spain to San Diego International Airport (SAN) in San Diego, United States is 9,403 kilometers (5,843 miles / 5,077 nautical miles). The estimated flight time for this route is approximately 12h, flying northwest at a heading of 309°.

This is an ultra-long-haul route, one of the longest in aviation. It requires wide-body aircraft with extended range capability such as the Airbus A350-900ULR or Boeing 777-200LR. Passengers should prepare for an extended flight with multiple meal services.

This is an international route connecting Spain with United States. It is an intercontinental flight between Europe and North America. Travelers should check visa requirements, customs regulations, and any travel advisories before booking.

Time zone information: When it's 12:48 in Madrid, it's 03:48 in San Diego. With a 9-hour time difference, travelers should plan for significant jet lag. It typically takes one day per hour of time difference to fully adjust.

There is a significant elevation difference of 1,984 feet between the two airports. San Diego International Airport sits lower than Madrid Barajas International Airport.

The return flight from San Diego (SAN) to Madrid (MAD) follows a heading of 44° (northeast). Actual flight times may vary depending on wind conditions, air traffic, and the specific aircraft used.

For more information about these airports, visit the Madrid Barajas International Airport (MAD) and San Diego International Airport (SAN) detail pages, or use our flight duration calculator to compare other routes.