Madrid to Paris Flight Time: 1.5-2 Hours


Madrid to Paris Flight Time: 1.5-2 Hours

The time required for an airplane to journey between the Spanish capital and the French capital is a vital issue for vacationers planning their journeys. This timeframe encompasses the precise flight time, in addition to potential delays associated to air site visitors management, climate situations, or different unexpected circumstances. For instance, whereas a typical direct flight would possibly take roughly two hours, factoring in potential delays and airport procedures may prolong the general journey time significantly.

Correct estimations of journey time are important for efficient journey planning, permitting vacationers to create real looking itineraries, e-book connecting transportation, and handle expectations. Traditionally, acquiring this info concerned consulting journey brokers or airline schedules. The arrival of on-line journey platforms and search engines like google and yahoo has considerably streamlined this course of, offering vacationers with near-instant entry to flight schedules and length estimates from varied airways. Understanding typical journey occasions additionally permits vacationers to guage value versus time trade-offs, probably choosing quicker, dearer direct flights over longer, connecting itineraries.

This dialogue will additional discover elements influencing journey occasions between these two European capitals, together with airline decisions, direct versus connecting flights, time of 12 months, and potential delays. It would additionally present useful ideas for vacationers looking for to attenuate journey time and optimize their journey.

1. Direct Flights

Direct flights signify a big issue influencing Madrid to Paris journey time. Choosing a continuous flight eliminates the time spent throughout layovers, together with deplaning, navigating connecting airports, and boarding a second plane. This sometimes interprets to a significantly shorter total journey length, typically ranging between 1 hour 45 minutes and a couple of hours quarter-hour. For time-sensitive vacationers, corresponding to enterprise professionals, the effectivity of direct flights is commonly paramount. For instance, a direct flight departing Madrid at 8:00 am may enable arrival in Paris earlier than 10:00 am native time, enabling a full enterprise day. Conversely, a connecting flight would possibly necessitate a departure the earlier night or lead to a late afternoon arrival, considerably impacting productiveness.

A number of airways supply direct routes between Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Paris Orly Airport (ORY). This aggressive panorama provides vacationers decisions when it comes to schedules and pricing. Whereas the precise flight time for direct routes stays comparatively constant throughout airways, elements corresponding to plane kind and air site visitors management can introduce minor variations. Understanding these nuances permits vacationers to make knowledgeable choices based mostly on their particular person journey priorities. Selecting a direct flight strategically minimizes journey time and maximizes time spent on the vacation spot.

In abstract, prioritizing direct flights provides a streamlined strategy to journey between Madrid and Paris. Eliminating connecting flights reduces total journey time, providing worthwhile time financial savings for vacationers. This effectivity is particularly crucial for enterprise journeys or conditions with tight schedules. Whereas value issues typically favor connecting flights, the time saved by direct journey typically outweighs the potential worth distinction, notably when time is a premium.

2. Connecting Flights

Connecting flights signify a big issue influencing total journey time between Madrid and Paris. Whereas typically a extra economical possibility, connecting itineraries introduce extra complexities and issues relating to length. Understanding these nuances is essential for vacationers evaluating value versus time trade-offs.

  • Layover Period and Location

    Layover length, starting from a short connection to an prolonged in a single day keep, instantly impacts whole journey time. A brief layover in a smaller airport would possibly contain a fast transition between gates, whereas an extended layover in a bigger hub may necessitate navigating a number of terminals. The airport’s effectivity and format additional affect the connection course of. For example, a two-hour layover in Amsterdam Schiphol Airport would possibly present ample time for a cushty connection, whereas the identical length in a bigger, extra complicated airport like Frankfurt Airport would possibly really feel rushed. Moreover, the geographical location of the layover airport provides to the general flight path and subsequently will increase journey time.

  • Airline Partnerships and Interline Agreements

    Connecting flights typically contain a number of airways, notably when leveraging alliances or partnerships. Clean transitions between airways depend on interline agreements, which facilitate baggage switch and coordinated scheduling. Absence of such agreements can result in separate check-in processes, baggage retrieval, and re-checking at every layover, including vital time to the journey. Moreover, potential delays with one airline can disrupt connections with associate airways, creating cascading delays and lengthening the general journey time considerably.

  • Potential for Delays and Missed Connections

    Connecting itineraries introduce greater dangers of delays impacting subsequent flights. A minor delay within the preliminary flight from Madrid may end up in a missed connection, requiring rebooking and probably extending the journey by a number of hours and even in a single day. For instance, a delayed departure from Madrid on account of climate may trigger a passenger to overlook their connecting flight in Lisbon, necessitating an in a single day keep and a rescheduled flight to Paris the next day, considerably impacting their journey plans and including a considerable delay to their total journey.

  • Baggage Dealing with and Switch Occasions

    Connecting flights introduce complexities in baggage dealing with. Whereas airways sometimes intention for seamless baggage switch, elements like airport infrastructure and interline agreements affect effectivity. Longer layovers enhance the probability of luggage arriving on time on the closing vacation spot, whereas shorter layovers current the next threat of delayed baggage. For instance, a brief layover in Brussels would possibly imply baggage doesn’t arrive in Paris till the next day, inflicting inconvenience and delays in accessing belongings.

In conclusion, whereas connecting flights between Madrid and Paris would possibly supply value benefits, the prolonged journey time, potential for delays, and added complexities related to layovers require cautious consideration. Evaluating these elements alongside the potential value financial savings permits vacationers to make knowledgeable choices aligned with their particular person journey priorities and threat tolerance. A complete evaluation of connecting flight choices ensures a sensible understanding of the general journey expertise and minimizes potential disruptions.

3. Airline Variations

Totally different airways working between Madrid and Paris contribute to variations in flight length. Understanding these nuances permits vacationers to make knowledgeable decisions based mostly on schedule, value, and total journey time. Components corresponding to plane kind, route choice, and operational procedures affect the entire length of the journey.

  • Plane Sort and Pace

    The kind of plane deployed on a particular route instantly impacts flight length. Fashionable, fuel-efficient plane, such because the Airbus A320neo or Boeing 737 MAX, typically cruise at greater speeds in comparison with older fashions, probably lowering journey time. For instance, an airline using a more recent plane would possibly full the Madrid-Paris route in 1 hour and 50 minutes, whereas one other airline utilizing an older plane would possibly take 2 hours and 10 minutes for a similar journey. This distinction, whereas seemingly minor, can change into vital when connecting flights or tight schedules are concerned.

  • Route Effectivity and Air Visitors Management

    Airways make use of various flight paths between Madrid and Paris, influenced by air site visitors management, climate patterns, and operational effectivity. A extra direct route typically interprets to a shorter flight length, whereas deviations on account of congestion or climate can add to the general journey time. For example, an airline using a direct route over the Pyrenees Mountains would possibly expertise a shorter flight time in comparison with an airline taking an extended path to keep away from congested airspace. These variations, whereas typically unavoidable, are factored into scheduled flight occasions.

  • Operational Procedures and Floor Dealing with

    Airline-specific procedures, corresponding to boarding effectivity, baggage dealing with, and turnaround occasions, contribute to total journey length. Airways prioritizing environment friendly floor operations can reduce delays and guarantee on-time departures and arrivals. For instance, an airline with streamlined boarding procedures would possibly obtain a quicker turnaround time in comparison with an airline with much less environment friendly processes, impacting the general journey time for passengers.

  • Scheduled vs. Precise Flight Time

    Whereas airways publish scheduled flight durations, precise flight occasions can differ on account of unexpected circumstances like climate or air site visitors congestion. Understanding that scheduled occasions are estimates and factoring in potential delays permits for real looking journey planning. Monitoring real-time flight monitoring info gives a extra correct evaluation of potential variations and helps vacationers anticipate any deviations from the revealed schedule.

Contemplating these airline-specific variations gives vacationers with a extra complete understanding of potential journey occasions between Madrid and Paris. Evaluating these elements alongside value and schedule preferences permits for knowledgeable decision-making and extra correct journey planning. Finally, recognizing the influence of plane kind, route effectivity, and operational procedures on flight length empowers vacationers to optimize their journeys.

4. Time of Yr

Seasonal differences considerably affect journey situations and, consequently, flight durations between Madrid and Paris. Understanding these fluctuations permits vacationers to anticipate potential impacts on their itineraries and make knowledgeable choices relating to journey dates and airline decisions. Peak journey seasons, climate patterns, and associated air site visitors congestion contribute to those variations.

  • Peak Journey Season

    Summer season months, notably July and August, represent peak journey season for each Madrid and Paris. Elevated vacationer site visitors throughout this era results in greater flight demand and potential air site visitors congestion. This congestion can manifest as prolonged taxiing occasions, holding patterns earlier than touchdown, and potential delays in departure. For example, a flight scheduled for a two-hour length would possibly expertise a further 30-minute delay on account of elevated air site visitors quantity throughout peak season, impacting connecting flights and total journey plans.

  • Climate Situations

    Climate patterns all year long contribute to variations in flight durations. Winter climate, together with snow and ice, could cause delays on account of de-icing procedures and runway closures. Summer season thunderstorms may disrupt flight schedules, resulting in delays and diversions. For instance, a flight departing Madrid throughout a winter storm would possibly expertise a delayed departure on account of de-icing procedures, including to the general journey time. Equally, summer season thunderstorms in Paris would possibly result in flight diversions or holding patterns, rising the entire length of the journey.

  • Air Visitors Management and Route Changes

    Air site visitors management measures reply to differences due to the season in site visitors quantity and climate situations. Throughout peak seasons or hostile climate, air site visitors controllers would possibly implement circulation management measures, which regulate the speed of plane arrivals and departures. This may end up in prolonged holding patterns for inbound flights or delayed departures from Madrid, impacting total journey time. For instance, an plane approaching Paris throughout peak season is perhaps positioned in a holding sample on account of air site visitors congestion, including 20-Half-hour to the flight’s length.

  • Airline Scheduling and Capability

    Airways alter their flight schedules and capability based mostly on seasonal demand. Throughout peak seasons, airways sometimes enhance flight frequency to accommodate greater passenger volumes. This will result in elevated air site visitors congestion and potential delays. Conversely, throughout off-peak seasons, airways would possibly scale back flight frequency, probably limiting journey choices and requiring passengers to think about different journey dates or connecting flights, impacting total journey time.

Contemplating these seasonal influences gives vacationers with a extra real looking understanding of potential variations in flight length between Madrid and Paris. Factoring in peak journey intervals, typical climate patterns, and potential air site visitors management measures permits for knowledgeable decision-making and extra correct journey planning. Finally, recognizing the influence of time of 12 months on flight length empowers vacationers to optimize their journeys and reduce potential disruptions.

5. Air Visitors Management

Air site visitors management (ATC) performs a crucial function in figuring out flight durations between Madrid and Paris. ATC manages the circulation of plane inside managed airspace, guaranteeing protected separation and environment friendly routing. Its affect on flight length manifests by a number of key facets. Routing choices made by ATC instantly influence the gap an plane travels. To keep away from congested areas or hostile climate situations, ATC might direct flights alongside much less direct routes, rising flight time. For instance, a flight encountering a storm system over the Bay of Biscay is perhaps rerouted additional inland, including to the general length of the journey. Equally, heavy air site visitors round Paris might necessitate holding patterns, rising gas consumption and lengthening the flight.

The administration of plane sequencing throughout departure and arrival considerably impacts flight occasions. Throughout peak hours at main airports like Madrid Barajas or Paris Charles de Gaulle, plane might expertise delays on account of queuing for takeoff or touchdown slots. ATC strives to optimize site visitors circulation, however congestion inevitably results in prolonged ready occasions, instantly affecting total flight length. For example, a flight departing Madrid throughout a busy interval could also be held on the bottom for an prolonged interval earlier than receiving clearance for takeoff, including to the entire journey time. Equally, arrival delays into Paris can happen on account of air site visitors congestion, requiring plane to circle till a touchdown slot turns into obtainable.

In abstract, ATC’s affect on Madrid-Paris flight durations is substantial. Whereas guaranteeing security stays paramount, ATC’s routing choices, site visitors circulation administration, and responses to unexpected circumstances like climate instantly have an effect on flight occasions. Vacationers ought to contemplate these elements, understanding that revealed flight schedules signify estimates topic to variations imposed by ATC for security and effectivity. Recognizing the dynamic nature of air site visitors administration contributes to real looking expectations and knowledgeable journey planning.

6. Climate Situations

Climate situations signify a big issue influencing flight durations between Madrid and Paris. Atmospheric variations alongside the flight path and at each departure and arrival airports can introduce delays, necessitate route changes, and influence total journey time. Understanding these potential influences permits vacationers to anticipate attainable disruptions and handle expectations relating to scheduled flight occasions.

  • Visibility

    Low visibility on account of fog, mist, or heavy precipitation can considerably influence airport operations. Lowered visibility necessitates stricter separation between plane, impacting arrival and departure charges. For instance, dense fog at Charles de Gaulle Airport would possibly result in arrival delays as plane are positioned in holding patterns awaiting improved situations. Equally, low visibility at Madrid Barajas Airport may delay departures, extending total journey time.

  • Wind Situations

    Sturdy winds, notably crosswinds at both airport, can pose challenges for plane throughout takeoff and touchdown. Airways adhere to strict security laws relating to wind limits, and exceeding these thresholds may end up in flight cancellations or diversions to alternate airports. For example, sturdy crosswinds at Orly Airport would possibly necessitate diverting a flight to Charles de Gaulle, including floor transportation time and considerably extending the general journey. Headwinds and tailwinds alongside the flight path additionally affect airspeed and, consequently, flight length, although these impacts are typically much less pronounced than these associated to airport wind situations.

  • Precipitation

    Heavy rain, snow, or hail can influence flight operations. Runway closures on account of snow accumulation necessitate clearing operations, resulting in departure and arrival delays. Heavy rain can scale back visibility and enhance the chance of hydroplaning, probably impacting touchdown procedures and turnaround occasions. For instance, heavy snowfall in Madrid may delay a flight’s departure whereas awaiting runway clearance, including to the general journey time. Equally, heavy rainfall in Paris would possibly necessitate slower touchdown approaches and elevated taxiing occasions, impacting connections and schedules.

  • Thunderstorms

    Thunderstorm exercise, notably in the course of the summer season months, poses vital challenges to aviation. Plane are prohibited from flying by thunderstorms because of the threat of turbulence, lightning strikes, and hail. ATC directs plane round these storm cells, resulting in longer flight routes and elevated journey time. Moreover, thunderstorms close to airports could cause floor stops, halting departures and arrivals till the storm passes, probably inflicting vital delays to flights between Madrid and Paris.

In abstract, numerous climate situations affect Madrid to Paris flight durations. Vacationers ought to anticipate potential impacts on their itineraries, understanding that weather-related delays are sometimes unavoidable. Checking climate forecasts for each departure and arrival places and monitoring flight standing updates gives worthwhile insights and facilitates proactive changes to journey plans. Recognizing the dynamic interaction between climate and aviation enhances preparedness and permits for extra real looking expectations relating to journey time.

7. Airport Procedures

Airport procedures signify a vital part of total journey time between Madrid and Paris, impacting each departure and arrival experiences. These procedures, whereas important for security and environment friendly operations, contribute to the entire length of a journey and affect connections. Understanding their influence permits vacationers to handle expectations and plan accordingly.

Departure Procedures: Test-in procedures, safety checkpoints, and boarding processes contribute to pre-flight time. Throughout peak journey seasons or at notably busy airports like Madrid Barajas, these processes can expertise prolonged wait occasions. For instance, prolonged queues at safety checkpoints can add a big period of time to the general journey, particularly if arriving on the airport with minimal buffer time. Equally, boarding procedures, particularly for full flights, can eat a considerable period of time, probably resulting in delays in departure. Gate modifications, whereas typically unavoidable, additional contribute to pre-flight delays and might influence connection occasions. Environment friendly navigation of those procedures, together with on-line check-in and using precedence safety lanes the place relevant, can mitigate a few of these potential delays.

Arrival Procedures: Upon arrival at both Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport in Paris, procedures corresponding to disembarking, passport management (for worldwide flights), baggage retrieval, and customs clearance add to the general journey time. Flights arriving throughout peak hours would possibly expertise delays throughout these processes on account of greater passenger volumes. For example, ready for checked baggage can add a big period of time, particularly if baggage dealing with experiences delays. Navigating passport management, notably for non-EU residents, may add to the general time spent throughout the airport. Moreover, connecting to onward transportation, whether or not taxis, trains, or airport shuttles, necessitates extra time and planning. Understanding these arrival procedures permits vacationers to consider real looking timeframes for reaching their closing vacation spot in Paris.

In abstract, airport procedures contribute considerably to the entire time spent touring between Madrid and Paris. Whereas typically perceived as ancillary to the flight itself, these processes signify an integral a part of the general journey. Environment friendly navigation of those procedures by pre-planning and using obtainable sources, corresponding to airport info desks and on-line instruments, may also help reduce potential delays. Lifelike estimations of time required for airport procedures contribute to correct journey planning, guaranteeing smoother connections and a much less worrying journey expertise.

8. Scheduled vs. Precise Time

The discrepancy between scheduled and precise flight occasions represents a vital side of understanding journey length between Madrid and Paris. Whereas scheduled occasions present a baseline for planning, varied elements can affect the precise length of a flight, impacting connections, subsequent journey preparations, and total journey expertise. Analyzing this distinction permits for extra real looking expectations and proactive mitigation of potential disruptions.

  • Air Visitors Management

    Air site visitors management choices, typically necessitated by congestion, climate patterns, or different unexpected occasions, steadily influence precise flight occasions. Holding patterns, rerouting, or delays in receiving takeoff or touchdown clearance can prolong a flight’s length past its scheduled time. For instance, a flight scheduled to reach in Paris at 10:00 am would possibly expertise a 30-minute delay on account of air site visitors congestion, impacting connecting flights or scheduled floor transportation.

  • Climate Situations

    Adversarial climate situations, corresponding to storms, fog, or sturdy winds, can considerably alter flight paths and introduce delays. De-icing procedures throughout winter, navigating round thunderstorms, or adjusting to crosswinds can prolong a flight’s length past its scheduled estimate. A flight scheduled to depart Madrid at 8:00 am is perhaps delayed by an hour on account of heavy fog, impacting connections and subsequent journey preparations in Paris.

  • Mechanical Points

    Surprising mechanical points, whereas comparatively rare, can result in vital deviations from scheduled flight occasions. These points would possibly necessitate repairs earlier than departure, leading to delayed takeoffs, and even require returning to the gate after pushback. A flight scheduled for a two-hour length would possibly expertise a two-hour delay on account of a mechanical subject requiring consideration earlier than departure, impacting connecting flights and total journey plans.

  • Airport Operations

    Airport operational effectivity, encompassing baggage dealing with, gate availability, and floor crew efficiency, performs a job in precise flight occasions. Delays in baggage loading, late arrival of the plane on the gate, or prolonged taxiing occasions can contribute to deviations from the scheduled departure and arrival occasions. A flight scheduled to depart at 9:00 am would possibly expertise a 15-minute delay on account of late arrival of the plane on the gate, impacting connections and probably making a domino impact of delays.

Recognizing the potential discrepancies between scheduled and precise flight occasions emphasizes the significance of incorporating buffer time into journey plans. Monitoring real-time flight standing updates, anticipating potential delays, and understanding the contributing elements outlined above permits vacationers to mitigate potential disruptions and handle expectations successfully. This proactive strategy enhances preparedness and permits for extra adaptable and fewer worrying journey experiences between Madrid and Paris.

Continuously Requested Questions

This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to flight durations between Madrid and Paris, offering concise and informative responses to facilitate knowledgeable journey planning.

Query 1: What’s the typical flight length for a direct flight from Madrid to Paris?

Direct flights between Madrid and Paris sometimes vary from 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours quarter-hour.

Query 2: How do connecting flights influence total journey time?

Connecting flights introduce layover durations, which may considerably prolong total journey time, typically exceeding 5 hours relying on the connection and layover length.

Query 3: Do completely different airways affect flight length?

Airways make the most of various plane sorts, routes, and operational procedures, which may affect flight length. Whereas variations would possibly seem minor, they will influence connections and total journey time.

Query 4: How does the time of 12 months have an effect on flight length?

Peak journey seasons, corresponding to summer season and vacation intervals, can expertise elevated air site visitors congestion, resulting in potential delays and elevated flight occasions. Climate situations additionally differ all year long, probably impacting flight schedules.

Query 5: What function does air site visitors management play in figuring out flight length?

Air site visitors management manages plane circulation and routing, impacting flight durations. Choices relating to holding patterns, rerouting on account of climate, or sequencing for takeoff and touchdown can affect precise flight occasions.

Query 6: What’s the distinction between scheduled and precise flight occasions?

Scheduled occasions signify estimated durations, whereas precise flight occasions can differ on account of elements corresponding to air site visitors management, climate situations, mechanical points, and airport operational effectivity. Precise occasions might deviate from scheduled occasions, notably throughout peak journey intervals or inclement climate.

Understanding these steadily requested questions equips vacationers with the data to plan successfully, handle expectations, and navigate potential variations in flight durations between Madrid and Paris.

For additional info and particular flight particulars, consulting particular person airline schedules and real-time flight monitoring sources is really helpful.

Suggestions for Managing Madrid to Paris Flight Period

Optimizing journey time between Madrid and Paris requires cautious consideration of a number of elements. The next ideas present steerage for minimizing journey length and guaranteeing a smoother journey.

Tip 1: Prioritize Direct Flights: Choosing direct flights eliminates layover occasions, considerably lowering total journey length. Whereas probably dearer, the time saved typically outweighs the price distinction, notably for time-sensitive vacationers.

Tip 2: Strategically Select Airways: Analysis airways providing direct routes and evaluate their scheduled flight occasions. Minor variations can exist on account of plane kind and route effectivity. Choosing airways recognized for on-time efficiency enhances predictability.

Tip 3: Think about Time of Yr: Peak journey seasons expertise elevated air site visitors, probably resulting in delays. Touring throughout off-peak intervals, if possible, typically ends in shorter, extra predictable flight durations.

Tip 4: Monitor Climate Forecasts: Climate situations considerably influence flight schedules. Checking forecasts for each Madrid and Paris earlier than departure permits for anticipation of potential delays or disruptions.

Tip 5: Make the most of Actual-Time Flight Monitoring: Monitoring real-time flight monitoring info gives up-to-date standing updates, together with potential delays or gate modifications. This enables for proactive changes to connecting journey preparations or airport navigation.

Tip 6: Think about Airport Procedures: Allocate enough time for airport procedures corresponding to check-in, safety clearance, and baggage retrieval. These procedures can add considerably to total journey time, particularly throughout peak hours.

Tip 7: Discover Airport Layouts: For connecting flights, familiarize oneself with the format of the connecting airport. Understanding terminal places and switch procedures minimizes transit time and reduces the chance of missed connections.

Tip 8: Construct Buffer Time: Incorporating buffer time into journey plans accounts for unexpected delays. A buffer of 1 to 2 hours for connecting flights and a minimal of two hours for direct flights accommodates potential disruptions and reduces journey stress.

Implementing these methods promotes environment friendly time administration and minimizes potential journey disruptions. Proactive planning and knowledgeable decision-making contribute to a smoother, extra predictable journey expertise between Madrid and Paris.

By way of cautious planning and consideration of the elements influencing journey time, journeys between Madrid and Paris will be optimized for effectivity and comfort. The following part concludes this exploration by summarizing key takeaways and highlighting the advantages of strategic journey planning.

Conclusion

Understanding the elements influencing journey time between Madrid and Paris is essential for environment friendly journey planning. This exploration has examined key parts impacting length, together with direct versus connecting flights, airline variations, seasonal influences, air site visitors management, climate situations, and airport procedures. Evaluation of those elements reveals the dynamic nature of flight durations and the significance of anticipating potential variations. Direct flights supply essentially the most time-efficient possibility, whereas connecting itineraries introduce complexities and potential delays. Airline decisions, influenced by plane kind and route effectivity, contribute additional variability. Peak journey seasons and hostile climate situations signify vital sources of potential disruption, impacting each scheduled and precise flight occasions. Airport procedures, typically missed, signify a considerable part of total journey time, notably throughout peak hours or at busy airports.

Efficient administration of journey time between these two European capitals necessitates knowledgeable decision-making and proactive planning. Prioritizing direct flights, strategically selecting airways, contemplating seasonal influences, monitoring climate forecasts, and factoring in airport procedures contribute to optimized itineraries and decreased journey stress. Finally, a complete understanding of the elements impacting Madrid to Paris flight length empowers vacationers to navigate potential complexities and ensures a smoother, extra predictable journey expertise. This data facilitates environment friendly time administration and permits vacationers to maximise their time spent exploring the colourful cultures and experiences supplied by these two iconic cities.