The Athens departure delivers the most dramatic and identifiable scenery of the entire flight, with the Acropolis, Saronic Gulf islands, and Attica coastline unfolding during the initial turn. The right side offers a distant glimpse of the Alps over Europe and a modest Atlanta skyline view on arrival, but neither matches the impact of the Athens send-off, and the many hours of open Atlantic crossing dilute scenery equally on both sides.
Flown ATH to ATL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Athens to Atlanta is 5,688 miles (9,154 km), a flight of about 11 hours 25 minutes.
Open North Atlantic Ocean, roughly south of Iceland and east of Newfoundland, with no land visible for several hours before the descent toward eastern Canada and the northeastern United States
Great circle distance and headings ›
_Panoramica_del_centro_della_citt%C3%A0_dal_lago.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATH
LEFTATH departures on runway 03 climb out NNE over the Mesogeia plain, then bank left to head west toward the Atlantic. That left turn puts the wing down toward Athens itself, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the city, the Saronic Gulf, and its islands before the aircraft settles onto its transatlantic heading.
Landing at ATL
RIGHTArrivals into Atlanta descending from the north or northeast typically pass over the eastern suburbs before turning onto final approach, putting downtown Atlanta's skyline and the distinctive granite dome of Stone Mountain on the right side of the aircraft. The left side over these final minutes mostly shows undifferentiated Piedmont forest and suburbs.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to Atlanta. The Athens departure delivers the most dramatic and identifiable scenery of the entire flight, with the Acropolis, Saronic Gulf islands, and Attica coastline unfolding during the initial turn. The right side offers a distant glimpse of the Alps over Europe and a modest Atlanta skyline view on arrival, but neither matches the impact of the Athens send-off, and the many hours of open Atlantic crossing dilute scenery equally on both sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?
During takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Left side for the best views. ATH departures on runway 03 climb out NNE over the Mesogeia plain, then bank left to head west toward the Atlantic. That left turn puts the wing down toward Athens itself, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the city, the Saronic Gulf, and its islands before the aircraft settles onto its transatlantic heading. Notable sights include: Athens cityscape with the Acropolis hill, Saronic Gulf islands (Aegina, Salamis), Piraeus port, Attica coastline.
What can I see when landing at The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International in Atlanta?
When landing at The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into Atlanta descending from the north or northeast typically pass over the eastern suburbs before turning onto final approach, putting downtown Atlanta's skyline and the distinctive granite dome of Stone Mountain on the right side of the aircraft. The left side over these final minutes mostly shows undifferentiated Piedmont forest and suburbs. Notable sights include: Atlanta downtown skyline, Stone Mountain, Chattahoochee River, Piedmont forest and suburbs.
How long is the flight from Athens to Atlanta?
The flight from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) takes about 11 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,688 miles (9,154 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Athens to Atlanta flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean, roughly south of Iceland and east of Newfoundland, with no land visible for several hours before the descent toward eastern Canada and the northeastern United States