The left side wins overall thanks to the dramatic Athens takeoff view of the Acropolis, Piraeus and the Saronic Gulf, which outweighs the right side's brief but scenic Firth of Forth approach — the Athens departure offers denser, more varied landmarks over a longer portion of the flight.
Flown ATH to EDI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Athens to Edinburgh is 1,770 miles (2,848 km), a flight of about 4 hours 50 minutes.
Adriatic Sea coastline, the Dinaric Alps over Albania and Montenegro, the Italian and Swiss Alps, and the English Channel before the descent into Scotland
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATH
LEFTDeparting on runway 03 the aircraft climbs NNE, and the left side gives a sweeping view back over Athens itself — the Acropolis, Piraeus harbor and the island-studded Saronic Gulf. The right side only shows the flatter Mesogeia plain and open Aegean.
Landing at EDI
RIGHTOn approach to runway 24, the aircraft descends from the northeast over the Firth of Forth, and the right side faces north toward the estuary with the Forth bridges and Fife coastline. The left side mostly shows suburban Edinburgh with less distinctive terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Edinburgh (EDI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to Edinburgh. The left side wins overall thanks to the dramatic Athens takeoff view of the Acropolis, Piraeus and the Saronic Gulf, which outweighs the right side's brief but scenic Firth of Forth approach — the Athens departure offers denser, more varied landmarks over a longer portion of the flight.
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. Departing on runway 03 the aircraft climbs NNE, and the left side gives a sweeping view back over Athens itself — the Acropolis, Piraeus harbor and the island-studded Saronic Gulf. The right side only shows the flatter Mesogeia plain and open Aegean. Notable sights include: Acropolis and Athens city center, Piraeus harbor, Saronic Gulf islands (Aegina, Salamis), Mount Hymettus foothills.
What can I see when landing at Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
When landing at Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to runway 24, the aircraft descends from the northeast over the Firth of Forth, and the right side faces north toward the estuary with the Forth bridges and Fife coastline. The left side mostly shows suburban Edinburgh with less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth estuary, Forth Bridge and Forth Road Bridge, Fife coastline, Bass Rock in the distance.
How long is the flight from Athens to Edinburgh?
The flight from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Edinburgh (EDI) takes about 4 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,770 miles (2,848 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Athens to Edinburgh flight path pass over?
Adriatic Sea coastline, the Dinaric Alps over Albania and Montenegro, the Italian and Swiss Alps, and the English Channel before the descent into Scotland