Athens to Rome flight pathATHFCO

Sit on the left side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time2h 10m
Distance674
Heading297° → 289°
Best side
LeftMostly left
★ 4.0 left·★ 2.5 right

The left side wins overall because it delivers strong scenery through both takeoff (Athens and the Saronic Gulf) and cruise (Ionian islands and the Calabrian coast), while the right side offers only a brief highlight during the Rome approach.

Flown ATH to FCO? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Athens to Rome is 674 miles (1,085 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.

Ionian Sea crossing with views of Zakynthos and Kefalonia islands, the Calabrian coastline of southern Italy, and on very clear days the distant silhouette of Mount Etna in Sicily to the south

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from ATH

LEFT

Departing ATH to the NNE before turning west, the left (south) side offers a sweeping view of Athens itself, the Saronic Gulf, and the islands of Salamis and Aegina. The right side mostly shows the flatter Attica basin and Marathon plain, which are far less distinctive.

Athens city center and Acropolis hillSaronic GulfPiraeus portAegina island
ATH Athens International Eleftherios VenizelosHub for Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air
Aerial window seat view during landing at Rome (right side) — Tiber River delta, Alban Hills, outskirts of Rome, Ostia coastline

Landing at FCO

RIGHT

On the approach into FCO from the south, the runway alignment puts Rome and the Tiber valley on the right side of the aircraft, offering glimpses of the city's outskirts and the Alban Hills, while the left side faces mostly open Tyrrhenian Sea.

Tiber River deltaAlban Hillsoutskirts of RomeOstia coastline
FCO FiumicinoHub for ITA Airways

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Fiumicino (FCO)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to Rome. The left side wins overall because it delivers strong scenery through both takeoff (Athens and the Saronic Gulf) and cruise (Ionian islands and the Calabrian coast), while the right side offers only a brief highlight during the Rome approach.

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 ATH to the NNE before turning west, the left (south) side offers a sweeping view of Athens itself, the Saronic Gulf, and the islands of Salamis and Aegina. The right side mostly shows the flatter Attica basin and Marathon plain, which are far less distinctive. Notable sights include: Athens city center and Acropolis hill, Saronic Gulf, Piraeus port, Aegina island.

What can I see when landing at Fiumicino in Rome?

When landing at Fiumicino (FCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the approach into FCO from the south, the runway alignment puts Rome and the Tiber valley on the right side of the aircraft, offering glimpses of the city's outskirts and the Alban Hills, while the left side faces mostly open Tyrrhenian Sea. Notable sights include: Tiber River delta, Alban Hills, outskirts of Rome, Ostia coastline.

How long is the flight from Athens to Rome?

The flight from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Fiumicino (FCO) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 674 miles (1,085 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Athens to Rome flight path pass over?

Ionian Sea crossing with views of Zakynthos and Kefalonia islands, the Calabrian coastline of southern Italy, and on very clear days the distant silhouette of Mount Etna in Sicily to the south