Athens to Philadelphia flight path: ATH to PHL

Sit on the right side of the plane

Which side of the plane?

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

Flight time10h 15m
Distance5,023
Heading307° → 235°
Best side
RightMostly right

The right side captures the most dramatic scenery: the Aegean Sea and Greek islands during departure, then the Atlantic coastline and Appalachian terrain during the transatlantic crossing and descent. The left side offers urban views but less varied natural landscape.

Flown ATH to PHL? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Athens to Philadelphia is 5,023 miles (8,083 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 8 hours. Notable geographic markers include: the Irish coast and Celtic Sea (if visible during daylight), the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (underwater, not visible), the Grand Banks off Newfoundland, and the Canadian Maritimes. Most of the transatlantic portion is open ocean with no visible landmarks. As the aircraft approaches North America, the Nova Scotia coastline and New England become visible, followed by the Hudson River valley and Appalachian Mountains as you approach Philadelphia from the northwest.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from ATH

RIGHT

Right-side seats offer views of the Saronic Gulf and Aegean Sea as the aircraft climbs northeast from Athens. You'll see the coastal geography that defines the departure corridor, including the islands dotting the Aegean.

Saronic GulfAegean Sea coastlineMount HymettusAttica Peninsula
ATH Athens International Eleftherios VenizelosHub for Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air
Aerial window seat view during landing at Philadelphia (left side) — Appalachian Mountains (distant ridges), Schuylkill River, Delaware River, Philadelphia urban area

Landing at PHL

LEFT

Left-side seats provide views of the Appalachian Mountains and the Schuylkill River valley as you descend into Philadelphia from the northwest. The terrain relief and river corridor are distinctive visual markers during final approach.

Appalachian MountainsSchuylkill RiverDelaware RiverPhiladelphia urban area
PHL Philadelphia InternationalHub for American Airlines

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About This Route

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

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to Philadelphia. The right side captures the most dramatic scenery: the Aegean Sea and Greek islands during departure, then the Atlantic coastline and Appalachian terrain during the transatlantic crossing and descent. The left side offers urban views but less varied natural landscape.

What can I see during takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?

During takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Saronic Gulf and Aegean Sea as the aircraft climbs northeast from Athens. You'll see the coastal geography that defines the departure corridor, including the islands dotting the Aegean. Notable sights include: Saronic Gulf, Aegean Sea coastline, Mount Hymettus (southeast of Athens), Attica Peninsula.

What can I see when landing at Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?

When landing at Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Appalachian Mountains and the Schuylkill River valley as you descend into Philadelphia from the northwest. The terrain relief and river corridor are distinctive visual markers during final approach. Notable sights include: Appalachian Mountains (distant ridges), Schuylkill River, Delaware River, Philadelphia urban area.

How long is the flight from Athens to Philadelphia?

The flight from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes about 10 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,023 miles (8,083 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Athens to Philadelphia flight path pass over?

The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 8 hours. Notable geographic markers include: the Irish coast and Celtic Sea (if visible during daylight), the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (underwater, not visible), the Grand Banks off Newfoundland, and the Canadian Maritimes. Most of the transatlantic portion is open ocean with no visible landmarks. As the aircraft approaches North America, the Nova Scotia coastline and New England become visible, followed by the Hudson River valley and Appalachian Mountains as you approach Philadelphia from the northwest.