While takeoff offers good views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and recognizable scenery—the Blue Mountains, Sydney Harbour, and the city skyline are iconic and visually striking. The left side captures the most memorable portion of this long-haul route.
Flown ATH to SYD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Athens to Sydney is 9,511 miles (15,307 km), a flight of about 15 hours 20 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea, then the Middle East (Red Sea, Arabian Peninsula, Persian Gulf region visible on some routing), continues over the Indian Ocean with potential views of the Maldives or Sri Lanka depending on exact routing, then approaches Australia over the Indian Ocean before reaching the New South Wales coast. Major water bodies dominate the midpoint: the Mediterranean, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean. Depending on specific routing, the Suez Canal region, Arabian Peninsula deserts, and the western Australian coastline may be visible during daylight segments.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATH
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Saronic Gulf and the Attica coastline as the aircraft climbs eastward from Athens. The Hymettus mountain range is also visible to the right during initial climb.
Landing at SYD
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Sydney. As the aircraft descends from the west, the left side faces the Blue Mountains in the distance and the Parramatta River valley, with Sydney Harbour and the city skyline becoming visible during final approach.
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 Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to Sydney. While takeoff offers good views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and recognizable scenery—the Blue Mountains, Sydney Harbour, and the city skyline are iconic and visually striking. The left side captures the most memorable portion of this long-haul route.
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 the Attica coastline as the aircraft climbs eastward from Athens. The Hymettus mountain range is also visible to the right during initial climb. Notable sights include: Saronic Gulf, Hymettus Mountains, Attica Peninsula coastline, Island of Aegina.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Sydney. As the aircraft descends from the west, the left side faces the Blue Mountains in the distance and the Parramatta River valley, with Sydney Harbour and the city skyline becoming visible during final approach. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains, Parramatta River, Sydney Harbour, Sydney CBD skyline.
How long is the flight from Athens to Sydney?
The flight from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes about 15 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 9,511 miles (15,307 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Athens to Sydney flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea, then the Middle East (Red Sea, Arabian Peninsula, Persian Gulf region visible on some routing), continues over the Indian Ocean with potential views of the Maldives or Sri Lanka depending on exact routing, then approaches Australia over the Indian Ocean before reaching the New South Wales coast. Major water bodies dominate the midpoint: the Mediterranean, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean. Depending on specific routing, the Suez Canal region, Arabian Peninsula deserts, and the western Australian coastline may be visible during daylight segments.