The left side wins on both ends of the flight: Athens' coastline and islands during takeoff, and a dramatic alpine approach into Zurich during landing, giving it more consistent and higher-drama scenery than the right side, which mostly faces inland mountains and open sky during cruise.
Flown ATH to ZRH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Athens to Zurich is 1,019 miles (1,639 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
Pindus mountain range of mainland Greece, the Albanian coastline, the Adriatic Sea crossing, and the northern Italian Alps before the descent into the Swiss plateau
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATH
LEFTDeparting ATH toward the northwest, the initial climb and turn put Athens city, the Acropolis area, and the Saronic Gulf on the left side of the aircraft. Passengers get a sweeping view of Piraeus harbor, Aegina island, and the Attica coastline before the plane settles on its northwest heading.
Landing at ZRH
LEFTOn approach into Zurich from the southeast, the descent path tracks north of the Alps with the mountains visible on the left side, including the peaks near Lake Zurich and the Glarus Alps. This gives passengers a dramatic final view of alpine terrain just before the plains and city of Zurich appear.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to Zurich. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: Athens' coastline and islands during takeoff, and a dramatic alpine approach into Zurich during landing, giving it more consistent and higher-drama scenery than the right side, which mostly faces inland mountains and open sky during cruise.
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 toward the northwest, the initial climb and turn put Athens city, the Acropolis area, and the Saronic Gulf on the left side of the aircraft. Passengers get a sweeping view of Piraeus harbor, Aegina island, and the Attica coastline before the plane settles on its northwest heading. Notable sights include: Acropolis/Athens skyline, Piraeus harbor, Saronic Gulf, Aegina island.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Zurich from the southeast, the descent path tracks north of the Alps with the mountains visible on the left side, including the peaks near Lake Zurich and the Glarus Alps. This gives passengers a dramatic final view of alpine terrain just before the plains and city of Zurich appear. Notable sights include: Glarus Alps, Lake Zurich, Walensee, Zurich city outskirts.
How long is the flight from Athens to Zurich?
The flight from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Zurich (ZRH) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,019 miles (1,639 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Athens to Zurich flight path pass over?
Pindus mountain range of mainland Greece, the Albanian coastline, the Adriatic Sea crossing, and the northern Italian Alps before the descent into the Swiss plateau