Atlanta to Edinburgh is 4,000 miles (6,438 km), a flight of about 7 hours 45 minutes.
Both sides spend most of the flight over open ocean with little to see, but the right side edges ahead with a brief skyline/Stone Mountain view on departure and a genuinely scenic Firth of Forth and bridge approach into Edinburgh.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the North Atlantic Ocean for several hours with no land visible, passing near the Grand Banks off Newfoundland and well south of Greenland before making landfall over the Scottish coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATL
RIGHTDeparting ATL under typical west-flow operations, the aircraft takes off westbound then banks right toward its northeast routing, giving right-side passengers a passing view of downtown Atlanta's skyline and the granite dome of Stone Mountain east of the city before the plane climbs above the Piedmont's rolling, tree-covered terrain.
Landing at EDI
RIGHTOn the common approach to runway 24, the aircraft descends from the northeast over the Firth of Forth before turning southwest to land, putting the estuary and the three Forth bridges on the right side of the cabin. This side also catches the North Sea coastline and the hills of Fife across the water, a dramatic contrast to Atlanta's flat terrain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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 The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Edinburgh (EDI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Edinburgh. Both sides spend most of the flight over open ocean with little to see, but the right side edges ahead with a brief skyline/Stone Mountain view on departure and a genuinely scenic Firth of Forth and bridge approach into Edinburgh.
What can I see during takeoff from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International in Atlanta?
During takeoff from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing ATL under typical west-flow operations, the aircraft takes off westbound then banks right toward its northeast routing, giving right-side passengers a passing view of downtown Atlanta's skyline and the granite dome of Stone Mountain east of the city before the plane climbs above the Piedmont's rolling, tree-covered terrain. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Stone Mountain, Chattahoochee River, Piedmont 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 the common approach to runway 24, the aircraft descends from the northeast over the Firth of Forth before turning southwest to land, putting the estuary and the three Forth bridges on the right side of the cabin. This side also catches the North Sea coastline and the hills of Fife across the water, a dramatic contrast to Atlanta's flat terrain. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth, Forth Bridges (rail, road, and Queensferry Crossing), Fife coastline, Pentland Hills in the distance.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Edinburgh?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Edinburgh (EDI) takes about 7 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,000 miles (6,438 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Atlanta to Edinburgh flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the North Atlantic Ocean for several hours with no land visible, passing near the Grand Banks off Newfoundland and well south of Greenland before making landfall over the Scottish coast.