The right side tracks the mountainous spine of the Balkans and Greece for most of the cruise, from Bulgaria's Rila and Pirin ranges to the Pindus foothills, then finishes with a scenic island-studded approach over the Saronic Gulf, offering more varied and dramatic terrain than the left side's flatter Thracian plain and open Aegean views.
Flown BBU to ATH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bucharest to Athens is 467 miles (752 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.
Rila and Pirin mountains of Bulgaria, the Rhodope range along the Bulgaria-Greece border, and the Thessalian plain backed by the Pindus mountains in northern Greece
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BBU
RIGHTDeparting BBU on runway 25, the aircraft climbs southwest before turning south toward Bulgaria, putting Bucharest's rooftops and the green Baneasa forest belt on the right side briefly before the turn establishes the southbound track that favors mountain views on that side for the rest of the flight.
Landing at ATH
RIGHTOn the typical summer approach to ATH's runway 03, arriving traffic swings around to the south, giving a view over the Saronic Gulf with its scattered islands and the rugged Attica peninsula coastline before the final turn north toward the airport. This side captures dramatic coastal and island scenery that the Aegean-facing side during the straight-in portion lacks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Baneasa (BBU) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bucharest to Athens. The right side tracks the mountainous spine of the Balkans and Greece for most of the cruise, from Bulgaria's Rila and Pirin ranges to the Pindus foothills, then finishes with a scenic island-studded approach over the Saronic Gulf, offering more varied and dramatic terrain than the left side's flatter Thracian plain and open Aegean views.
What can I see during takeoff from Baneasa in Bucharest?
During takeoff from Baneasa (BBU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing BBU on runway 25, the aircraft climbs southwest before turning south toward Bulgaria, putting Bucharest's rooftops and the green Baneasa forest belt on the right side briefly before the turn establishes the southbound track that favors mountain views on that side for the rest of the flight. Notable sights include: Bucharest cityscape, Baneasa Forest, Herastrau Lake.
What can I see when landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?
When landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical summer approach to ATH's runway 03, arriving traffic swings around to the south, giving a view over the Saronic Gulf with its scattered islands and the rugged Attica peninsula coastline before the final turn north toward the airport. This side captures dramatic coastal and island scenery that the Aegean-facing side during the straight-in portion lacks. Notable sights include: Saronic Gulf, Aegina island, Attica coastline, Mount Hymettus.
How long is the flight from Bucharest to Athens?
The flight from Baneasa (BBU) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 467 miles (752 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bucharest to Athens flight path pass over?
Rila and Pirin mountains of Bulgaria, the Rhodope range along the Bulgaria-Greece border, and the Thessalian plain backed by the Pindus mountains in northern Greece