Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are similar on both sides, but the left side also gets better angles on the British Isles if routing over the UK, and the southern Greek coastline and Saronic islands on descent make the left side the clear overall choice.
Flight Path
The route typically tracks northeast over the Atlantic, passing south of Newfoundland, then over the North Atlantic toward Ireland and southern England or northern France, across the Alps or central Europe, over the Adriatic Sea, and down into Greece. Notable features include the Irish coastline, the English Channel, the Alps visible as a white serrated ridge from high altitude, the Adriatic Sea, and the Greek mainland mountains including the Pindus range.
Phase by phase
Takeoff from
Landing at
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Athinai (HEW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Athens. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are similar on both sides, but the left side also gets better angles on the British Isles if routing over the UK, and the southern Greek coastline and Saronic islands on descent make the left side the clear overall choice.
What can I see during takeoff from Washington Dulles International in Washington?
During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dulles typically departs east on runway 01R/19L or northeast on 12/30. Departing east or northeast, the left side faces north toward Washington DC's skyline, the Potomac River, and the National Mall monuments. The right side looks south over suburban Virginia with little of interest. Notable sights include: Washington DC monuments and Capitol dome, Potomac River winding southeast, Georgetown waterfront, Tysons Corner urban cluster.
What can I see when landing at Athinai in Athens?
When landing at Athinai (HEW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Athens Eleftherios Venizelos airport sits east of the city and typically lands from the east on runway 03L/03R heading northwest, or from the west heading southeast. On the common westward approach over the Aegean, the left side faces south toward the Saronic Gulf and the islands of Aegina and Salamis, while the right side looks north over flat Attica plain. On a northwest heading approach, the left side gets the Saronic Gulf and a view toward Athens city and the Acropolis hill as you descend. Notable sights include: Saronic Gulf and island of Aegina, island of Salamis, Athens urban basin with Acropolis hill, Mount Hymettus ridge east of the city.
How long is the flight from Washington to Athens?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Athinai (HEW) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours.
What does the Washington to Athens flight path pass over?
The route typically tracks northeast over the Atlantic, passing south of Newfoundland, then over the North Atlantic toward Ireland and southern England or northern France, across the Alps or central Europe, over the Adriatic Sea, and down into Greece. Notable features include the Irish coastline, the English Channel, the Alps visible as a white serrated ridge from high altitude, the Adriatic Sea, and the Greek mainland mountains including the Pindus range.