While the left side offers a brief glimpse of London on departure, the right side delivers a more consistent scenic payoff: distant views toward the Alps and Adriatic during cruise, and a genuinely striking sea-and-island approach into Athens over the Saronic Gulf.
Flown LHR to ATH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Athens is 1,508 miles (2,427 km), a flight of about 3 hours 35 minutes.
Southern French Alps and Alpine foothills, the Adriatic Sea between Italy and Albania, and the Ionian Sea approaches to western Greece
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTHeathrow's westerly departure sends the aircraft out over Berkshire before banking left onto the southeasterly track toward Europe, and during that turn the left side gets a good look back at the Thames corridor and the London skyline. The right side at this point mostly shows the flat, featureless commuter belt of Surrey and Hampshire.
Landing at ATH
RIGHTOn the approach into Athens (runway 03, arriving from the north and turning to line up heading roughly northeast), the right side faces southeast toward the Saronic Gulf, giving passengers a sweeping view of the sea, islands, and Athens' port before touchdown. The left side mostly faces inland toward the drier hills north of the city, which are far less dramatic.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Athens. While the left side offers a brief glimpse of London on departure, the right side delivers a more consistent scenic payoff: distant views toward the Alps and Adriatic during cruise, and a genuinely striking sea-and-island approach into Athens over the Saronic Gulf.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's westerly departure sends the aircraft out over Berkshire before banking left onto the southeasterly track toward Europe, and during that turn the left side gets a good look back at the Thames corridor and the London skyline. The right side at this point mostly shows the flat, featureless commuter belt of Surrey and Hampshire. Notable sights include: River Thames and Staines Reservoirs, Windsor Castle grounds, Central London skyline (Canary Wharf, The Shard) receding to the north.
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 approach into Athens (runway 03, arriving from the north and turning to line up heading roughly northeast), the right side faces southeast toward the Saronic Gulf, giving passengers a sweeping view of the sea, islands, and Athens' port before touchdown. The left side mostly faces inland toward the drier hills north of the city, which are far less dramatic. Notable sights include: Saronic Gulf, Aegina and Salamis islands, Piraeus harbor, Attica coastline near Athens.
How long is the flight from London to Athens?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) takes about 3 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,508 miles (2,427 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Athens flight path pass over?
Southern French Alps and Alpine foothills, the Adriatic Sea between Italy and Albania, and the Ionian Sea approaches to western Greece