While the landing approach favors the left, the takeoff from Norfolk offers more dramatic and distinctive water features. The right side captures the complex Hampton Roads system and Atlantic coastline, which are more visually striking than the approach terrain to Athens.
Flown ORF to ATH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Norfolk to Athens is 5,185 miles (8,345 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 6-7 hours. Notable features include: the continental shelf edge off the US East Coast (visible as a color change in water depth during early climb); the Mid-Atlantic Ridge area (not visible but crossed); the Azores archipelago (if the flight passes south of the standard great-circle route, visible as small volcanic islands); the Iberian Peninsula and Spain's coastline (if the route passes over southwestern Europe); and the Mediterranean basin approaching Greece. Most of the mid-Atlantic crossing offers only open ocean. The approach to Europe typically reveals the Pyrenees or Alps on the horizon depending on routing, followed by the Balkans and Greek mainland terrain.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORF
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Hampton Roads waterway system and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs northeast out of Norfolk. You'll see the confluence of the James, Nansemond, and Elizabeth Rivers feeding into Hampton Roads, plus the barrier islands and Atlantic Ocean beyond.
Landing at ATH
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Athens. You'll see the Attica region's terrain, the Saronic Gulf coastline, and the approach path over the Hymettus and Penteli mountain ranges before descending into the Mesogeia plain where the airport sits.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Norfolk International (ORF) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Norfolk to Athens. While the landing approach favors the left, the takeoff from Norfolk offers more dramatic and distinctive water features. The right side captures the complex Hampton Roads system and Atlantic coastline, which are more visually striking than the approach terrain to Athens.
What can I see during takeoff from Norfolk International in Norfolk?
During takeoff from Norfolk International (ORF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Hampton Roads waterway system and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs northeast out of Norfolk. You'll see the confluence of the James, Nansemond, and Elizabeth Rivers feeding into Hampton Roads, plus the barrier islands and Atlantic Ocean beyond. Notable sights include: Hampton Roads harbor and naval installations, James River estuary, Atlantic barrier islands, Chesapeake Bay entrance.
What can I see when landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?
When landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Athens. You'll see the Attica region's terrain, the Saronic Gulf coastline, and the approach path over the Hymettus and Penteli mountain ranges before descending into the Mesogeia plain where the airport sits. Notable sights include: Hymettus Mountain range, Penteli Mountains, Saronic Gulf coastline, Athens urban sprawl in the Mesogeia basin.
How long is the flight from Norfolk to Athens?
The flight from Norfolk International (ORF) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,185 miles (8,345 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Norfolk to Athens flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 6-7 hours. Notable features include: the continental shelf edge off the US East Coast (visible as a color change in water depth during early climb); the Mid-Atlantic Ridge area (not visible but crossed); the Azores archipelago (if the flight passes south of the standard great-circle route, visible as small volcanic islands); the Iberian Peninsula and Spain's coastline (if the route passes over southwestern Europe); and the Mediterranean basin approaching Greece. Most of the mid-Atlantic crossing offers only open ocean. The approach to Europe typically reveals the Pyrenees or Alps on the horizon depending on routing, followed by the Balkans and Greek mainland terrain.