While takeoff offers Shanghai's river delta, the landing approach into Athens provides more visually dramatic scenery with the Saronic Gulf, Mount Hymettus, and the Mediterranean landscape. Left seats capture the most distinctive features of the destination.
Flown PVG to ATH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Athens is 5,317 miles (8,558 km), a flight of about 12 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Asia at cruise altitude. Notable features include the Caspian Sea (visible on northbound routing), the Caucasus Mountains, Anatolia's high plateau, and the Taurus Mountains in southern Turkey. The eastern Mediterranean becomes visible in the final 2-3 hours before descent into Athens.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Yangtze River estuary and Shanghai's urban sprawl as you climb out westbound. The river's massive delta and industrial waterfront are distinctive from altitude.
Landing at ATH
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Athens. You'll see the Saronic Gulf, the Attica Peninsula, and Mount Hymettus rising behind the city on approach from the east.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Athens. While takeoff offers Shanghai's river delta, the landing approach into Athens provides more visually dramatic scenery with the Saronic Gulf, Mount Hymettus, and the Mediterranean landscape. Left seats capture the most distinctive features of the destination.
What can I see during takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Yangtze River estuary and Shanghai's urban sprawl as you climb out westbound. The river's massive delta and industrial waterfront are distinctive from altitude. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary, Shanghai urban grid, Hangzhou Bay to the south, East China Sea coastline.
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 descent into Athens. You'll see the Saronic Gulf, the Attica Peninsula, and Mount Hymettus rising behind the city on approach from the east. Notable sights include: Saronic Gulf, Mount Hymettus, Attica Peninsula coastline, Athens urban area.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Athens?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) takes about 12 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,317 miles (8,558 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Athens flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Asia at cruise altitude. Notable features include the Caspian Sea (visible on northbound routing), the Caucasus Mountains, Anatolia's high plateau, and the Taurus Mountains in southern Turkey. The eastern Mediterranean becomes visible in the final 2-3 hours before descent into Athens.