While the Toronto departure favors the left side, the right side dominates during cruise and landing—southern views likely include the Alps' snowy peaks, the Adriatic coastline, and Greek islands before the scenic Athens approach over the Saronic Gulf, giving it more sustained variety and drama overall.
Flown YTZ to ATH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Athens is 5,043 miles (8,117 km), a flight of about 9 hours 20 minutes.
North Atlantic Ocean south of Greenland, with the flight path passing near Newfoundland's coast and later crossing over Ireland or the UK before continental Europe.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YTZ
LEFTDeparting east from Toronto City Airport on Runway 08, the climb-out puts downtown Toronto's skyline and the CN Tower directly off the left side, with the Toronto Islands and Lake Ontario shoreline curving away below. The right side mostly shows open lake water.
Landing at ATH
RIGHTOn approach into Athens, arriving aircraft typically loop south over the Saronic Gulf before turning back north to land on Runway 03L, putting the Aegean coastline, Athens' sprawling urban grid, and the port of Piraeus on the right side. The left side mainly shows the drier hills of Attica's interior.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City Centre (YTZ) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Athens. While the Toronto departure favors the left side, the right side dominates during cruise and landing—southern views likely include the Alps' snowy peaks, the Adriatic coastline, and Greek islands before the scenic Athens approach over the Saronic Gulf, giving it more sustained variety and drama overall.
What can I see during takeoff from City Centre in Toronto?
During takeoff from City Centre (YTZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing east from Toronto City Airport on Runway 08, the climb-out puts downtown Toronto's skyline and the CN Tower directly off the left side, with the Toronto Islands and Lake Ontario shoreline curving away below. The right side mostly shows open lake water. Notable sights include: CN Tower, downtown Toronto skyline, Toronto Islands, Lake Ontario shoreline.
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 approach into Athens, arriving aircraft typically loop south over the Saronic Gulf before turning back north to land on Runway 03L, putting the Aegean coastline, Athens' sprawling urban grid, and the port of Piraeus on the right side. The left side mainly shows the drier hills of Attica's interior. Notable sights include: Saronic Gulf, Piraeus port, Athens urban sprawl, Aegean coastline islands.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Athens?
The flight from City Centre (YTZ) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) takes about 9 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,043 miles (8,117 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Athens flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean south of Greenland, with the flight path passing near Newfoundland's coast and later crossing over Ireland or the UK before continental Europe.