Loading map...
ATH → RIX
Which side of the plane to sit from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (Athens) to Riga International Airport (Riga)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a premier view of the Greek peaks, the dramatic High Tatras, and a scenic approach over the Baltic coastline.
Mount Olympus
The legendary home of the gods is often visible shortly after departure as you head north through Greece.
Budapest & Danube
Depending on the specific airway, you may see the sprawling Hungarian capital and the river's distinctive bend.
High Tatra Mountains
The highest range in the Carpathians, providing sharp, snow-capped peaks on the border of Slovakia and Poland.
Gulf of Riga
During the final descent, the left side typically faces the water, offering views of the Baltic Sea.
Jurmala Coastline
The long, sandy beaches of Latvia's premier resort town are often visible just before touchdown.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight. Keep your camera ready about 15-20 minutes after takeoff for Mount Olympus, and watch for the High Tatras approximately two-thirds into the journey. If the wind is from the north, you'll get a spectacular view of the Jurmala beach during the approach.
Balkan Mountains
Rugged terrain stretching across Bulgaria, offering deep valleys and forested ridges.
Sofia
The Bulgarian capital is frequently visible, nestled at the foot of the massive Vitosha Mountain.
Carpathian Arc
The dense, green forests of the Romanian and Ukrainian Carpathians provide a lush landscape mid-flight.
Warsaw Cityscape
On clear days, the Polish capital and the Vistula River can be seen as you traverse central Poland.
Lithuanian Lakelands
A beautiful mosaic of thousands of small glacial lakes surrounded by thick pine forests.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights as the sun will be on the opposite side of the aircraft. Look for the massive agricultural patterns in Poland, which create a colorful patchwork quilt effect from 35,000 feet. In winter, this side offers the best views of the frozen lakes in the Baltics.
Distance: 2,111 km (1,312 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 49 min
Departure: ATH (37.9364013672, 23.944499969499997)
Arrival: RIX (56.92359924316406, 23.971099853515625)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.