Cheap Flights from Athens to Istanbul Starting at $44
Helping travelers to find the best flight offers
Cheapest flights from Athens to Istanbul
Fly from Athens to Istanbul with confidence—our search scans over 700 airlines, 50+ agencies and 5+ top booking systems to uncover the best prices, schedules and ticket conditions for your trip. Compare all options in one place and book the route that fits your budget and timing effortlessly.
Remember that on average the ideal time to book flights is 2 months before departure!
Fly direct from Athens to Istanbul for the fastest, most convenient way to bridge the Aegean and the Bosphorus—arrive sooner and skip the hassle of connections. While some connecting options can be cheaper, a non-stop hop saves valuable time and adds comfort to your trip, perfect for short getaways or business travel.
Schedule of direct flights from Athens to Istanbul
A direct flight is the easiest way to get to your destination. The following airlines operate non-stop flights from Athens to Istanbul:
Athens airports overview
Istanbul airports overview
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Answers to questions about the route that travelers are most interested in.
Special offers and sales on air tickets from Athens to Istanbul
We keep tight track on airlines' pre-holidays sales and other special offers occurences all the time to let you save maximum amount of funds while traveling to your family or just going out on vacation.
Alternative routes
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Cheapest one way flight
$44
Sky Express
Direct flight
1h 30m
12/11/2025
The cheapest one-way flight from Athens to Istanbul departs on 12/11/2025, is operated by Sky Express and costs $44
Cheapest round trip flight
$86
Sky Express
Direct flight
2h 55m
12/12/2025
The cheapest roundtrip flight from Athens to Istanbul departs on 12/12/2025, is operated by Sky Express and costs $86
The fastest flight
1h 20m
Fastest flight from Athens to Istanbul takes 1h 20m
Direct flights
Every day
There are direct flights on this route 7 days a week: Su, Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, and Sa
Earliest flight
7:00 AM
Latest flight
3:55 AM
Average flight duration
1h 33m
Direct flights count
87
Distance
537km
Timezone difference
1h
The distance between Athens and Istanbul is 537km (333 miles). The average flight duration is 1h 33m. There are 87 direct flights from Athens to Istanbul. The time difference between Athens and Istanbul is 1h. Flights from Athens begin at 7:00 AM. The latest flight from Athens departs at 3:55 AM
November 2025
Lowest price
on average:
$45
April 2026
Highest price
on average:
$76
Avg Price
More than 8 airlines operate flights from Athens to Istanbul, including Sky Express, Aegean Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Wizz Air, LC Busre SAC, Jet2.com, and Air Serbia. This is a popular route, so passengers can choose tickets based on budget and preferences. Ticket prices start from $44, and our service lets you instantly compare all options. The variety of offers simplifies planning: you can choose budget fares or more comfortable options with baggage included or extra services. We help you find the best deals so your trip is cost-efficient.
Athens International Airport (ATH) is Greece’s primary international gateway and typically functions as a full-service hub for both legacy carriers and many European low-cost airlines. It is located about 20 km east of the city center, with the suburban rail and metro reaching central Syntagma or Monastiraki in roughly 35–45 minutes; airport buses and taxis can take 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. Fares usually range from modest public-transport prices to mid-range taxi fares. The airport is generally convenient for connecting international flights and offers a wide range of services, though passengers can expect busy peak periods and occasionally longer security or transfer times.
Istanbul is served by two main airports that split roles between international hub traffic and budget or regional services. Istanbul Airport (IST) functions as the city’s primary international gateway and hub for full-service carriers, typically offering the widest route network; it sits about 35–45 km from the historic center, with travel times of roughly 30–60 minutes by taxi or 40–60 minutes on Havaist airport buses (fares usually fall in the mid-range for Istanbul). Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side is often favored by low-cost and regional airlines and can be 40–60 minutes from central areas depending on traffic, accessible by shuttle buses, private transfer, or taxi (generally cheaper but longer in peak hours). Pros: IST provides comprehensive international connections and modern facilities, while SAW can be more budget-friendly for certain carriers. Cons: both can involve longer commutes to central districts and variable travel times in heavy traffic; plan transfers with cushion time.
How much is the cheapest flight ticket from Athens to Istanbul?
The cheapest flight ticket from Athens to Istanbul according to data for the last 48 hours costs $44
When is the best time to buy air tickets on the route Athens — Istanbul?
Often the best time to buy tickets from Athens to Istanbul is 2 months before departure.
When is the cheapest time of year to fly from Athens to Istanbul?
Based on statistics over the past years, the lowest prices for flights from Athens to Istanbul can be found flying in these months: November, December, February.
How long does it take to fly from Athens to Istanbul?
The fastest flights from Athens to Istanbul start from 1 hour 20 minutes in the air.
Which airline can fly direct from Athens to Istanbul?
The following airlines operate direct flights on the route Athens — Istanbul: Sky Express, Aegean Airlines
The cost of a one-way flight from Athens to Istanbul ranges from $45 (November 2025) to $76 (April 2026). On average, the ticket price is about $55–$58.
