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Cheapest flights from Athens to Istanbul
Flaut.Travel was designed and developed by a team dedicated to making the process of searching, comparing and booking airline tickets as easy and convenient as possible. Our service helps travelers to find and buy the cheapest flights from Athens to Istanbul. We have connected more than 40 airlines and airline ticketing agencies to help you find the most suitable and affordable flight option.
Remember that on average the ideal time to book flights is 2 months before departure!
A non-stop flight is the most convenient and comfortable way to fly from Athens to Istanbul, despite the fact that sometimes flights with transfers can cost significantly less.
Schedule of direct flights from Athens to Istanbul
Nearly all of the 5 airlines on the Athens — Istanbul route operate daily, with just one exception: Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, Turkish Airlines, and Pegasus Airlines fly every day. Sichuan Airlines only flies on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Athens airports overview
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Istanbul airports overview
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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
$59
Sky Express
Direct flight
1h 30m
06/16/2026
The cheapest one-way flight from Athens to Istanbul departs on 06/16/2026, is operated by Sky Express and costs $59
Cheapest round trip flight
$96
Turkish Airlines
Direct flight
3h 5m
08/27/2026
The cheapest roundtrip flight from Athens to Istanbul departs on 08/27/2026, is operated by Turkish Airlines and costs $96
The fastest flight
1h 25m
Fastest flight from Athens to Istanbul takes 1h 25m
Direct flights
Several times a week
There are direct flights on this route 5 days a week: Su, Mo, Tu, We, and Sa
Earliest flight
7:00 AM
Latest flight
3:55 AM
Average flight duration
1h 33m
Direct flights count
83
Distance
537km
Timezone difference
1h
The distance between Athens and Istanbul is 537km (333 miles). The average flight duration is 1h 33m. There are 83 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 2026
Lowest price
on average:
$54
April 2027
Highest price
on average:
$135
Avg Price
More than 11 airlines operate flights from Athens to Istanbul, including Sky Express, Sichuan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Aegean Airlines, Wizz Air, LC Busre SAC, Jeju Air, Air Serbia, Volotea, and LOT Polish Airlines. This is a popular route, so passengers can choose tickets based on budget and preferences. Ticket prices start from $59, 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.
What is the cheapest price for flights from Athens to Istanbul?
The cheapest flight ticket from Athens to Istanbul according to data for the last 48 hours costs $59
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, September, June.
How long does it take to fly from Athens to Istanbul?
The fastest flights from Athens to Istanbul start from 1 hour 25 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, Sichuan Airlines, Turkish Airlines
The cost of a one-way flight from Athens to Istanbul ranges from $54 (November 2026) to $135 (April 2027). On average, the ticket price is about $64–$70.
Price dynamics
Prices on the Athens — Istanbul route are unpredictable: costs change from month to month with no clear pattern. Still, even here some periods are more affordable than others.
Cheaper and more expensive periods
Despite the fluctuations, patterns exist: the cheapest period is October 2026–November 2026 — averaging $59. The most expensive is March 2027–April 2027 ($99). The difference reaches 40%.
Best time to buy
With this kind of price behavior, it's worth comparing prices across several months and booking when a good deal appears. A good benchmark is October 2026–November 2026, where you can save up to 40%.
Price predictability
Price spread on this route is 31.6%. Costs vary significantly, so your choice of month can noticeably affect your travel budget.
