Cheap Flights from Istanbul to Athens — $37

The Istanbul — Athens route is served by a wide range of airlines: 6 in total, including Sky Express, Aegean Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Valuair, and Turkish Airlines. Competition among carriers gives passengers the opportunity to find tickets at attractive fares — with prices starting from $37. Our service helps compare all available offers within seconds and choose the most convenient option. You can filter flights by price, departure time, or baggage rules to make your trip as comfortable as possible. With so many airlines, there’s always a chance to catch special promotions and save.

Istanbul is served by two main airports with distinct roles. Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side is the city’s primary international hub, handling most long-haul and premium carriers and typically offering a wide range of facilities; it sits about 40–50 km from the historic center and can take roughly 40–60 minutes by taxi or 35–60 minutes by Havaist/shuttle bus depending on traffic, with fares usually higher than inner-city services. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side tends to host many low-cost and regional airlines and can be cheaper for budget travelers; it’s around 35–45 km from central Istanbul and usually 45–75 minutes away by bus or taxi. Both airports provide airport shuttle buses, taxis and ride-hailing options; IST also connects to the metro network in stages, improving transfer times. Pros: IST offers extensive international connections and modern facilities, while SAW can be more economical for certain routes. Cons: both can be affected by heavy traffic and transfers between the two airports can be lengthy, so allow extra time for tight connections.

Fly direct from Istanbul to Athens for the quickest, most convenient way to get between these two historic cities — no layovers, less hassle, and more time to enjoy the sights. While connecting options can sometimes be cheaper, a direct flight saves hours and offers a more comfortable, stress-free start to your Greek adventure.

Athens International Airport (ATH) is Greece’s primary international gateway and a full-service hub for Aegean Airlines and a common stop for other European legacy carriers and seasonal charters. Fares from ATH can lean mid to premium on peak routes but budget options appear on many short-haul connections. The airport sits about 20 km east of central Athens; the metro takes roughly 40 minutes to Syntagma, buses and suburban rail link take 45–60 minutes depending on traffic, and taxis are typically 30–40 minutes with fixed fares or metered rates that vary by time of day. Pros: modern terminal, frequent international connections and clear signage; cons: can be busy in summer and ground transport times vary with rush-hour congestion.

The minimum one-way ticket price from Istanbul to Athens is $31 (January 2027), while the maximum is $75 (July 2026). On average, a ticket costs $59–$62.