Cheap Flights from Istanbul to Athens Starting at $36
Helping travelers to find the best flight offers
Cheapest flights from Istanbul to Athens
Fly from Istanbul to Athens with confidence—our search scans more than 700 airlines, over 50 agencies and 5+ top booking systems to surface the best prices, schedules and travel conditions for your trip. Compare options in seconds and lock in the ideal flight for sightseeing or a quick getaway.
Remember that on average the ideal time to book flights is 2 months before departure!
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.
Schedule of direct flights from Istanbul to Athens
A direct flight is the easiest way to get to your destination. The following airlines operate non-stop flights from Istanbul to Athens:
Istanbul airports overview
Athens 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 Istanbul to Athens
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
$36
Sky Express
Direct flight
1h 25m
05/21/2026
The cheapest one-way flight from Istanbul to Athens departs on 05/21/2026, is operated by Sky Express and costs $36
Cheapest round trip flight
$80
Aegean Airlines
Direct flight
3 hours
02/10/2026
The cheapest roundtrip flight from Istanbul to Athens departs on 02/10/2026, is operated by Aegean Airlines and costs $80
The fastest flight
1h 25m
Fastest flight from Istanbul to Athens takes 1h 25m
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
4:35 AM
Latest flight
1:40 AM
Average flight duration
1h 29m
Direct flights count
87
Distance
537km
Timezone difference
1h
The distance between Istanbul and Athens is 537km (333 miles). The average flight duration is 1h 29m. There are 87 direct flights from Istanbul to Athens. The time difference between Istanbul and Athens is 1h. Flights from Istanbul begin at 4:35 AM. The latest flight from Istanbul departs at 1:40 AM
December 2025
Lowest price
on average:
$36
September 2026
Highest price
on average:
$46
Avg Price
The Istanbul — Athens route is served by a wide range of airlines: 5 in total, including Sky Express, Aegean Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. Competition among carriers gives passengers the opportunity to find tickets at attractive fares — with prices starting from $36. 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.
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.
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.
How much is the cheapest flight ticket from Istanbul to Athens?
The cheapest flight ticket from Istanbul to Athens according to data for the last 48 hours costs $36
When is the best time to buy air tickets on the route Istanbul — Athens?
Often the best time to buy tickets from Istanbul to Athens is 2 months before departure.
When is the cheapest time of year to fly from Istanbul to Athens?
Based on statistics over the past years, the lowest prices for flights from Istanbul to Athens can be found flying in these months: December, October, June.
How long does it take to fly from Istanbul to Athens?
The fastest flights from Istanbul to Athens start from 1 hour 25 minutes in the air.
Which airline can fly direct from Istanbul to Athens?
The following airlines operate direct flights on the route Istanbul — Athens: Sky Express, Aegean Airlines
The minimum one-way ticket price from Istanbul to Athens is $36 (December 2025), while the maximum is $46 (September 2026). On average, a ticket costs $42–$43.
