- Must visit
Acropolis Museum
Modern museum presenting Acropolis finds in bright galleries, including sculptures and the Parthenon Gallery with city views.
Flights from Istanbul to Athens depart on average 25 times per day, taking around 3h 20m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at £49 if you book in advance.
There are 13 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest flight covers the 560 km distance in 1h 25m. February is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 560 km |
Average flight duration 3h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £49 |
Flights per day 25 |
Direct flights 13 |
Fastest flight 1h 25m |
First flight 0:10 |
Last flight 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 77 days |
Cheapest price
£179
Average price
£461
Fastest journey
1 h 25 m
Average duration
1 h 28 m
Flights per day
22
Distance
560 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Istanbul to Athens is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Istanbul to Athens will cost around £461 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap flight tickets today for only £179.
Of the 22 flights that leave Istanbul for Athens every day 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct flights cover the 560 km distance in an average of 1 h 28 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 25 m .
The slowest flights will take 1 h 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
A3439 · A3361
A3435 · A3321
GQ671
PC1191
A3439 · A3367
TK1841
GQ671
TK1843
PC1191
A3993The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Athens flights for today, Wednesday 26 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AZ7061+ AZ720 | 9:05 Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 26h05 | 11:10 Athens International Airport | 1 change | |
AZ7061+ AZ722 | 9:05 Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 15h40 | 0:45 Athens International Airport | 1 change | |
AZ7061+ AZ718 | 9:05 Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 9h30 | 18:35 Athens International Airport | 1 change | |
TK1847 | 9:25 Istanbul Airport | 1h30 | 10:55 Athens International Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
GQ671 | 9:30 Istanbul Airport | 1h25 | 10:55 Athens International Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
A3991 | 10:30 Istanbul Airport | 1h30 | 12:00 Athens International Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
AZ7049+ AZ720 | 12:00 Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 23h10 | 11:10 Athens International Airport | 1 change | |
AZ7049+ AZ722 | 12:00 Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 12h45 | 0:45 Athens International Airport | 1 change | |
AZ7049+ AZ718 | 12:00 Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 6h35 | 18:35 Athens International Airport | 1 change | |
A3435 · A3321 | 12:25 Istanbul Airport | 10h20 | 22:45 Athens International Airport | 1 change | |
A3435 · A3323 | 12:25 Istanbul Airport | 11h45 | 0:10 Athens International Airport | 1 change | |
TK1849 | 13:20 Istanbul Airport | 1h35 | 14:55 Athens International Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
A3993 | 15:35 Istanbul Airport | 1h30 | 17:05 Athens International Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
PC1193 | 17:55 Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 1h30 | 19:25 Athens International Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
TK1845 | 18:55 Istanbul Airport | 1h35 | 20:30 Athens International Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
A3995 | 21:00 Istanbul Airport | 1h30 | 22:30 Athens International Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 27 August | |||||
TK1841 | 1:45 Istanbul Airport | 1h25 | 3:10 Athens International Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
A3999 | 4:35 Istanbul Airport | 1h30 | 6:05 Athens International Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
TK1843 | 7:25 Istanbul Airport | 1h30 | 8:55 Athens International Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
PC1191 | 7:55 Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 1h30 | 9:25 Athens International Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Discover the best of Athens — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Athens trip today.
Modern museum presenting Acropolis finds in bright galleries, including sculptures and the Parthenon Gallery with city views.
Major collection of Greek antiquities, from prehistoric treasures to classical sculpture. A core stop for understanding ancient Greece.
Private museum with Cycladic figurines, ancient Greek art and elegant displays in a refined central setting.
Historic old quarter beneath the Acropolis, with neoclassical streets, steps, churches and easy access to key archaeological sites.
Lively flea market district with lanes, antique shops, street life and a strong local character near the ancient centre.
Wooded hilltop park with walking paths, city panoramas and a classic viewpoint towards the Acropolis and the Aegean light.
A layered bake of aubergine, minced meat and béchamel. It is a beloved Greek home-style classic found in tavernas across Athens.
A flaky pie of spinach, herbs and feta in crisp filo pastry. It is a staple snack and bakery favourite in Athens.
Chargrilled pork pieces, usually served on skewers or in pita. It is one of Athens' most popular quick meals and taverna staples.
Well-known seafood restaurant in Piraeus, popular for fresh fish, fried calamari and classic meze in a bustling port-side setting.
Long-running Plaka taverna serving grilled meats, meze and Greek standards with a traditional atmosphere and live music at times.
Popular grill house famed for succulent souvlaki and skewers, offering a casual local experience near the city centre.
Moderate for Europe: tavernas and public transport are good value, but central hotels and peak-season dining cost more than in many Balkan cities.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated. Round up in cafés and taxis; no large tip is expected.
Official public transport app
Athens International Airport Railway Station -> Syntagma Square, Athens
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Istanbul to Athens by flight. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Athens, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Istanbul to Athens flights use the Istanbul Airport to Athens International Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Istanbul and Athens airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Istanbul Airport is 32 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
Istanbul Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport for two hours. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering services from various banks.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Istanbul Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Istanbul Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is 7 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in arrivals and departures areas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport: Ramps, assistance.
Athens International Airport is 4 km from Athens city centre. Public transport options include:
Athens International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport for 45 minutes. ATMs are located throughout the airport, including arrivals and departures areas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Athens International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Athens International Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need