Open interactive map →Cheap flights from Istanbul to Athens
From Istanbul, reaching Athens in Greece currently costs from €39. Fares are available from several carriers, with prices shifting week to week. Non-stop flights are available, which saves time compared to connecting itineraries. The flight typically takes around 1h 9min. Prices follow seasonal patterns - the calendar below shows where the dips and peaks fall across the next 12 months, so you can book at the right moment.
For the best prices on this route, aim to book at least 3-4 weeks in advance. Tuesday and Wednesday departures from Istanbul tend to be cheaper than Friday or Sunday flights. If €39 is above your budget, try adjusting to a shoulder-season month using the calendar above - fares can drop significantly outside peak periods. See all flights from Istanbul to Greece→
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Cheapest month to fly
- October 2026€39DirectCheapest
Based on tracked fares, October is the cheapest month to fly this route at around €39.
Prices last updated: September 2026
October in Athens
Avg 20°C~2 rainy days
Historical averages from Open-Meteo. Shown for the cheapest travel month.
Entry requirements for Greece
EU passportFree movement (EU/Schengen)
US passportVisa-free, 90 days
Requirements vary by nationality and change without notice. Check requirements for your nationality →
Athens International Airport (ATH) — 33 km from city centre
Metro Line 3around 40-50 min
Taxi/ridesharearound 35-50 min
About Athens
Athens combines 2,500 years of continuous history with a contemporary urban culture defined by rooftop bars, street art, and a cuisine revival that has made Greek food internationally recognised. Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) is a major Aegean hub, connecting to island routes as well as European and long-haul destinations. The Acropolis, Parthenon, and National Archaeological Museum anchor the cultural offer.
Where to stay in Athens
How the main neighbourhoods compare, based on trip type.
- Monastiraki / PlakaBest for first visit
The area below the Acropolis is the most logical base for a first Athens visit. Plaka is the oldest continuously inhabited neighbourhood in the city, and the narrow streets below the Parthenon fill with tavernas and small shops. Monastiraki square has the flea market (expanding on Sundays), the Roman Agora, and the Ancient Agora within a 10-minute walk. The Acropolis Museum is at the southern edge of Plaka. Crowded in summer but manageable because the sights are spread across levels of the hill rather than a flat grid.
Metro: Lines 1, 3 (Monastiraki) · Airport: Around 40-45 min by metro to Monastiraki · Historic, touristy in summer, ancient ruins
- KoukakiBest for a weekend
The neighbourhood immediately south of the Acropolis and east of Filopappou Hill is a strong base for a 2-3 night stay that's close to the main sights without being inside the tourist core. A 10-minute walk to the Acropolis Museum and Plaka, but with significantly lower prices for food and accommodation. Filopappou Hill itself provides one of the best views of the Parthenon without the Acropolis entry queue. The streets have a genuinely residential character rare this close to major ancient sites.
Metro: Lines 2, 3 (Akropoli, Syngrou Fix) · 15 min walk to Monastiraki · Residential, quiet, Acropolis views
- Psirri / KeramikosBest for nightlife
Alternative routes
Other ways to reach Athens
Frequently asked questions
How much does a flight from Istanbul to Athens cost?
The cheapest fare currently available from Istanbul to Athens is €39. Prices on this route vary by season, day of week, and how far in advance you book. The month-by-month price calendar on this page shows exactly when fares are highest and lowest, so you can pick the most cost-effective window before searching for specific dates. Fares are refreshed regularly as our flight partners publish new availability.
Are there direct flights from Istanbul to Athens?
Yes - non-stop flights are currently available from Istanbul to Athens. The cheapest direct fare starts at €39, making it a convenient option if you want to avoid layover time. Direct flights are generally quicker and less stressful, especially for shorter trips to Greece. Click through to the booking site to check live availability and schedules for your dates.
When is the cheapest time to fly from Istanbul to Athens?
Prices on this route typically dip during shoulder-season months, away from school holidays and public holiday windows. Mid-week departures - particularly Tuesday to Thursday - tend to be cheaper than flights on Fridays and Sundays from Istanbul. The month-by-month price calendar above is the fastest way to identify the cheapest window - look for the months with the lowest fares before committing to travel dates. Booking 3-6 weeks in advance generally offers the best balance of price and seat availability on this route.