IST - ATH

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$157
Typical prices: $125-$211
Sky Express
Mon 10/1Tue 10/16
IST - ATH • Non-stop
Cheapest one-way
$80
Typical prices: $74-$140
Sky Express
Wed 1/10
IST - ATH • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with Turkish Airlines, Aegean Airlines and others. Average duration is 1h 30m.
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 92% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 21 weeks in advance save around 33% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 22% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $178 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 11h 09m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to Athens!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Istanbul to Athens (IST-ATH)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Istanbul to Athens

Thu, Oct 1 - Fri, Oct 16
Sky Express Logo
9:30 am - 10:55 amIST  Istanbul-ATH Athens Eleftherios V.
1h 25mnonstop
Sky Express Logo
7:00 am - 8:30 amATH  Athens Eleftherios V.-IST Istanbul
1h 30mnonstop
$157Sky Express
Wed, Feb 24 - Sun, Feb 28
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:30 am - 10:55 amIST  Istanbul-ATH Athens Eleftherios V.
1h 25mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:50 pm - 10:50 amATH  Athens Eleftherios V.-IST Istanbul
14h 00m1 stop Bucharest Otopeni Intl
$157Multiple Airlines
Sat, Sep 19 - Mon, Sep 21
Sky Express Logo
9:30 am - 10:55 amIST  Istanbul-ATH Athens Eleftherios V.
1h 25mnonstop
Sky Express Logo
7:00 am - 8:30 amATH  Athens Eleftherios V.-IST Istanbul
1h 30mnonstop
$158Sky Express
Fri, Nov 20 - Sun, Nov 22
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:30 am - 10:55 amIST  Istanbul-ATH Athens Eleftherios V.
1h 25mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:50 pm - 10:50 amATH  Athens Eleftherios V.-IST Istanbul
14h 00m1 stop Bucharest Otopeni Intl
$158Multiple Airlines
Thu, Nov 19 - Sun, Nov 22
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:30 am - 10:55 amIST  Istanbul-ATH Athens Eleftherios V.
1h 25mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:50 pm - 10:50 amATH  Athens Eleftherios V.-IST Istanbul
14h 00m1 stop Bucharest Otopeni Intl
$158Multiple Airlines
Thu, Nov 19 - Sun, Nov 22
Turkish Airlines Logo
10:00 pm - 10:30 pmIST  Istanbul-ATH Athens Eleftherios V.
1h 30mnonstop
Turkish Airlines Logo
8:00 am - 10:35 amATH  Athens Eleftherios V.-IST Istanbul
1h 35mnonstop
$161Turkish Airlines
Fri, Nov 20 - Sun, Nov 22
Turkish Airlines Logo
10:00 pm - 10:30 pmIST  Istanbul-ATH Athens Eleftherios V.
1h 30mnonstop
Turkish Airlines Logo
8:00 am - 10:35 amATH  Athens Eleftherios V.-IST Istanbul
1h 35mnonstop
$161Turkish Airlines
Tue, Oct 13 - Fri, Oct 16
Sky Express Logo
9:30 am - 10:55 amIST  Istanbul-ATH Athens Eleftherios V.
1h 25mnonstop
Sky Express Logo
7:00 am - 8:30 amATH  Athens Eleftherios V.-IST Istanbul
1h 30mnonstop
$162Sky Express
Fri, Oct 30 - Mon, Nov 2
Aegean Airlines Logo
3:50 pm - 7:15 pmIST  Istanbul-ATH Athens Eleftherios V.
4h 25m1 stop Heraklion N. Kazantzakis Apt.
Aegean Airlines Logo
7:50 am - 8:05 pmATH  Athens Eleftherios V.-IST Istanbul
11h 15m1 stop Heraklion N. Kazantzakis Apt.
$164Aegean Airlines
Sun, Nov 1 - Mon, Nov 16
Aegean Airlines Logo
4:45 pm - 5:15 pmIST  Istanbul-ATH Athens Eleftherios V.
1h 30mnonstop
Aegean Airlines Logo
6:30 pm - 9:00 pmATH  Athens Eleftherios V.-IST Istanbul
1h 30mnonstop
$168Aegean Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Istanbul Airport to Athens flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights from Istanbul Airport to Athens with more confidence.

How much is a round-trip flight from Istanbul Airport to Athens?

Round-trip flights from Istanbul Airport to Athens start at $157. Prices are typical for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $125 to $211. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $157 on Sky Express.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Istanbul Airport to Athens?

Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Istanbul Airport to Athens, it is 7% cheaper than the average day. Sunday is the most expensive day with flight prices 8% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Istanbul Airport to Athens?

  • January is the cheapest month to fly from Istanbul Airport to Athens at $125 round-trip.
  • May ($195) and August ($190) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 56% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from Istanbul Airport to Athens the cheapest?

Flights from Istanbul Airport to Athens are cheapest 21 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 33% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Istanbul to Athens

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Yulia Denisyuk

Yulia Denisyuk

Expert on Aegean Airlines

Yulia is a freelance journalist who’s dispatched from 90+ countries. Her work focuses on cultures, adventure trips and air travel, appearing in NatGeo, NYT, CNTraveler, and more. For past assignments, she’s stayed with nomads in Mongolia and learned the art of Imigongo in Rwanda. She’s based in Chicago; in winter she often questions that decision.

Daniel Scheffler

Daniel Scheffler

Expert on Sky Express

Daniel Scheffler is a travel writer, podcaster, and producer. Born in Africa, bred in Europe and now living in America he has traveled to 140 countries (and all 50 U.S. states). Plus he has stayed at over 2500 hotels across the globe. His original shows Everywhere and Without Maps (available on Spotify) showcase his beliefs, travel is about humanity and sharing that beauty. And thus it reminds you that you shouldn’t believe everything you think.

Gabriel Leigh

Gabriel Leigh

Expert on Turkish Airlines

Gabriel is a writer and video creator. As senior content producer for Flightradar24 and Monocle’s transport correspondent, he keeps a close eye on aviation in particular. He has also written travel articles for the likes of The New York Times. Born in New York but raised around the world, he now lives in Sweden. He’s been to 75 countries, flying 2.3 million miles on 113 airlines and through 234 airports in the process.

Key details for Istanbul Airport to Athens flights

Low season

July

Cheapest flight

$80
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 17% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 1% lower on average.
Flight from Istanbul Airport to Athens

When to book flights from Istanbul to Athens

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Istanbul to Athens based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Your Istanbul Airport to Athens flight questions, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking questions.

  • How early should I arrive at IST?

    When flying from Istanbul to Athens, you should ensure that you arrive at the airport at least 3h before your flight's scheduled departure time. As a result, you will go through the security checkpoints and ticketing office, get your boarding pass, and arrive at the departure gate on time. Alternatively, to help you plan for your trip, you can log into your airline website to check how busy the wait lines are.

  • Is it possible to spend the night at ATH?

    ATH is not very accommodating to overnight travelers. There aren't many benches that are comfy and/or armrest-free. It's preferable just to stay awake and upright the entire time. The seats near McDonald's may be your best bet if you plan to spend the night there because it appears that the airside provides greater resting alternatives than the landside.

  • Are there any onsite hotels at ATH?

    Multiple onsite hotels at ATH offer exceptional services, including airport shuttle transfers and complimentary breakfast and fitness centers. Therefore, if you want to make reservations to avoid the late-night fuss, consider booking your stay at the Sofitel Athens Airport hotel, located approximately 0.2 miles away from the airport.

  • What family services will I find at IST?

    Families flying through Istanbul Airport (IST) can utilize the family amenities available at the airport. The airport is equipped with an interactive kids’ playground on the Departures Level. This facility is to help kids relax their muscles after a long flight or burn off some energy before boarding their flights. Nursing mothers can also use the Mamava pods located in Concourse A, B, D, and G.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on Istanbul Airport to Athens flights?

    Among airlines operating Istanbul Airport to Athens flights:

    • Aegean Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • What airlines are available from Istanbul Airport to Athens?

    4 airlines operate flights between Istanbul Airport and Athens. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:

    • Turkish Airlines
    • Aegean Airlines
    • Sky Express
    • Sichuan Airlines

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Istanbul Airport to Athens?

    Flights from Istanbul Airport to Athens usually depart from Istanbul (IST) and arrive at Athens Eleftherios V. (ATH).

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Istanbul Airport to Athens flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • Aegean Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Sky Express: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Turkish Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route and airline, so travelers should check the fare details before booking.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from Istanbul Airport to Athens?

    Two cabin classes are available on flights from Istanbul Airport to Athens:

    • Economy Class
    • Business Class

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from Istanbul Airport to Athens?

    On this route, nonstop flights are cheaper than layover options on average. Nonstop fares average $161 round-trip, compared to $178 via a layover through Budapest Ferenc Liszt Intl (BUD).

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from Istanbul Airport to Athens?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $21–$100 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite-status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • Which aircraft model is used most often on flights from Istanbul Airport to Athens?

    The Airbus A321neo family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by Aegean Airlines and Turkish Airlines. Other aircraft seen on the route include Airbus A320neo variants.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Istanbul Airport to Athens pass through?

    One-stop flights from Istanbul Airport to Athens most commonly connect through:

    • Belgrade Nikola Tesla (BEG) - 60% of one-stop connections
    • Budapest Ferenc Liszt Intl (BUD) - 10% of one-stop connections
    • Frankfurt am Main (FRA) - 10% of one-stop connections
    • Bucharest Otopeni Intl (OTP) - 10% of one-stop connections

    Belgrade Nikola Tesla (BEG) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Istanbul Airport to Athens?

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 14% on the Istanbul Airport to Athens route. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at $151 round-trip on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $174, a difference of $23. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from Istanbul Airport to Athens?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the Istanbul Airport to Athens route, 16% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 1 hour 33 minutes.

  • How are flight departures from Istanbul Airport to Athens spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Istanbul Airport to Athens flights, with 45% of flights leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 22%, night flights for 22%, and evening flights for 11%.

  • What popular places can I visit in Athens?

    Some of the most popular sights in Athens are Acropolis, Syntagma Square and Monastiraki. These are among the most viewed places in Athens on KAYAK.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Istanbul Airport to Athens?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from Istanbul Airport to Athens:

    • Earliest: departs at 1:45 am and lands at 3:15 am
    • Latest: departs at 10:45 pm and lands at 12:15 am.

    The flight takes about 1h 30m.

  • How expensive are last-minute Istanbul Airport to Athens flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 15% above the route average of $161. Book 21 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How long is a flight from Istanbul Airport to Athens?

    A nonstop flight from Istanbul Airport to Athens takes 1h 30m, covering 344 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Istanbul Airport to Athens?

    Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.

  • How are flight prices from Istanbul Airport to Athens looking right now?

    One-way fares from Istanbul Airport to Athens are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $84, which is 17% below the typical average for this route.

  • How does Sky Express’s on-time performance compare to other airlines on Istanbul Airport to Athens flights?

    Sky Express is slightly above the route average for timely arrivals, while Turkish Airlines has a lower on-time arrival rate. On-time arrival rates on Istanbul Airport to Athens flights are:

    • Sky Express: 92% on time
    • Turkish Airlines: 87% on time
    • Sichuan Airlines: 82% on time

    Overall, flights on this route are on time 84% of the time on average.

  • How do delay rates compare for morning and evening flights from Istanbul Airport to Athens?

    Night flights have the fewest delays on this route. Delays tend to pile up throughout the day as one late flight pushes the next, so earlier departures are usually more reliable.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from Istanbul Airport to Athens?

    Flying via Bucharest Otopeni Intl (OTP) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 11h 09m, compared with 11h 19m via Thessaloniki Makedonia (SKG) and 12h 06m via Belgrade Nikola Tesla (BEG).

  • What car rental options are available at Athens Eleftherios V. Airport (ATH)?

    Athens Eleftherios V. Airport (ATH) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $2 for economy cars. Top options include:
    · Centauro
    · Record go
    · Europcar
    · SURPRICE CAR RENTAL
    · Alamo

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Istanbul Airport to Athens flight?

    Round-trip flights from Istanbul Airport to Athens range from $125 to $211, with an average of $161 over the past 12 months. Anything below $125 counts as a good deal.

Your guide to booking Istanbul Airport to Athens flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates can be flexible, aim for a Tuesday departure instead of Sunday. On this route, Tuesday flights average $151 - about $23 less than Sunday (13% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 21 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 33% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Istanbul Airport to Athens trip for January. Fares historically average $125 round-trip in that month - typically $70 less than the most expensive month, which is May (based on the last 12 months).
  • If arriving on time is high on your priority list, Sky Express is the strongest pick on this route. 92% of Sky Express flights from Istanbul Airport to Athens arrived on time in the past 3 months, slightly above the route's average on-time arrival rate of 84%. When flights on this route do arrive late, the average delay is 1 hour 33 minutes, so choosing a carrier with strong on-time performance can make a difference on tight schedules.
  • Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) is the major and largest international Airport serving Athens, Greece. The airport is located approximately 20.5 miles from Athens city center. ATH serves as the hub of Ryanair, Sky Express, Aegean Airlines, Volotea, and Olympic Air.
  • The most efficient and quickest way to travel from Istanbul city center to IST is via a taxi or self-driving. With a taxi or self-drive, you can get to the airport in approximately 40-45 minutes, depending on the traffic. However, with self-drive, you will have to factor in the parking time, which is approximately 10 minutes. Compared to buses that take about 60 minutes and metros 40 minutes to cover this distance, taxis are your best option if you risk missing your flight.
  • IST offers services for passengers with limited mobility flying through the airport. It offers wheelchair services and extra assistance upon request. Therefore, you should contact your airline before your travel date to access these services. On the other hand, ATH is equipped with elevators and wheelchair-accessible washrooms making navigation easier.
  • If you want to eat while at Istanbul Airport (IST), it features multiple coffee shops and restaurants that you can explore. These food concessions are found on the Airside and Landside of the airport.
  • ATH features a museum at the main terminal, displaying Greek Aviation history that you can explore while at the airport. Art lovers can also visit the Art and Exhibition area located on the Arrivals level. This area features photography exhibitions and paintings.

Prefer to fly direct from Istanbul Airport to Athens?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from Istanbul Airport to Athens Eleftherios V. Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Istanbul to Athens Eleftherios V.

Monday

Aegean Airlines,Sichuan Airlines,Sky Express, +1 more

Aegean Airlines,Sichuan Airlines, +2 more

Tuesday

Aegean Airlines,Sky Express,Turkish Airlines

Aegean Airlines,Sky Express, +1 more

Wednesday

Aegean Airlines,Sichuan Airlines,Sky Express, +1 more

Aegean Airlines,Sichuan Airlines, +2 more

Thursday

Aegean Airlines,Sky Express,Turkish Airlines

Aegean Airlines,Sky Express, +1 more

Friday

Aegean Airlines,Sichuan Airlines,Sky Express, +1 more

Aegean Airlines,Sichuan Airlines, +2 more

Saturday

Aegean Airlines,Sky Express,Turkish Airlines

Aegean Airlines,Sky Express, +1 more

Sunday

Aegean Airlines,Sichuan Airlines,Sky Express, +1 more

Aegean Airlines,Sichuan Airlines, +2 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Athens Eleftherios V. to Istanbul

Monday

Aegean Airlines,Sichuan Airlines,Sky Express, +1 more

Aegean Airlines,Sichuan Airlines, +2 more

Tuesday

Aegean Airlines,Sky Express,Turkish Airlines

Aegean Airlines,Sky Express, +1 more

Wednesday

Aegean Airlines,Sichuan Airlines,Sky Express, +1 more

Aegean Airlines,Sichuan Airlines, +2 more

Thursday

Aegean Airlines,Sky Express,Turkish Airlines

Aegean Airlines,Sky Express, +1 more

Friday

Aegean Airlines,Sichuan Airlines,Sky Express, +1 more

Aegean Airlines,Sichuan Airlines, +2 more

Saturday

Aegean Airlines,Sky Express,Turkish Airlines

Aegean Airlines,Sky Express, +1 more

Sunday

Aegean Airlines,Sichuan Airlines,Sky Express, +1 more

Aegean Airlines,Sichuan Airlines, +2 more

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from Istanbul to Athens

Complete your trip to Athens with a hotel stay or car rental