Travelling from Istanbul to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH): What you need to know
Istanbul has a couple of airports where you can start your adventure. Check out your options for booking a flight from Istanbul to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) heading out from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
The average duration of a direct Istanbul to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport flight is 1 hour 35 minutes.
Athens is one hour behind Istanbul. Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is located in Athens, which runs on the UTC+2 timezone.
Choose from 62 direct services each week between Istanbul Airport (IST) and Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH). This is the most popular route when departing from Istanbul.
Your flight from Istanbul to ATH won't wait if you're running late, so get to the airport with time to spare. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead when you're travelling internationally.
During popular months such as August, it's a good idea to get to the airport well in advance. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're flying during a peak period in general.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul Airport (IST) offers an easy route to your destination. Nonstop flights from Istanbul to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) take off from this terminal.
Well-known airlines that operate direct flights from Istanbul to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport out of IST include:
Turkish Airlines is the most frequently chosen airline for flights from IST to ATH.
Located around 40 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul, IST can be reached in about 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport will take roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
In search of a comfortable hotel near Istanbul Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Istanbul to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your check-in counter:
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Consider flying out of Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). You can book a direct Istanbul to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) plane ticket with departures from this hub.
From SAW, direct flights from Istanbul to ATH can be booked with Pegasus.
Pegasus Airlines is the top choice for bookings on the SAW to ATH route.
Flights between Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport are more likely to be on time with Pegasus Airlines compared to other carriers.
On public transport, you can travel from central Istanbul to SAW in about 1 hour 40 minutes. The airport is roughly 48 kilometres away, and getting there by car takes approximately 1 hour 5 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before your Istanbul to ATH flight? Kick back in a hotel near Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your adventure officially starts. These stays are expecting you:
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 68%. This figure reflects how frequently flights departing from this airport reach their destination on time.
About Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
If you have a late flight from Istanbul to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these options near ATH:
Booking your ride around three weeks ahead of your Istanbul to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport flight can help you get the lowest rate.
Getting from Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) to central Athens
Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to the centre of Athens is roughly 19 kilometres. If you're renting a car or taking a taxi, plan ahead to make your trip as smooth as possible. Journey times can vary depending on traffic and the time of day.
Travelling by public transport will take you around 40 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is ر.ق. 132. For a return flight on this route, the best price is ر.ق. 349. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares could change.
To score cheap flights from Istanbul to ATH, book your plane ticket six months ahead of your departure date.
November is when you're most likely to land a good deal on a Istanbul to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport ticket. If you'd like to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices across every month.
Snapping up a cheap plane ticket from Istanbul to ATH is easy with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when a better deal is available.
Find an affordable flight from Istanbul to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport by using filters. Select your ideal departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from Istanbul to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
January is the quietest month for flights from Istanbul to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH), while July is the busiest. Choose the best time to go to Athens based on whether you like a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Before locking in your Istanbul to ATH plane ticket, consider the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. July is the warmest month in Athens, with temperatures ranging from 22ºC to 37ºC.
January sees temperatures of between 4ºC and 14ºC. Search for cheap tickets from Istanbul to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Athens
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Athens right here. Explore these options once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport:
You'll find plenty of fantastic things to do in Athens when you're in the mood to sightsee. Start exploring at Acropolis of Athens followed by The Parthenon and Erechtheion.
Explore more of Greece
Athens has loads to offer, but there are so many other corners of Greece waiting to be explored. About 225 kilometres northwest of Athens, a trip to Larisa will keep you on the go. Don't miss top attractions like Larissa Ancient Ruins, Municipal Art Gallery of Larissa and The Church Of St. George.
Around 306 kilometres north of Athens, Kalamaria is another essential stop in Greece. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Macedonian Tomb Park, Kalamaria Marina Recreational Park and Hellenic Pharmaceutical Museum.

