$39 Cheap Flights to Athens, TN

Flights to Athens at a glance

Traveling to Athens is easy—simply select between full-service and low-cost airlines. Compare flight schedules and journey times to find the cheapest flight to Athens that aligns with your budget and plans to discover the city's iconic attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Athens: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA)
• Closest airport to Athens: McGhee Tyson Airport, TYS (around 42 miles)
• Flights per week: 3,100+ flights arriving across Athens airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Athens: around 10+ carriers

Popular airports near Athens

Athens is a charming city perfect for outdoor adventures, scenic views, and family getaways. Visitors are drawn to Athens for its combination of nature, romance, and excitement. The city is conveniently accessible through two major local airports, including the nearby Chattanooga Airport, making travel easy for those planning a visit.

• McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS): Situated in Blount County, Tennessee, approximately 42 miles from Athens, this airport offers both domestic and international flights, linking travelers to over 185 domestic cities and more than 30 international locales. Passengers have the option to enhance their journey with upgrades to premium economy or first-class seating, depending on the airline and route. Key airlines operating here include American Airlines, Delta, and United.
• Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA): Found in Hamilton County, Tennessee, about 44 miles from Athens, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport caters to both domestic and international travelers, connecting to around 135 domestic cities and over 10 international destinations. For a more comfortable travel experience, passengers can opt for upgrades to first-class or premium economy seating based on their chosen airline and route. Major carriers at this airport include American Airlines, Delta, and United.

Top routes to Athens

• Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Athens (CHA/TYS), with one-way fares starting at around $95
• New York (JFK/LGA) to Athens (CHA/TYS), with one-way flights starting at around $85
• Denver (DEN) to Athens (CHA/TYS), with one-way tickets available from around $65
• Houston (IAH/HOU) to Athens (CHA/TYS), with one-way tickets available from around $100
• Dallas (DFW/DAL) to Athens (CHA/TYS), with one-way flight options from around $130

Cheapest routes to Athens

• Denver (DEN) to Athens (CHA/TYS), with budget one-way fares from around $65
• New York (JFK/LGA) to Athens (CHA/TYS), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $85
• Miami (MIA) to Athens (CHA/TYS), with affordable one-way prices from around $90
• Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Athens (CHA/TYS), with cheap one-way fares from around $95
• Washington (IAD/DCA) to Athens (CHA/TYS), with low one-way fares from around $95

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Athens

• American Airlines: Operating flights to Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), this airline represents about 50% of arrivals to Athens. The typical one-way fare is around $260, with first-class seating available on select routes.
• Delta: This carrier services Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), contributing to approximately 29% of arrivals in Athens. Average one-way fares are close to $270, and premium service options may include both premium economy and first class, depending on the route.
• United: With flights to Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), United accounts for roughly 18% of Athens arrivals. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $270, with first-class service available on certain routes.
• Frontier Airlines: Flying exclusively to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), Frontier Airlines makes up about 1% of arrivals to Athens. Travelers can expect one-way fares averaging around $190.
• Southwest Airlines: Serving McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), Southwest Airlines also contributes about 1% of arrivals to Athens. The average cost for a one-way fare is approximately $250.

Best time to fly to Athens

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Athens are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Athens can reach up to 58.5°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 70.7°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $229, roughly 9% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? July, September, and May offer average one-way fares of around $242, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Athens

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Athens is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia.*
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Athens flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Athens

Athens welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Athens efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, Chattanooga Seaport, a seaport, is located about 0.2 miles from the airport, making it easily accessible for visitors.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Athens, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Athens is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Athens on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Athens

• Charleston: Charleston is located 21 miles drive away from Athens and is a charming city perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and romantics. Visitors are drawn to its scenic landscapes, including beautiful rivers and lakes. Popular activities include exploring the nearby national state park, and highlights such as Lee University offer a modern educational experience. For those seeking relaxation, Ledford Island is a great spot for a beach getaway, while the North Cleveland Church of God adds cultural depth to your visit.
• Sweetwater: Sweetwater is located 13 miles drive away from Athens and is an exciting destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers. With attractions like the Lost Sea Adventure, a fascinating cave tour, the city invites exploration of its stunning lakes and parks. Families can enjoy time at Engleman Park, while the Sweetwater Public Library offers a cultural retreat. This city is particularly inviting during the warmer months when outdoor activities can be fully appreciated.
• Englewood: Englewood is located 6 miles drive away from Athens and is an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and history. The area boasts recreational spaces and educational sites, such as the historic Tennessee Wesleyan College. Visitors can also experience the Lost Sea Adventure for a unique underground journey. For a family-friendly outing, McMinn Field provides ample space for outdoor activities, making it a lovely place to unwind amidst the beauty of the surrounding natural parks.

Tips for short-haul flights to Athens

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Save space by opting for mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning your outfits strategically. This approach also helps you avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights might not provide in-flight entertainment. Download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself entertained. Be sure to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Athens

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, which is usually 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may offer this option even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights. This gives you enough time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to browse the shops, find a coffee shop, or unwind at your gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by adjusting your watch and sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Athens

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Athens on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

January is the cheapest month to fly to Athens. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Athens. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Athens, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Athens

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Athens in 2026 starts from $76, while one-way tickets start from from $39. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Athens. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Athens

Allegiant Air, American Airlines, United, Southwest Airlines, Delta are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Athens. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Athens and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Athens, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Athens. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Athens plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Athens

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Athens.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Athens are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Athens. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Athens for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Athens. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Athens flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Athens. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.