Cheap Flights from Athens (ATH) to Istanbul (ISL)

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Flight from Athens to Istanbul (ATH - ISL) route information
Origin airport
Eleftherios Venizelos
Destination airport
Ataturk Intl.
Distance
334 mi

Athens to Istanbul Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Athens to Istanbul

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Athens to Istanbul are during the month of . You can find some of the cheapest flights from Athens to Istanbul with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Athens to Istanbul

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Athens to Istanbul: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Athens to Istanbul

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Athens to Istanbul in 2024. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Athens to Istanbul flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Athens to Istanbul airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

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

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to fly from Athens International Airport to ISL?
Turkish Airlines has a direct flight taking off from AIA Airport at 3:50AM and touching down at ISL at 5:15AM — a total travel time of 1 hour and 25 minutes. Select the seat that’s right for you, pack some things to keep you entertained and the time will pass by quickly.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from AIA Airport to Istanbul Airport last minute?
When it’s time to book your flights, being organized pays off. While you may be able to score a deal on an Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH) to Istanbul Airport flight at the last minute, tickets usually don’t get cheaper as the departure date nears. Based on flight pricing and demand studies in 2022, we have found that the sweet spot to book a domestic flight is between 28 – 35 days in advance. For international travel it’s between three and four months.
What airline has the least delays from Athens International Airport to Ataturk Intl. Airport (IST)?
If you’d rather not be waiting around for hours — or worse, your trip left in tatters because of a flight delay — book with Aegean Airlines. Around 96% of its Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH) to Ataturk Intl. Airport (IST) services get in on time. You can review your flight status before traveling to the airport through the free Expedia App. It also delivers real-time alerts about a bunch of other useful things, such as gate changes and how to reach your hotel. Everything you need to know is right there in your pocket!
What airports do you fly into for Istanbul from Athens?
From Athens, you can fly into Istanbul via Ataturk Intl. Airport (IST), Istanbul (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen Intl. Airport (SAW). Be sure to check which hub is the most convenient for you before you make a decision. If you settle on Ataturk Intl. Airport (IST), it’s approximately 9 mi west of downtown. Use the money you save when booking your trip with Expedia to enjoy the city’s top sights, such as Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from AIA Airport to Istanbul Airport?
For Aegean Airlines flights heading from AIA Airport to ISL, the most popular period is between 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM. If you want to avoid any delays, book the earliest flight. This way you’re more likely to dodge air traffic that accumulates as the day goes by.
Can I change the date of my flight from Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH) to Ataturk Intl. Airport (IST)?
You can make changes to your AIA Airport to Ataturk Intl. Airport (IST) trip through the Expedia Trips portal. But before doing so, read over the fare conditions in your itinerary to see what the airline will allow you to do and if charges apply. Some carriers have a change fee per person, on top of any difference in fares. But if you booked in the last 24 hours, you may be able to cancel for free and organize new flights. You can also stop by our Customer Service portal for further details and to connect with our Virtual Agent.
Istanbul nearby Airports
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