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$59 Cheap Flights from Athens (ATH) to Istanbul (IST)

View $59 flight on Sat, Feb 13, 2027Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Athens Intl. Airport (ATH) to Istanbul Airport (IST)

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Cheap Flights from Athens to Istanbul (ATH-IST)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $59 for one-way flights and $100 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Aegean
Sat, Feb 13 - Sat, Feb 20
ATH
Athens
IST
Istanbul
$100 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$100
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Aegean flight, departing Sat, Feb 13 from Athens to Istanbul, returning Sat, Feb 20, priced at $100 found 2 days ago
Aegean
Sun, Jan 10 - Tue, Jan 19
ATH
Athens
IST
Istanbul
$106 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$106
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Aegean flight, departing Sun, Jan 10 from Athens to Istanbul, returning Tue, Jan 19, priced at $106 found 5 hours ago
Aegean
Thu, Dec 17 - Thu, Dec 24
ATH
Athens
IST
Istanbul
$106 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$106
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Aegean flight, departing Thu, Dec 17 from Athens to Istanbul, returning Thu, Dec 24, priced at $106 found 1 day ago
Aegean
Sat, Feb 13 - Sat, Feb 20
ATH
Athens
IST
Istanbul
$109 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$109
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Aegean flight, departing Sat, Feb 13 from Athens to Istanbul, returning Sat, Feb 20, priced at $109 found 2 days ago
Aegean
Sat, Jan 30 - Sun, Jan 31
ATH
Athens
IST
Istanbul
$113 Roundtrip, found 17 hours ago
$113
Roundtrip
found 17 hours ago
Select Aegean flight, departing Sat, Jan 30 from Athens to Istanbul, returning Sun, Jan 31, priced at $113 found 17 hours ago
Aegean
Mon, Dec 7 - Thu, Dec 10
ATH
Athens
IST
Istanbul
$114 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$114
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Aegean flight, departing Mon, Dec 7 from Athens to Istanbul, returning Thu, Dec 10, priced at $114 found 1 day ago
SKY express
Thu, Dec 17 - Thu, Dec 24
ATH
Athens
IST
Istanbul
$124 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$124
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select SKY express flight, departing Thu, Dec 17 from Athens to Istanbul, returning Thu, Dec 24, priced at $124 found 1 day ago
Tarom-Romanian Air Transport
Wed, Nov 25 - Mon, Nov 30
ATH
Athens
IST
Istanbul
$192 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$192
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Tarom-Romanian Air Transport flight, departing Wed, Nov 25 from Athens to Istanbul, returning Mon, Nov 30, priced at $192 found 1 hour ago
Turkish Airlines
Sat, Jan 30 - Sun, Jan 31
ATH
Athens
IST
Istanbul
$194 Roundtrip, found 17 hours ago
$194
Roundtrip
found 17 hours ago
Select Turkish Airlines flight, departing Sat, Jan 30 from Athens to Istanbul, returning Sun, Jan 31, priced at $194 found 17 hours ago
Lufthansa
Thu, Apr 15 - Fri, Apr 16
ATH
Athens
IST
Istanbul
$197 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$197
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Lufthansa flight, departing Thu, Apr 15 from Athens to Istanbul, returning Fri, Apr 16, priced at $197 found 2 days ago

Alternative airports near Istanbul

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Istanbul Airport IST. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 41 minutes. Flights from $260
IST
Istanbul Airport
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center41 min
Flights from $260

Find the cheapest month to fly from Athens (ATH) to Istanbul (IST)

February is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $91 - $252 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Eleftherios Venizelos to Istanbul

Athens (ATH) to Istanbul (IST) at a glance

Travel from Athens (ATH) to Istanbul (IST) with a range of airlines on this international short-haul route. Discover options for flights from Athens that cater to various budgets and schedules, allowing you to select the itinerary that aligns with your travel plans. As you prepare for your journey, take note of the essential details for flights from Eleftherios Venizelos Airport to Istanbul Airport, and get ready to explore the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Istanbul.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 350 miles (565 km)
  • Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $55–$265, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH) to Istanbul Airport (IST)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Athens to Istanbul, focusing on non-stop and one-stop options. Many travelers opt for layovers at Mykonos Island National Airport (JMK, approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes), allowing you to customize your journey by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class for the ideal itinerary.

  • Aegean: This full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way prices generally between $55 and $290. It represents around 58% of all departures for this route, featuring a typical non-stop travel duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Turkish Airlines: As a full-service carrier, Turkish Airlines offers non-stop flights with one-way fares that usually range from $115 to $660. It accounts for about 17% of the departures on this route, with a total journey time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Sichuan Airlines: This full-service airline provides non-stop flights, with one-way fares typically priced from $55 to $225. It constitutes approximately 13% of the departures for this route, with a standard travel time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Sky Express: Offering non-stop service as a full-service carrier, Sky Express has one-way fares that generally range from $55 to $170. It makes up roughly 12% of the departures on this route, with a total travel time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Travelers flying from Athens to Istanbul have the option to upgrade their flight experience. Leading airlines for business class include Aegean, Turkish Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines, providing enhanced service and comfort.

Best time to fly from Athens (ATH) to Istanbul (IST)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Athens to Istanbul are April, July, and October, when peak temperatures in Istanbul reach up to 77.4°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider February, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 45.9°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $100). Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 21 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: February usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $100, roughly 31% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: January typically offers an average one-way fare of around $103.
  • Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Athens to Istanbul, with approximately 21 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January45.0°F (7.2°C)Average13$103
February45.9°F (7.7°C)Moderately Low11$100
March48.4°F (9.1°C)Average13$125
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Moderately High14$136
May63.7°F (17.6°C)Average20$162
June72.5°F (22.5°C)Average20$184
July77.4°F (25.2°C)Moderately High21$170
August77.9°F (25.5°C)Average19$161
September72.3°F (22.4°C)Average20$165
October63.9°F (17.7°C)Moderately High19$179
November57.2°F (14.0°C)Moderately Low15$129
December49.6°F (9.8°C)Moderately Low13$132

*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 find the best prices for flights from Athens (ATH) to Istanbul (IST)

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

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Early morning departures (12 a.m. to 5 a.m.) often offer lower prices, while afternoon flights (12 p.m. to 6 p.m.) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally results in cheaper prices, though Sunday is the most popular travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. 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.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. 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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Istanbul Airport from Eleftherios Venizelos Airport

Istanbul welcomes travelers from Athens with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Eleftherios Venizelos Airport is roughly a 30-minute drive (covering about 22 miles) from central Athens. Istanbul city center is approximately a 20-minute drive (covering about 16 miles) from Istanbul Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Istanbul efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Istanbul, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Istanbul Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Istanbul Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $59 and cheap return flights from $100 Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $82 and $837, and roundtrip flights usually range from $148 to $1266. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST)?
January is the cheapest month to fly from Athens (ATH) to Istanbul (IST), with average round-trip fares around $172. This price is about 30% lower than the average throughout the year, as travel demand tends to drop after the holiday season. Other affordable months to consider are February and March.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST)?
Choose from 4 airlines operating direct flights from ATH to IST:

  • Turkish Airlines operates around 28 direct flights from ATH to IST every week
  • Aegean operates around 23 direct flights from ATH to IST every week
  • Sky Express operates around 7 direct flights from ATH to IST every week
  • Sichuan Airlines operates around 7 direct flights from ATH to IST every week

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST)?
Pegasus Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST), with round-trip tickets starting from around $169. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST)?
To find a cheap flight from Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST)?
The best airline to fly with from Athens (ATH) to Istanbul (IST) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Pegasus Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Pegasus Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. Aegean offers the most daily flights from ATH to IST, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST)?
For flights from Athens to Istanbul, January and February are the best months to fly, with average return fares around $172. These months are less busy, allowing for a more relaxed travel experience, while September and June are popular months with plenty of flight options, making them great for travelers looking for good schedules.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST)?
On average, there are around 9 nonstop flights per day from Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Istanbul Airport (IST). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST)?
The earliest flight from Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST) typically departs at around 12:40 AM local time, operated by Aegean Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in January, February, March, October, November, and December. An early departure can help you maximize your time in Istanbul. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Athens (ATH) to Istanbul (IST) are from noon to 3pm. About 26% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Aegean Airlines and Turkish Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it allows travelers to have a leisurely morning before heading to the airport.
How long does it take to fly from Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST)?
Flying nonstop from ATH to IST takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, with the route covering approximately 343 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 21 hours 20 minutes longer than direct options. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST)?
You can fly business class between ATH and IST. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Turkish Airlines
  • Aegean
  • British Airways
  • Royal Jordanian
  • Lufthansa
  • Air Serbia
  • LOT Polish Airlines
  • Sichuan Airlines
  • Sky Express
  • Tarom

How much is a business class flight from Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST)?
A non-stop, one-way business class flight from Athens (ATH) to Istanbul (IST) is usually around $428 - $778. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Istanbul from Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)?
From Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), you can fly into Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen Intl. (SAW) in Istanbul. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci Intl. (FCO), Franz Josef Strauss Intl. (MUC), Frederic Chopin (WAW) before reaching Istanbul. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST) Istanbul Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST)?
If you booked your Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Istanbul (IST) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Eleftherios Venizelos
Destination airport
Istanbul
Airlines serving
Aegean, Air Arabia, Air Serbia, British Airways, ITA Airways, LOT-Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Royal Jordanian, SKY express, Tarom-Romanian Air Transport, Turkish Airlines
Roundtrip price
$100
Distance
343 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 31 mins

Book with confidence

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 February. 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 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $59 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.

 

Athens to Istanbul Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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