$346 Cheap Flights from Columbia (CAE) to Athens (ATH)

Columbia (CAE) to Athens (ATH) at a glance

Travel with a selection of airlines offering routes from Columbia (CAE) to Athens (ATH) on this international long-haul journey. Evaluate options from full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel plans as you visit Athens's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Here, you'll find essential information for flights departing from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH).

• Fastest flight duration: around 11h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 2 hours layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 5,500 miles (8,850 km)
• Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $355–$915, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH)

According to recent traveler bookings, the top airlines flying from Columbia to Athens are often selected for one-stop and multi-stop flights, featuring popular layovers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with about a 2-hour stop, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) with a 2-hour layover, and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) with approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. These options allow you to combine factors like price, total travel time, and cabin class to find your ideal itinerary.

• American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way prices generally falling between $425 and $705. It constitutes about 29% of departures for this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 11 hours and 30 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 13 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
• Virgin Atlantic: Another full-service option, Virgin Atlantic offers one-stop services with one-way fares usually ranging from $355 to $1015. It shares a similar departure percentage of around 29% for this route, with 11 hours and 30 minutes in the air, and a total journey time near 13 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in layovers.
• United: United Airlines, also a full-service carrier, provides one-stop service with one-way fares typically between $460 and $960. It accounts for roughly 18% of departures on this route, with a flight duration of 12 hours and 15 minutes and an overall travel time of about 18 hours, including layover periods.

Alternative route from Columbia (CAE) to Athens (ATH)

• Columbia to Milos (CAE-MLO): Milos Island National Airport (MLO) is approximately 90 miles from Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH).

How to find the best prices for flights from Columbia (CAE) to Athens (ATH)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Columbia to Athens 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 2 to 8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book at least 2 months ahead. Afternoon departures, between 12 PM and 6 PM, not only offer lower prices but are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Friday generally yields cheaper rates, while Monday remains the busiest 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 Eleftherios Venizelos Airport from Columbia Metropolitan Airport

Athens welcomes travelers from Columbia with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Columbia Metropolitan Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive (covering about 8 miles) from central Columbia. Athens city center is approximately a 30-minute drive (covering about 22 miles) from Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Athens efficiently:

• 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 from Eleftherios Venizelos Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Eleftherios Venizelos 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.
• Public transportation: From Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, Athens International Airport Station, a metro station, is conveniently located just 0.1 miles away on foot, while Gythion Seaport, a seaport, is approximately 0.3 miles away on foot, making access to both transportation options easy for travelers.

Columbia to Athens Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Columbia to Athens

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 Columbia to Athens are during the month of March. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Columbia to Athens with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Columbia to Athens

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Columbia to Athens: 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 Columbia to Athens

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 Columbia to Athens in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $346 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 Columbia to Athens 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 Columbia to Athens 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.