$504 Cheap Flights from Washington (DCA) to Athens (ATH)

Washington (DCA) to Athens (ATH) at a glance

Travel with a range of airlines offering flights from Washington (DCA) to Athens (ATH) on this long-haul international route. Compare choices among full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel preferences as you set out to experience the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Athens. Here, you’ll find essential information for flights departing from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH).

• Fastest flight duration: around 11h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 45m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 5,200 miles (8,370 km)
• Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $260–$1225, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for one-stop and multi-stop flights from Washington to Athens. Popular layover options include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with a layover time of about 1 hour and 45 minutes, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) at approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, and Logan International Airport (BOS) with a 2 hour and 45-minute layover. These choices allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

• Delta: Offering comprehensive services, Delta provides one-stop flights with one-way fares that generally range from $260 to $705. This airline represents about 27% of departures on this route, featuring an in-air time of 11 hours and 15 minutes, culminating in a total travel duration of approximately 13 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
• American Airlines: As a full-service airline, American Airlines delivers one-stop options with one-way ticket prices typically between $410 and $1,335. It accounts for roughly 20% of flights on this route, with an in-flight duration of 11 hours and 15 minutes and an overall journey time of around 13 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
• Virgin Atlantic: This full-service carrier offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares usually ranging from $275 to $645. Virgin Atlantic makes up approximately 17% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 11 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel time of about 13 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
• United: United Airlines, a full-service carrier, provides one-stop services with one-way fares typically falling between $525 and $1,270. Representing around 15% of departures on this route, it has an in-flight time of 11 hours and 15 minutes and a complete journey time of roughly 13 hours and 45 minutes, including a layover.
• Air Canada: This full-service airline offers routes with one-stop service, and its one-way fares generally range from $505 to $910. Air Canada accounts for about 7% of departures on this route, with an in-air duration of 11 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 13 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.

Alternative route from Washington (DCA) to Athens (ATH)

• Washington to Athens (IAD-ATH): Located approximately 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) serves as a key gateway for flights to Athens. One-way economy ticket prices on this route generally vary from $290 to $1040, influenced by the season and the timing of your booking. Travelers can choose between both non-stop and one-stop flights, with frequent layovers at Kastrup Airport (CPH) and Istanbul Airport (IST). Major airlines operating on this route include United and SAS, and business class service is also available.

How to find the best prices for flights from Washington (DCA) to Athens (ATH)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Washington 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 typically found when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers book their flights 2 to 8 weeks ahead. Morning departures (5 AM to 12 PM) usually offer lower prices, while afternoon flights (12 PM to 6 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Monday tends to be cheaper, though Thursday is 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 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Athens welcomes travelers from Washington with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is roughly a 10-minute drive (covering about 5 miles) from central Washington. 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 from the airport on foot, while Gythion Seaport, a seaport, is situated about 0.3 miles away on foot, offering easy access to both transport options.

Washington to Athens Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Washington 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 Washington to Athens are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Washington to Athens with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Washington to Athens

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington to Athens in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $504 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 Washington 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 Washington 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.