$140 Cheap Flights from Ankara (ESB) to Athens (ATH)
Popular airlines from Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens Intl. Airport (ATH)
Turkish AirlinesTurkish Airlines
LufthansaLufthansa
Pegasus AirlinesPegasus Airlines
Swiss International Air LinesSwiss International Air Lines
Be in the knowGet alerts if flight prices drop or rise*
Book smarterSave up to 30% on select hotels after you book a flight*
Cheap Flights from Ankara to Athens (ESB-ATH)
Book with confidence
Ankara (ESB) to Athens (ATH) at a glance
Travel from Ankara (ESB) to Athens (ATH) with a selection of airlines operating this international short-haul route. Explore options from both full-service and budget carriers to discover the best itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel preferences as you delve into the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Athens. Here are the essential details for flights from Esenboga Airport (ESB) to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH).
- Fastest flight duration: around 2h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 2h 45m layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 500 miles (800 km)
- Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $135–$480, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Esenboga Airport (ESB) to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH)
Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines flying from Ankara to Athens, often selected for their one-stop services. Popular layovers include Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), with a layover of around 2 hours and 45 minutes, and Istanbul Airport (IST), offering a 2-hour layover. These options allow you to choose based on price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the best itinerary for your trip.
- Turkish Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop options, with one-way prices generally falling between $210 and $480. It dominates this route, making up about 70% of departures. Expect a flying time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, with the entire travel duration around 5 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.
- Pegasus Airlines: As a budget carrier, Pegasus offers one-stop services, with one-way fares typically ranging from $135 to $180. It accounts for around 30% of departures on this route. The in-flight duration is similar at 2 hours and 45 minutes, with a total journey time of approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in the layover.
Alternative route from Ankara (ESB) to Athens (ATH)
- Ankara to Athens (ANK-ATH): Etimesgut Airport (ANK) is located approximately 20 miles from Esenboga Airport (ESB), making it a convenient choice for travelers.
How to find the best prices for flights from Ankara (ESB) to Athens (ATH)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Ankara to Athens is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which is also the timeframe when most travelers make their reservations. Departures between 12 PM and 6 PM often offer lower prices and are the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Tuesday not only provides cheaper prices but is also the most favored travel day.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
- 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.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- 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 Esenboga Airport
Athens welcomes travelers from Ankara with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Esenboga Airport is roughly a 25-minute drive (covering about 18 miles) from central Ankara. 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 about 0.1 miles away on foot, while Gythion Seaport (a seaport) is situated approximately 0.3 miles away, also accessible on foot.
Ankara to Athens Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Ankara 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 Ankara to Athens are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Ankara to Athens with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Ankara to Athens
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Ankara 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 Ankara 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 Ankara to Athens in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $140 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 Ankara 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 Ankara 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $140 and cheap return flights $269 Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $104 and $606, and return flights often range between $345 and $1238. 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 Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) 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 Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos)?
The cheapest month to fly from ESB to ATH is November when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos)?
Enter ESB to ATH and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos)?
Pegasus Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos), starting from around $274 for a round-trip ticket. 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 Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos)?
To find a cheap flight from Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos), 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 time to fly from Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
What is the earliest flight from Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos)?
The earliest flight from Ankara (ESB) to Athens (ATH) typically departs at around 1:50 AM, operated by Turkish Airlines and Aegean. This service is seasonal and runs in June and July, making it ideal for summer travel. An early flight gives you a head start on exploring Athens. 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 Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Esenboga (ESB) to Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 28% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Athens with plenty of time to enjoy the day.
How long does it take to fly from Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos)?
Flights from ESB to ATH with one stop typically take around 5 hours, covering approximately 508 miles. 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 Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos)?
Business class seats are offered on the ESB to ATH route with Turkish Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) 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 Athens from Esenboga (ESB)?
From Esenboga (ESB), you can fly into Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to reach Athens. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Istanbul Airport (IST), Franz Josef Strauss Intl. (MUC), Nikola Tesla (BEG) before reaching Athens. 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 Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) 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 Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) Athens 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 Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos)?
If you booked your Ankara (ESB-Esenboga) to Athens (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) 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 | Ankara |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Athens Intl. Airport |
Distance | 508 miles away |
Airlines serving | Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Pegasus Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines |
Popular airline | Turkish Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $269 |