$48 Cheap Flights from Lyon (LYS) to Athens (ATH)

Lyon (LYS) to Athens (ATH) at a glance

Travel between Lyon (LYS) and Athens (ATH) with a selection of airlines catering to this international short-haul route. You can compare offerings from both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel plans while you delve into the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Athens. Get all the essential information for flights from Saint-Exupery Airport (LYS) to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH).

• Fastest flight duration: around 2h 45m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 1,100 miles (1,770 km)
• Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $95–$295, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Saint-Exupery Airport (LYS) to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Lyon to Athens, including both non-stop and one-stop options. Common layover points are Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) with approximately a 2-hour layover and Franz Josef Strauss International Airport (MUC) offering around a 1 hour and 45-minute layover. This variety allows you to mix and match price, total travel time, and cabin class to discover the most suitable itinerary for your needs.

• easyJet: This budget airline provides non-stop flights, with one-way prices generally between $95 and $285. It makes up about 34% of departures for this route, and the total travel time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• Aegean: A full-service airline that features non-stop options, Aegean's one-way ticket prices usually range from $125 to $350. It represents roughly 31% of the departures on this route, with a journey time of 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• Volotea: Another low-cost option, Volotea offers direct flights with one-way fares typically between $95 and $200. This airline accounts for about 17% of the departures for this route, and the total flight duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• Lufthansa: As a full-service airline providing one-stop service, Lufthansa has one-way fares that typically range from $225 to $265. It covers around 11% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 15 minutes, totaling approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes including the layover.

Alternative routes from Lyon (LYS) to Athens (ATH)

• Lyon to Athens (LYN-ATH): Lyon Bron Airport (LYN) is located approximately 7 miles from Saint-Exupery Airport (LYS).
• Grenoble to Athens (GNB-ATH): Grenoble - Isere Airport (GNB) lies about 28 miles from Saint-Exupery Airport (LYS).
• Lyon to Skiathos (LYS-JSI): Skiathos Island National Airport (JSI) is situated roughly 89 miles away from Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH).

How to find the best prices for flights from Lyon (LYS) to Athens (ATH)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Lyon 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 found when booking within two weeks, although most travelers tend to book two to eight weeks in advance. Morning departures from 5 AM to 12 PM generally offer lower prices, while afternoon flights from 12 PM to 6 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday often results in cheaper rates, whereas Sunday 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 Saint-Exupery Airport

Athens welcomes travelers from Lyon with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Saint-Exupery Airport is roughly a 30-minute drive (covering about 21 miles) from central Lyon. 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 located about 0.1 miles from the airport and can be reached on foot, while Gythion Seaport, a seaport, is about 0.3 miles away on foot as well.

Lyon to Athens Flights

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

The best time to book a flight from Lyon to Athens

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Lyon 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 Lyon 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 Lyon to Athens in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $48 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 Lyon 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 Lyon 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.