$239 Cheap Flights from Chicago (ORD) to Athens (ATH)

Chicago (ORD) to Athens (ATH) at a glance

Travel from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH) on a variety of airlines that offer international long-haul flights. You can explore options from both full-service and budget carriers to discover the best itinerary that suits your travel plans, budget, and schedule. As you prepare for your journey, take note of the essential details for flights from Chicago to Athens and find the ideal route to experience the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Athens.

• Fastest flight duration: around 10h 15m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 5,500 miles (8,850 km)
• Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $275–$915, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, we've compiled a list of the most popular airlines flying from Chicago to Athens, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Many flights include layovers at well-frequented hubs like Istanbul Airport (IST) with about a 1 hour 45 minute layover, Zürich Airport (ZRH) at approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, and Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) also around 2 hours 15 minutes. This variety allows you to compare prices, total travel times, and cabin classes to find your ideal itinerary.

• United: This full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $285 and $1100. United accounts for around 31% of departures on this route, and travelers can expect a typical non-stop flight duration of 10 hours and 15 minutes.
• Turkish Airlines: Known for its one-stop services, this full-service carrier offers fares ranging from $285 to $780 for one-way trips. Turkish Airlines makes up about 16% of departures along this route, with an estimated flight time of 11 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel duration of approximately 13 hours and 30 minutes when including layovers.
• American Airlines: Another full-service option, American Airlines features both non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way fares usually ranging from $290 to $1000. This airline comprises roughly 15% of departures on this route, with non-stop flights typically taking around 10 hours and 15 minutes.
• Swiss International Air Lines: Offering one-stop flights, this full-service airline has one-way fares typically between $275 and $785. Swiss International Air Lines represents approximately 5% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 11 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total journey time of about 13 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.
• SAS: A full-service carrier, SAS provides one-stop flights with one-way fares generally ranging from $275 to $525. This airline accounts for around 4% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 11 hours and 30 minutes, and a total journey time of approximately 13 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.

Travelers flying from Chicago to Athens can enhance their experience by upgrading their flight. Top airlines include United, which offers both business class and premium economy service; Turkish Airlines, featuring business class; and American Airlines, also providing business class and premium economy options.

Best time to fly from Chicago (ORD) to Athens (ATH)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Chicago to Athens are March, June, and July, when peak temperatures in Athens reach up to 82.8°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 59.7°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $344). Flight availability peaks in September, with approximately 33 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January and February have the fewest flights, with approximately 13 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: November usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $344, roughly 34% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: February typically offers an average one-way fare of around $361.
• Most flight options: September has the highest number of flights from Chicago to Athens, with approximately 33 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*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.

Alternative routes from Chicago (ORD) to Athens (ATH)

• Chicago to Athens (MDW-ATH): Midway International Airport (MDW) is located approximately 16 miles from O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
• Chicago to Ermoupolis (ORD-JSY): Syros Island National Airport (JSY) lies about 65 miles from Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH).
• Chicago to Milos (ORD-MLO): Milos Island National Airport (MLO) is roughly 90 miles away from Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH).

How to find the best prices for flights from Chicago (ORD) to Athens (ATH)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Chicago 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 2-8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book at least 2 months ahead. Evening departures (6 PM-12 AM) often offer lower prices, while Afternoon flights (12 PM-6 PM) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday typically yields cheaper prices, though Wednesday is the most favored 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 O'Hare International Airport

Athens welcomes travelers from Chicago with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. 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 away on foot, while Gythion Seaport (a seaport) is situated approximately 0.3 miles away, also accessible on foot.

Chicago to Athens Flights

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

The best time to book a flight from Chicago to Athens

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago to Athens in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $239 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 Chicago 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 Chicago 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.