$170 Cheap Flights from Riyadh (RUH) to Athens (ATH)

Riyadh (RUH) to Athens (ATH) at a glance

Travel to Athens (ATH) from Riyadh (RUH) with a selection of airlines offering international long-haul flights. Compare various options from full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel preferences as you visit Athens's renowned landmarks and neighborhoods. Check out the essential details for flights departing from King Khaled International Airport (RUH) to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH).

• Fastest flight duration: around 4h 15m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 1,600 miles (2,570 km)
• Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $160–$720, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from King Khaled International Airport (RUH) to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Riyadh to Athens, highlighting both non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover points include Istanbul Airport (IST) with a layover of around 2 hours and 30 minutes, Cairo International Airport (CAI) at approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, and Bahrain International Airport (BAH) with a 1 hour and 30-minute layover. This variety allows you to tailor your journey by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

• Aegean: This full-service airline provides non-stop flights, representing around 47% of departures on this route. One-way ticket prices generally fall between $160 and $1060, with a total travel duration of 4 hours and 15 minutes.
• Saudi Arabian Airlines: Offering both non-stop and one-stop flights, this full-service carrier accounts for about 23% of departures. One-way fares typically range from $185 to $455, with non-stop journey times averaging 4 hours and 15 minutes.
• Turkish Airlines: As a full-service carrier providing one-stop services, Turkish Airlines covers approximately 14% of departures. Expect one-way fares between $230 and $1845, with an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel time of around 8 hours, including layover.
• Gulf Air: This full-service airline offers one-stop flights, making up roughly 5% of departures. One-way fares generally range from $255 to $1140, with an in-flight time of 5 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in a total journey time of about 8 hours, including the layover.
• Egyptair: Providing one-stop services, this full-service carrier accounts for around 4% of departures. One-way fares typically vary from $415 to $1525, with an in-flight time of 5 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel duration of approximately 8 hours, including a layover.

Travelers have the option to upgrade their flight from Riyadh to Athens, with both Aegean and Turkish Airlines providing business class service for this route.

Best time to fly from Riyadh (RUH) to Athens (ATH)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Riyadh to Athens are March, June, and August, when peak temperatures in Athens reach up to 82.2°F in August. If you prefer quieter travel, consider January, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 49.1°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $217). Flight availability peaks in March, June, and November, with approximately 9 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

• Cheapest time to fly: January usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $217, roughly 44% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: July typically offers an average one-way fare of around $235.
• Most flight options: March, June, and November have the highest number of flights from Riyadh to Athens, with approximately 9 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 route from Riyadh (RUH) to Athens (ATH)

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

How to find the best prices for flights from Riyadh (RUH) to Athens (ATH)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Riyadh 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 within two weeks. Afternoon departures (12 PM to 6 PM) usually offer lower prices, while early morning flights (12 AM to 5 AM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally provides cheaper options, even though Friday 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 King Khaled International Airport

Athens welcomes travelers from Riyadh 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 just a short 0.1 miles away on foot, while Gythion Seaport (a seaport) is located about 0.3 miles from the airport, easily accessible on foot as well.

Riyadh to Athens Flights

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

The best time to book a flight from Riyadh to Athens

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Riyadh 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 Riyadh 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 Riyadh to Athens in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $170 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 Riyadh 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 Riyadh 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.