Flying from Istanbul to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH): what you need to know
There are two main airports you can start your journey from in Istanbul. Explore your options leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when booking your flight from Istanbul to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH).
Expect to be in the air for 1 hour 26 minutes. That's the average duration of a direct flight from Istanbul to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport.
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is located in Athens. The city operates in the UTC+2 timezone and is 1 hour behind Istanbul.
With 352 direct weekly flights between the two airports, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) is the most popular route. Turkish Airlines operates the earliest flight at 01:40. If you prefer to get more out of your day before you fly, the last flight from IST to ATH is with Aegean Airlines at 22:00.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are travel rules to live by. Make sure you're at the airport on time to board your flight from Istanbul to ATH.
Flying during a peak month such as August? School holidays and other high seasons can mean longer queues at security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Get to your destination in one go from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Nonstop flights from Istanbul to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) are available from here.
When jetting out of IST, you can take a direct flight from Istanbul to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport with Turkish Airlines.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a break from travelling — and maybe even explore a different city. When browsing flights from Istanbul to ATH departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST), deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)
Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG)
Sofia Airport (SOF)
The distance from central Istanbul to IST is roughly 48 kilometres. Check out travel apps like Google Maps for the best way to get there, whether you plan to drive or take public transport.
After a relaxed start to your break? Stay near Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Istanbul to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are perfect:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) operates direct flights from Istanbul to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH).
Catch your direct flight from Istanbul to ATH with Pegasus Airlines. This is one of the leading airlines operating this route out of SAW.
Split up your flight from Istanbul to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport with a stop so you can recharge or perhaps go somewhere you've never been before. Some popular stopovers between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and ATH are:
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)
Borg El Arab Airport (HBE)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
SAW is about 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. It takes 57 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
It's your holiday, so why not extend it with another night away? Think about staying at one of these accommodation options near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport the day before your flight from Istanbul to ATH:
About Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
Reserve a hotel near ATH if you're catching a late flight from Istanbul to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. Settle into one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Getting from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) to central Athens
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to central Athens takes around 37 minutes in a car. It's approximately 40 kilometres away. Discover what options are available, such as car rentals, cabs or ride-sharing services.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 59 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
34 € is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. Return flights start from 69 €. Prices are subject to change based on availability and may vary at the time of booking.
Book 2 months before you want to travel. After looking at the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you should book ahead to find cheap tickets from Istanbul to ATH.
The cheapest month for tickets from Istanbul to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is November. Use the 'Whole month' tool to find the most affordable day to fly if you're flexible with your plans.
Sign into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll get in touch straight away if the price has dropped. It doesn't take long, and it'll save you the hassle of searching for cheap tickets from Istanbul to ATH every day.
Tailor your flights with filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Istanbul to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport.
The best time to fly from Istanbul to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
August is the most popular month to catch a flight from Istanbul to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport while February is the quietest. To work out the ideal time to visit Athens, consider the pace you like to travel at.
The warmest month in Athens is July, with the temperature ranging between 22ºC and 37ºC. Lock in your flights from Istanbul to ATH in this month if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Search for cheap flights from Istanbul to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 4ºC and 14ºC on average.
More about Athens
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Athens right here. Browse these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Istanbul to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport:
One of the best ways to get to know Athens is to explore its popular attractions. Some highlights include Museum of the Centre for the Acropolis Studies, Acropolis of Athens and The Parthenon.
Complete your Athens trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Istanbul to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to track down your perfect ride. Browse our car rentals in Athens and compare your options in one place. Plus we give you all the info you need to know, from the most popular car type to the best time to book.