Travelling from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH): what you need to know
Take a direct flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport and you'll be in the air for an average of 1 hour 25 minutes.
Athens is one hour behind Istanbul and observes the UTC+2 timezone.
Every week, there are 352 Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport flights. To get going as early as possible, go for the 01:40 Turkish Airlines flight. If you're eager to make the most of your day before you fly, the last departure is at 22:00 with Aegean Airlines.
To ensure you catch your IST to ATH flight, leave enough time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Flying during a peak time like April? School holidays and other popular periods can mean longer lines and delays at security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
Aegean Airlines offers direct flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. Book with this popular carrier, then get ready to discover the sights in Athens — and maybe even more of Greece if your schedule allows.
Aegean Airlines tops the list for bookings on this route.
Consider adding a stopover when booking your ticket from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' to break up your journey, or perhaps see a new city along the way. Check out these options between IST and ATH:
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport
Thessaloniki International Airport
Sofia Airport
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
The cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport flight is R 688. A return ticket right now is R 1,373. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares may change.
To pick up cheap tickets from IST to ATH, book ahead. Airlines typically offer their best fares when flights are first released.
Schedule your trip for November. That's the cheapest month for flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. If you're flexible with your travel dates, try out the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest airfare across each month.
Finding cheap flights from IST to ATH is a cinch with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as a lower fare pops up.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport.
Handy information about Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take 50 minutes or so to arrive, depending on the traffic.
Taking public transport? Expect a trip time of around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Searching for a convenient hotel close to IST? If you're boarding an early flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, these stays will put you moments from your check-in counter:
Arriving at Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
The last thing you want is a long trip to your hotel if you're getting in late on an Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport flight. Stay at one of these accommodation options near ATH instead:
Explore without limits with an Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Centauro, Green Motion or Surprice and find adventure across Athens and beyond.
Secure the lowest price by booking your vehicle from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport about three weeks before your departure date.
Getting from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) to central Athens
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to central Athens has a drive time of about 35 minutes. It's approximately 40 kilometres away.
It'll take around 1 hour to get there using public transport.
When to fly to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
The quietest month for a flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is January, while July is the busiest. Pick the best time to visit Athens based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Before locking in your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, think about the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Athens, with temperatures ranging from 22ºC (72ºF) to 37ºC (99ºF).
January has average temperatures of between 4ºC (39ºF) and 14ºC (57ºF). Look for cheap tickets from IST to ATH sometime around then if you want to travel when it's cooler.
Explore more of Greece
Athens is easy to fall in love with, but there are so many other corners of Greece you should also see. Around 306 kilometres north of Athens, a visit to Thessaloniki will keep you busy. Start with leading sights like Arch of Galerius, Aristotelous Square and Museum of Byzantine Culture.
If you're ready to explore another side of Greece, consider Larisa, roughly 209 kilometres north-west of Athens. Agioi Saranta, Saint George Orthodox Church and Second Ancient Theatre are among its highlights.