
If you're planning a trip from Istanbul, Turkey to Athens, Greece, you have several options to get there.
The flight duration from Istanbul to Athens is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, covering a distance of around 560 miles.
There are several airlines that operate direct flights between the two cities, including Turkish Airlines, Aegean Airlines, and Olympic Air.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 for a one-way ticket, depending on the airline and time of year.
Eleftherios Venizelos Airport
Eleftherios Venizelos Airport is a major international airport in Athens, Greece. It's a hub for Aegean Airlines, which operates flights from Istanbul.
You can fly to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport from Istanbul Airport with several carriers. Sky Express operates flights every 1-2 days, while Aegean Airlines and Turkish Airlines offer 2-4 flights a day.
Turkish Airlines also operates flights with an Airbus A321neo, as well as four other aircraft types. Aegean Airlines operates flights with an Airbus A320, as well as two other aircraft types.
Here are the operating carriers and their departure frequencies:
You can find more details on carrier information, flight schedules, and estimated emissions on the relevant carrier's website.
Non-Stop Flights Between

There are only 2 non-stop flights from Istanbul, Turkey to Athens, Greece.
The shortest shipping time by sea between Istanbul and Athens is 23h 49m, but if you prefer to fly, you can take a non-stop flight that takes around 1h 25m.
You can choose from two airlines: Pegasus Airlines from SAW to ATH, or Turkish Airlines from IST to ATH.
Here are the airports you'll be flying into and out of: İstanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), Istanbul Airport (IST), and Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH).
by Air Freight
Traveling from Istanbul to Athens by air freight is a convenient option, with flights departing from İstanbul Airport (IST) and arriving at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH).
The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, making it a relatively quick journey.
You can expect flights to operate every few hours on this route, offering flexibility in your travel plans.
Sky Express is one of the carriers that operates regular services on this route, with flights departing every 1-2 days.
Bus Information

With Busbud, comparing and booking tickets for a bus from Istanbul to Athens is a breeze. You can browse through an extensive selection of bus fares and bus schedules to find the best deals.
Bus service from Istanbul to Athens will be provided by the most trusted bus companies. Whether you're looking for cheap bus tickets or more luxurious buses, they'll help you find what you're looking for based on your budget.
To save money and ensure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Istanbul Europe to Athens as early as possible.
Bus
You can travel from Istanbul to Athens by bus, and it's a convenient option. With Busbud, you can easily compare and book tickets for this route.
The bus companies that provide this service are trusted, so you can have peace of mind. Whether you're on a tight budget or want a more luxurious experience, Busbud helps you find the best deals based on your budget.

Traveling by bus is not just about getting from point A to point B, it's also a great way to meet locals and get insider information about the places you visit. You can strike up a conversation with fellow travelers at the bus stations and learn about the hidden gems of the cities you're passing through.
Riding the bus is also an environmentally-conscious option, using significantly less gas than other modes of transportation like trains, airplanes, and cars. For example, carrying a passenger over 100 kms by coach only takes 0.6-0.9 liters of gas, which is a lot less than the 2.6 liters required by high-speed train.
To make the most of your bus ride, consider creating a personalized playlist that suits your mood and the scenery outside. You can curate a playlist that reflects the beauty of the landscapes you're passing through, making your journey even more enjoyable.
The bus ride from Istanbul to Athens takes around 11 hours and 21 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to transport goods by road, this is something to keep in mind.
Find Bus Prices
You can find the cheapest prices for buses by buying your tickets early, like I did when I booked my ticket from Istanbul Europe to Athens on 2025-04-27 for $59.
To save money, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Istanbul Europe to Athens as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $59 to $62 for a bus ticket from Istanbul Europe to Athens based on the last 2 days.
The cheapest price for the trip is usually available on the day you can expect to find it, in this case, $59 on 2025-04-27.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a train from Istanbul to Greece?
There is no direct train from Istanbul to Greece, but you can travel by train with a change in Sofia, Bulgaria. To learn more about your options, see our information on traveling from Istanbul to Thessaloniki.
Sources
- https://www.fluentcargo.com/routes/istanbul-tr/athens-gr
- https://www.travelmath.com/flying-time/from/Istanbul,+Turkey/to/Athens,+Greece
- https://www.europamundo.com/eng/tour_menu.aspx
- https://www.travelmath.com/nonstop-flight/from/Istanbul,+Turkey/to/Athens,+Greece
- https://www.busbud.com/en/bus-istanbul-europe-athens/r/sxk96f-swbbh5
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