Flights to Milan: Athens departures, fares and flight times

For Athens–Milan flights, an indicative economy-class budget is €30–160 one way and €70–280 return. During holidays, major trade fairs or when booking close to departure, allow around €150–350 one way and €250–550 return, though prices can rise beyond these ranges. A direct flight takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes. The main options on this route are Aegean and easyJet to Malpensa and Ryanair to Bergamo, subject to availability on your dates. Lower fares are more common from mid-January through February and in November, outside events and holidays.

These figures are indicative ranges for planning a trip, not live deals or confirmed booking prices. They are for one adult and do not assume that checked baggage, seat selection or other extras are included. Check the final cost when searching.

Quick answers

• How much does it cost? Around €30–160 one way and €70–280 return on dates without high demand.
• How long does it take? Approximately 2 hours 30–50 minutes direct from Athens Airport.
• Which airlines should you compare? Aegean, easyJet and Ryanair, paying attention to the arrival airport and current schedules.
• When is it usually cheaper? Winter weekdays outside holidays, fashion weeks and major trade fairs.
• Which airports serve Milan? Malpensa (MXP), Bergamo (BGY) and Linate (LIN). They do not all have the same connections with Athens.
• What should you factor in? Baggage, transfers to the city centre and arrival time,not just the initial fare.

Which airlines fly from Athens to Milan?

For a direct flight, start by comparing Aegean and easyJet to Malpensa, along with Ryanair to Bergamo. Bergamo often appears in searches as a Milan airport, although it is beside the city of Bergamo, east of Milan. It is not the same airport as Malpensa.

Frequencies, operating days and seasonal routes change. Check the schedule for your specific date and do not assume that every airline flies daily. For any direct options to Linate, rely on current search results rather than older schedules.

For connecting flights, consider routes via Rome with ITA Airways, Munich or Frankfurt with Lufthansa, Zurich with SWISS, and Vienna with Austrian. Availability depends on the day, and some flight segments may be operated by a partner airline.

For a short trip, a connection is usually worthwhile only if it offers a much better schedule or substantially reduces the total cost. Choose a single through-ticket where possible: two separate bookings do not offer the same protection if a delay causes you to miss your next flight.

How much do flights cost by season?

In Milan, the season alone is not enough to predict fares. Trade fairs and fashion weeks can increase demand even in months usually considered cheaper. For an initial budget, use the following indicative ranges, not as statistical averages or guaranteed deals:

• Mid-January–February and November, outside events: around €30–100 one way and €70–180 return.
• March–May and September–October, outside major trade fairs or holidays: around €50–160 one way and €100–280 return.
• June–August: around €60–200 one way and €120–350 return, depending on the day and availability.
• Christmas, New Year, Easter, popular long weekends and major events: around €150–350 one way and €250–550 return, with prices potentially rising further.

The ranges deliberately overlap: a July deal may be cheaper than a February weekend. Easter in Italy and Greece does not always fall on the same dates, so check both calendars. Also, a cheap flight does not guarantee an inexpensive trip if hotel rates have risen because of a trade fair.

When to book for a cheaper fare

As a practical starting point, begin tracking prices one to three months ahead for a typical trip, and earlier for holidays or major events. This is not a rule for securing the lowest fare. Prices change according to demand and the seats available in each fare category.

Compare departure and return dates two or three days either side of your preferred dates. Returning on Monday instead of Sunday may reduce the fare but add an extra night's accommodation. Work out the total cost, including your hotel, meals and local transport.

There is no reliable universal rule that “flights are cheaper every Tuesday”. Price alerts, airport comparisons and a clear budget target are more useful. Our guide to tips for finding cheap flights offers more ways to organise your search.

If your dates are fixed, do not base your trip on the hope of a deal in the final week. The cheaper seats may already have sold out. Read about when last-minute flights make sense before deciding to wait.

Flight times and arrival airports

The scheduled duration of a direct Athens–Milan flight is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes. The exact time depends on the airport and the airline's schedule. Italy is one hour behind Greece, so local departure and arrival times can be confusing. Find out more in our guide to how long a direct Athens–Milan flight takes.

• Malpensa (MXP): around 50 kilometres northwest of the city centre. It has two terminals and a rail link to the city.
• Bergamo (BGY): around 50 kilometres northeast of Milan. The most common direct public transport option to Milan is the bus.
• Linate (LIN): around 7 kilometres east of the city centre, with a metro connection. It is convenient for the city when it fits your available flight itinerary.

On top of the flight time, allow for getting to Athens Airport, collecting any checked baggage and travelling to your accommodation. If you are departing from a different airport from the one you arrive at, flag this as soon as you book and plan the return transfer separately.

Getting from the airport to central Milan

The journey times below are approximate and the costs are indicative. They are for a one-way journey, per person on public transport and per vehicle for taxis. Confirm timetables and fares before travelling, especially for late-night arrivals.

From Malpensa

The Malpensa Express connects the airport with stations including Milano Centrale and Cadorna. Allow around 40–60 minutes, depending on the terminal and destination, and roughly €13–18. Buses to Centrale usually take 50–80 minutes, longer in traffic, with indicative fares of €10–15. For a taxi to the city centre, budget around €110–140 and confirm which route the current fixed fare covers. See our detailed guide to all the options from Malpensa to central Milan.

From Bergamo

Direct buses to Milano Centrale take around 50–75 minutes in normal traffic, with indicative fares of €10–15. There is no railway station inside the terminal: to catch a train, you first need to travel to Bergamo's city railway station. A taxi to Milan may cost around €120–160, depending on the route and tariff. Our guide to transfers from Bergamo Airport to Milan covers the main alternatives.

From Linate

The M4 metro line reaches San Babila in around 12–15 minutes, excluding waiting and walking time. Allow roughly €2–3 for a standard city transport ticket, and check the current fare. A taxi to a central address usually takes 20–40 minutes and may cost around €25–45. At every airport, use the official taxi ranks.

What to see in Milan and when to go

For a first visit, three full days is a good starting point. You do not need to treat Milan as a checklist of monuments: set aside one day for the historic centre, one for art and neighbourhoods, and a more relaxed day for shopping or architecture. Most journeys around the centre are easy to manage with a mix of walking and metro rides, provided you do not overload every afternoon with back-to-back bookings.

Start with the Duomo, the Gothic cathedral that dominates the main square. Its rooftop terraces deserve time of their own for the views and a close look at the sculptures. Check what your ticket includes, whether access is by stairs or lift, and the current dress code. Right next door is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an elegant route through to Piazza della Scala without any need to stop for an expensive coffee.

Brera is ideal for combining a museum visit with a stroll. The Pinacoteca di Brera has an important collection of Italian paintings and deserves time, rather than a rushed visit between shopping stops. Afterwards, walk towards Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione. The park offers a welcome break, particularly if you are travelling with children or want a quieter midday pause away from the bustle around the Duomo.

For Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, at the Santa Maria delle Grazie complex, check availability well ahead. Visits have timed entry and limited capacity. If it is a main reason for your trip, check available tickets before finalising your itinerary. Do not assume you will find a slot on the day. To choose what genuinely interests you, consult our guide to Milan's top sights.

In the late afternoon, the Navigli district is a good choice for a canalside walk and aperitivo. Streets around the Naviglio Grande get busy, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. For a more contemporary side of the city, visit Porta Nuova and Piazza Gae Aulenti, then continue towards Isola. Bosco Verticale is a residential complex to admire from outside, not an attraction with gardens open to the public.

For shopping, the Quadrilatero della Moda brings together well-known luxury fashion houses, while Corso Buenos Aires has more chain stores and a broader range of options. It is worth distinguishing between a spot of window-shopping and a planned shopping day, especially if you are travelling with only a small backpack. Read our guide to shopping in Milan and its main shopping districts before deciding how much luggage space you will need.

April–May and September–October are often pleasant for walking, though rain is possible and mild weather is not guaranteed. Check the dates of Salone del Mobile and the fashion weeks, as accommodation can become significantly more expensive. Summer is hot and humid, and some independent businesses close for holidays in August. In winter, expect cold weather and shorter days, but more time for museums, cafés and indoor attractions.

Where to stay

For a first visit, staying around the Duomo or Brera reduces travel time but usually requires a larger budget. Porta Venezia combines metro access, restaurants and easy connections to the centre. The area near Milano Centrale is convenient for several airport transfers and train trips, but assess the specific street and recent accommodation reviews.

Navigli is a better fit if nightlife is a priority, though keep noise in mind. Before booking, check the distance to a station, whether late check-in is possible, and any city tax payable separately. Our guide to where to stay in Milan by area and budget helps you choose accommodation with your airport connections in mind.

Baggage and low-cost airlines

The lowest price shown in search results does not necessarily include a cabin suitcase. On low-cost airlines, the basic fare often covers only a small bag that fits under the seat in front. A larger cabin bag, checked baggage and seat selection may cost extra.

Check the dimensions, weight and number of bags allowed for your specific fare, not just the airline. Even on a full-service airline, checked baggage is not automatically included. Rules change, and different fare packages from the same airline come with different allowances.

Compare final prices with the same baggage on both legs. If you plan to shop, check in advance whether adding a checked bag only for the return flight offers better value. Adding baggage at the airport may cost more than buying it online. Also, check in within the airline's deadlines and keep your boarding pass ready.

Practical tips before booking

• Travel documents: Greek citizens need a valid passport or an identity card accepted for travel. In particular, check whether old-style identity cards are accepted under current rules. A driving licence is not sufficient.
• Passenger names: use the spelling on your travel document and check all details before paying.
• Late arrival: confirm the last transport departures and your hotel's reception hours. An extra taxi transfer can wipe out the saving on your fare.
• Return journey: allow time for traffic, queues and airport checks. Follow your airline's guidance on when to arrive.
• Ticket conditions: read the rules on changes, cancellation and refunds. A low fare is not necessarily the best choice if your plans remain uncertain.

The most useful comparison is the flight plus baggage and transport to your accommodation. This total shows which option genuinely offers better value, particularly for a short break when every hour counts.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Athens–Milan flight cost?

For an initial budget, allow around €30–160 one way and €70–280 return, without assuming checked baggage is included. During periods of high demand, the cost can be significantly higher. You will need to search for a confirmed price.

How long is the Athens–Milan flight?

A direct flight usually takes around 2 hours 30–50 minutes. Italy is one hour behind Greece. Add airport formalities and the transfer to the city centre to your total journey time.

Which airline is cheapest for Milan?

No single airline is consistently cheapest. Compare Ryanair, easyJet and Aegean on the same dates, including the baggage you need. Factor in the different airports and the cost of reaching your hotel.

Which month has the cheapest flights to Milan?

You can often find cheaper options from mid-January through February and in November. This is not guaranteed: trade fairs, fashion weeks and particular weekends can increase demand.

Which Milan airport is most convenient?

Linate is closest to the centre and has a metro connection. Malpensa has a train service, while Bergamo is served mainly by direct buses to Milan. The most practical choice depends on available flights, timings and where you are staying.

Is baggage included in cheap flights to Milan?

Not necessarily. The basic fare may include only a small bag or a specific cabin baggage allowance. Check exactly what is included on both legs and add any extra baggage before comparing the final cost.