Flights from Athens to Istanbul

For flights from Athens to Istanbul, budget around €60–180 one-way and €120–320 return in economy, outside peak travel periods. A direct flight usually takes between 1 hour 25 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes. Aegean and Turkish Airlines connect Athens with Istanbul Airport (IST), while Pegasus flies to Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Lower fares are more common in winter, outside holidays, and on less popular departure dates.

The figures below are indicative budget ranges, not live offers. The final price depends on dates, availability, baggage and fare conditions. For a fair comparison, consider the ticket price, arrival airport and cost of getting to your hotel together.

At a glance

• Route: Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), to Istanbul, IST or SAW.
• Guide price: €60–180 one-way, €120–320 return. Prices can be significantly higher during holidays and when booking close to departure.
• Flight time: around 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes non-stop.
• Direct airlines: Aegean, Turkish Airlines and Pegasus, serving different arrival airports.
• Usually cheaper: January to March, outside holidays, and on selected dates in November.
• When to start looking: compare fares around 6–12 weeks ahead, or earlier for Easter, summer and Christmas.

Which airlines fly from Athens to Istanbul?

Aegean and Turkish Airlines fly directly to Istanbul Airport, on the European side. Pegasus, a low-cost airline, uses Sabiha Gökçen, on the Asian side. This distinction matters: a cheaper ticket does not always mean a lower overall cost, especially if you are staying far from your arrival airport.

Frequencies, schedules and seasonal routes change, so check the timetable for your specific dates. Also look for the words “operated by”: different airline codes may refer to the same flight rather than separate departures.

Connecting options may also be available, such as flights via Belgrade with Air Serbia, depending on availability. On such a short route, a connection is usually only worthwhile if the saving is substantial. Check the total journey time and choose a single booking rather than separate tickets, so you have the applicable protection if you miss a connection.

How much do flights cost by season?

There is no fixed fare for the Athens–Istanbul route. The ranges below are indicative budgets per adult in economy, based on basic fares that may not include checked baggage. They are not recorded average prices or a guarantee of availability.

• Winter outside holidays: around €50–130 one-way and €100–230 return. Flexible dates can be particularly helpful at this time.
• Spring and autumn: around €70–180 one-way and €140–320 return, with increases around public holidays and popular long weekends.
• Summer: around €90–230 one-way and €180–420 return, depending on the day and how far ahead you book.
• Christmas, New Year, Easter and peak dates: around €120–300 one-way and €240–550 return. Some fares are higher still.

Turkish public holidays and major religious festivals also affect demand and do not necessarily coincide with those in Greece. Before deciding whether a deal is good value, factor in baggage, seat selection and arrival times. A cheap late-night flight may mean a more expensive transfer or an extra night's accommodation.

When to book for a cheaper fare

A practical starting point is 6–12 weeks before your trip. For departures during holidays or in summer, start monitoring fares around 3–5 months ahead. These are planning guidelines, not a rule that guarantees the lowest price.

Compare departures and returns two or three days either side of your preferred dates. Returning on Monday rather than Sunday may change the fare, but remember to factor in accommodation. Check IST and SAW separately and see whether using different airlines for the outbound and return flights works out cheaper.

There is no particular day of the week when every airline sells cheaper tickets. Price alerts and comparisons of the final total are more useful. Our guide to finding cheap flights offers more ways to search without relying on promises of discounts that do not exist.

How long is the flight, and which airports serve the route?

The scheduled direct flight time is usually 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. This covers the time from departure to arrival at the aircraft's parking stand, not just the minutes spent in the air. For more details, see how long the Athens–Istanbul flight takes.

IST is northwest of the city, on the European side. SAW is on the Asian side and can be particularly convenient if you are staying there. Atatürk is not the arrival airport for scheduled passenger flights on this route. Check the three-letter airport code on both legs of your booking.

Turkey stays on UTC+3 all year. When Greece is on summer time, the two countries share the same time; during the Greek winter, Istanbul is one hour ahead. Times shown on tickets are local. Also allow around two hours at the airport before departure, or longer if your airline recommends it.

From the airport to the city centre: transport, times and costs

In Istanbul, the “centre” could mean Sultanahmet, Taksim or Kadıköy. The journey times below are approximate and depend on waiting times, connections and traffic. Costs are broad budget estimates in euros: fares are usually charged in Turkish lira and change with price increases and exchange rates.

From Istanbul Airport, IST

• M11 metro and connections: around 60–100 minutes to central districts, with an estimated total cost of €2–6 per person. The M11 connects with other transport services; it does not run directly to Sultanahmet.
• Havaist buses: around 60–120 minutes, or longer in heavy traffic, with a budget of roughly €6–15 per person. Check which stop is best for your accommodation.
• Taxi: around 45–100 minutes, with an indicative budget of €35–70 per vehicle. Taxi category, traffic and tolls affect the fare.

From Sabiha Gökçen, SAW

• M4 metro: around 50–70 minutes to Kadıköy. Reaching the European side requires connections and usually takes 80–120 minutes in total. Budget around €2–6 per person, depending on the route.
• Havabus buses: around 60–120 minutes or more to Kadıköy or Taksim, depending on the service and traffic, with an estimated fare of €5–15.
• Taxi: around 60–120 minutes to central districts on the European side, with a budget of €40–85 per vehicle. The route and tolls make a difference.

An Istanbulkart is useful for urban public transport, but do not assume it works the same way on every airport service. Check payment methods and operating hours, especially if you arrive at night. Our guide to getting from Istanbul Airport to the city centre can help you plan your onward journey.

What to see in Istanbul and when to go

For a first trip, three or four full days will let you see the main sights without spending all your time travelling between them. Distances across the city are considerable, and an itinerary works best when organised by neighbourhood. Set aside one day for the historic centre, one for Galata and Beyoğlu, and one for the Bosphorus and the Asian side. If you only have a weekend, visit fewer places rather than trying to fit everything in.

In Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the old Hippodrome are close together. Hagia Sophia operates as a mosque, with specific arrangements for tourist visits, so check access and current rules in advance. Mosques require appropriate clothing and respect for prayer times. The Basilica Cistern offers a different glimpse of Byzantine Istanbul, though queues are possible at popular times.

Topkapı Palace needs several hours if you want to explore more than its courtyards. Check what each ticket includes and which sections cost extra. Afterwards, head towards Gülhane Park and Eminönü. The Spice Bazaar fits into the same route, while the Grand Bazaar deserves time of its own. Before buying Turkish delight, tea or spices, make sure you understand the price and the unit of weight.

Across the Golden Horn, Karaköy and Galata are ideal for walks, coffee and short breaks between the uphill stretches. From there, you can continue towards İstiklal Avenue and Taksim. Rather than sticking to the main shopping street, leave time for the surrounding lanes and the Cihangir neighbourhood. Comfortable shoes are more useful than an itinerary packed with widely scattered stops.

To experience the Bosphorus, you do not have to book an organised cruise. A regular passenger ferry offers lovely views while taking you to another neighbourhood. In Kadıköy, you will find a food market, small restaurants and walks towards Moda. Try simit, lentil soup, home-style dishes in a lokanta or fish somewhere with a clearly displayed menu and prices. Check for cover or service charges before ordering, particularly in heavily touristed areas.

Spring and autumn are usually the most comfortable seasons for spending long days outdoors, though rain and sudden weather changes are still possible. Summer brings longer days, but also heat, humidity and busier attractions. Winter often helps keep costs down, but you will need waterproofs, warm clothes and flexible plans for waterfront walks and boat trips.

If you have an extra day and good weather, consider a trip to Istanbul's Princes' Islands. Allow for the ferry journey and check the last return sailing, especially outside summer. For a first visit, though, I would not cut time in the main neighbourhoods to add another journey. Our Istanbul travel guide can help you combine history, food and sightseeing in a realistic itinerary.

Where to stay

Sultanahmet is convenient if your priority is exploring historic sights on foot. Karaköy and Galata are good for walks, food and access to different neighbourhoods, but they are hilly. Taksim offers plenty of accommodation and transport options, while Kadıköy suits travellers who want to spend more time on the Asian side.

Before booking, check the actual walking distance to a metro station, tram stop or ferry terminal, not just the distance from the centre. Read recent reviews about noise and ease of access with luggage, too. See our detailed guide to where to stay in Istanbul by neighbourhood and choose your hotel with your arrival airport in mind.

Baggage and low-cost airlines

With Pegasus, as with the cheapest fares on other airlines, check carefully what is included. A personal item, a cabin bag and a checked suitcase are not the same thing. Permitted dimensions, weight and inclusions depend on the fare package and may change.

Do not assume a checked bag is included simply because you have chosen Aegean or Turkish Airlines. Compare equivalent fares on both legs: the same baggage allowance, similar change conditions and seat selection if needed. Adding baggage at the airport often costs more than buying it online in advance.

For a short trip, a small bag may be enough. If you plan to shop, though, allow space and weight for the return journey from the outset. To compare your options, see our guide to searching for and comparing flights, focusing on the final total rather than just the headline fare.

Practical tips before departure

• Travel documents: Greek citizens can generally visit Turkey for short tourist stays without a visa. Confirm the current requirements and whether your particular passport or identity card is accepted with the official authorities and your airline.
• Booking name: enter it exactly as it appears in Latin characters on your travel document. Pay particular attention to double names and dates.
• Mobile phone: Turkey is not covered by mandatory EU roaming without additional charges. Check your plan before switching on mobile data.
• Payments: keep some Turkish lira for small expenses. When a payment terminal offers a choice of currencies, check the conversion; paying in the local currency is usually preferable.
• Insurance: the European Health Insurance Card does not cover Turkey. Consider travel insurance with clearly defined medical cover.
• Return journey: allow plenty of time to get to the airport. Traffic and long distances within the terminals add to the time needed.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Athens to Istanbul cost?

As a guide, budget €60–180 one-way and €120–320 return outside peak periods. Baggage, holidays and limited availability can increase the final total.

How long is the flight from Athens to Istanbul?

A direct flight usually takes between 1 hour 25 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes. Check the scheduled duration of your specific departure and remember the winter time difference.

Which airlines fly directly from Athens to Istanbul?

Aegean and Turkish Airlines fly to Istanbul Airport (IST), while Pegasus flies to Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Check available services and frequencies for your dates.

Which airline is cheapest for Istanbul?

No airline is consistently the cheapest. Pegasus may offer a lower basic fare, but baggage, special offers and travel dates can change the comparison. Also compare the cost of transfers from the airport.

Which month has the cheapest flights to Istanbul?

Lower fares are often available from January to March, outside holidays, and on selected dates in November. No month is guaranteed to be the cheapest, so compare nearby dates.

Which Istanbul airport is the best choice?

It depends on where you are staying, your flight times and the overall price. IST is often more convenient for the European side, while SAW may suit the Asian side. Work out the specific journey to your hotel.