Flights from Athens to Thessaloniki: fares and flight guide

For flights from Athens to Thessaloniki, a rough budget is €40–110 one way and €80–220 return in economy, without checked baggage. Promotional fares may be lower, while prices during holidays and for last-minute bookings often exceed these ranges. The direct flight takes around 50–60 minutes, and the route is served by AEGEAN and SKY express. You will generally have a better chance of finding a low fare outside holiday periods, at less popular times and with flexible travel dates.

The prices below are estimates for planning your trip, not live offers or guaranteed fares. The final price depends on availability, baggage and ticket conditions. On this route, it is worth comparing not just the initial fare but also the arrival time: a cheaper evening flight may mean a more expensive transfer or an extra night's accommodation.

At a glance

• One-way fare: approximately €40–110, with prices varying by date and fare type.
• Return fare: approximately €80–220, with checked baggage excluded from basic fares.
• Flight time: around 50–60 minutes, as shown in the schedule.
• Airlines flying direct: AEGEAN and SKY express, with frequencies varying by season.
• Airports: Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (ATH) and Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia” (SKG).
• When to find better value: often on weekdays outside public holidays and major events, though no single day is consistently cheapest.
• What to compare: the total price, baggage, flight times and change options.

Which airlines fly from Athens to Thessaloniki?

Direct flights

AEGEAN and SKY express operate direct flights between Athens and Thessaloniki. This is a major domestic route, with departures throughout the day. The exact schedule and number of flights vary by date, so check availability for your travel day.

Do not choose solely by airline name. Two seemingly similar tickets may have different cabin baggage weight allowances, seat selection options and change fees. If you are travelling for a business appointment, a departure that leaves a comfortable margin before your meeting is worth more than a small discount.

Connecting flights

Search engines may also show connecting itineraries. For such a short route, these are generally impractical: they increase the total journey time and may cost more. They mainly make sense if Thessaloniki is part of a longer trip or none of the direct departures suits your plans.

If separate tickets appear in the results, check who bears the risk of a missed connection and whether you need to collect your baggage. Do not assume that a seasonal service or an old promotion means the same airline still flies direct today. Seasonal schedules change and need to be confirmed.

How much do flights cost by season?

This route serves both business and leisure travellers, so prices do not follow quite the same pattern as those for a summer holiday destination. The following indicative ranges per person are for economy travel, without extras or checked baggage. They are not recorded averages or maximum prices.

• Winter weekdays outside holiday periods: around €30–80 one way and €60–160 return, when lower fares are available.
• Off-peak spring and autumn dates: around €40–110 one way and €80–220 return.
• Summer dates: around €50–140 one way and €100–280 return, with substantial differences between flights.
• Christmas, Easter, long weekends and popular events: a more cautious budget is €70–180 one way and €140–360 return, though fares may be higher.

Take particular care with September dates because of the Thessaloniki International Fair and other events. Demand may also rise around 26 and 28 October. In summer, the city is also a gateway to Halkidiki, so fares do not necessarily fall as some business traffic eases.

A return journey is not always cheaper when booked as a single ticket. Compare a return ticket with two one-way tickets, including flights with different airlines, but make sure you are comparing the same baggage allowance and similar conditions.

When to book for a cheaper fare

There is no particular booking day that guarantees a lower price. Your travel date, availability and flexibility matter more. For a typical trip, start monitoring fares around 4–8 weeks ahead. For holidays or fixed dates, it makes sense to look earlier, but do not treat this timeframe as a proven “cheapest booking window”.

• Compare departures one or two days either side of your preferred date.
• Check midday and evening flights, not just times convenient for business travel.
• Consider returning on Monday instead of Sunday, factoring in the extra night's accommodation.
• Use price alerts if your search service offers them.

Last-minute deals are not guaranteed, especially if you need to fly at a particular time. If you find an acceptable total price, waiting may cost you more rather than save you money. You will find more practical pointers in these tips for finding cheap flights.

How long is the flight, and which airports does it use?

The scheduled flight time from Athens to Thessaloniki is usually 50–60 minutes. The time spent in the air may be shorter, but that does not change the total time you need to allow. Boarding closes before departure, according to the airline's deadlines.

In Athens, you depart from Eleftherios Venizelos Airport in Spata. In Thessaloniki, you land at Makedonia Airport, around 15–17 kilometres southeast of the city centre, depending on the measuring point. The codes ATH and SKG help you quickly identify the correct route when searching.

As a practical guide, aim to arrive at the airport around 1.5–2 hours before departure, especially if you have checked baggage or are travelling at a busy time. The full journey from central Athens to central Thessaloniki may take around 4–5 hours or more. For more detailed planning, see how long the Athens–Thessaloniki flight takes and what time to allow.

Getting from Thessaloniki Airport to the city centre

Bus

Dedicated airport bus services connect the airport with the city, with daytime and night-time routes. Allow around 40–70 minutes to central locations, depending on traffic and where you get off. For budgeting purposes, the dedicated airport bus fare is approximately €2–3 per adult. Confirm the current fare, route and payment options before travelling.

Do not assume you can take a metro directly from the terminal to the city centre. If you choose a bus-and-metro combination, check the available interchange station, operating hours and whether you need a separate ticket. With a large suitcase, a direct bus journey may be simpler.

Taxi and pre-booked transfer

A taxi to the city centre usually takes 25–45 minutes, or longer during rush hour. Allow approximately €25–40 as a planning estimate. The actual fare depends on the current tariff, the time of day and your exact destination. Confirm it before setting off. For a pre-booked transfer, ask for an all-inclusive quote, especially if you need a child seat.

Car hire

If you are staying entirely in the city centre, a car often adds expense and parking difficulties. It is more useful for Halkidiki or trips outside the city. Before booking, compare deposits, insurance and fuel policies in the guide to car hire in Thessaloniki.

Thessaloniki: what to see and when to visit

Thessaloniki works well for a two-day break, but three days gives you time to get to know it without constantly rushing. The key is to organise your sightseeing by neighbourhood. The waterfront and much of the shopping district are easy to explore on foot, while Ano Poli, the Upper Town, involves uphill walking, more time and comfortable shoes. Leave room in your itinerary for meals and breaks rather than filling every hour with a different sight.

Start at Aristotelous Square and follow the waterfront towards the White Tower. This walk quickly gives you a feel for the city and continues along the New Waterfront to Zongolopoulos's Umbrellas sculpture and beyond. It is a good choice for your first afternoon, when you may not want to commit to a timed museum visit. In summer, go in the morning or late afternoon, as shade is limited along several stretches.

To explore the city's history, combine the Arch of Galerius, known as the Kamara, with the Rotunda, then continue to the Roman Forum. On a separate walk, visit the Church of Agios Dimitrios and head up to Ano Poli. The feel changes here, with smaller streets, residential houses and viewpoints over the Thermaic Gulf. If you would rather avoid the uphill walk, take public transport or a taxi up and walk back down.

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki and the Museum of Byzantine Culture deserve proper time, not a rushed stop between meals. They are particularly good options for a rainy day or a very hot midday. Check opening days, hours and any special exhibitions before planning your visit. For more historical context, read what Thessaloniki is famous for and its defining sights.

When it comes to food, do not limit yourself to one area. Kapani is ideal for a morning market stroll, the renovated Modiano Market for a food stop, while Ladadika and Valaoritou offer plenty of evening options. Bougatsa pastries, koulouri sesame bread rings and small sharing plates fit easily into any itinerary. Booking a table at popular restaurants on Fridays and Saturdays saves unnecessary waiting.

Spring and autumn are usually more comfortable for walking, though rain and sudden changes in the weather are still possible. Summer is hot and humid, while winter can feel particularly cold along the waterfront when the wind picks up. In December, the city makes a good festive three-day break, provided you arrange flights and accommodation early. The guide to three days in Thessaloniki at Christmas can help you plan.

If you have a fourth day, consider a trip outside the city, but avoid spending your entire short break in transit. Vergina is a good choice for archaeology, while other outings focus more on nature or food. Compare distances, weather and return journey times in these suggestions for day trips from Thessaloniki. Do not plan a distant excursion before an afternoon flight home unless you have plenty of time to spare.

Where to stay

For a first visit, the area around Aristotelous Square and the central waterfront makes getting around on foot easy. Staying near Ladadika puts plenty of dining and nightlife options nearby, but check reviews for noise. Ano Poli offers a different atmosphere, with steeper streets that are less convenient for wheeling suitcases.

If you are travelling for a trade fair or conference, choose accommodation based on the event venue. For an early departure, also consider access to airport transport. The guide to where to stay in Thessaloniki by area lets you compare options before booking your flights and room.

Baggage and low-cost airlines

A cheap fare does not necessarily mean a flight with a low-cost airline. On the Athens–Thessaloniki route, the main comparison is between the fare types offered by the airlines. A small personal item, cabin baggage and a checked suitcase are separate allowances, and they are not automatically all included in the initial price.

Check the dimensions and weight limits for your specific fare, rather than the airline in general. If you need a checked suitcase, compare the cost of adding it with the cost of upgrading to a higher fare category. Buying baggage allowance in advance is often cheaper than paying at the airport, but confirm the amount before payment.

For a short trip, a well-packed cabin bag can reduce both costs and waiting time. Keep documents, medication and essential items with you. For liquids, electronic devices and spare batteries, follow the current security rules and your airline's guidance.

Practical tips before booking

• Check passenger details: your full name must match the travel document you will use.
• Read the change conditions: as well as any change fee, you may need to pay a fare difference.
• Check in on time: follow the airline's check-in window and keep your boarding pass ready.
• Factor in both airports: getting to Eleftherios Venizelos affects your total budget just as much as the transfer from Makedonia Airport.
• Allow extra time on the way back: traffic, baggage and security checks can delay your arrival at the gate.
• Compare the whole trip: consider flights, accommodation and transfers together, rather than just the cheapest ticket.

For a same-day trip, first check that the return flight leaves enough time for your commitments. For a relaxed weekend, an early arrival can give you several extra hours in the city, provided your accommodation offers luggage storage.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Athens to Thessaloniki cost?

As a guide, budget €40–110 one way and €80–220 return, without checked baggage. Promotional fares may be lower, while public holidays and limited availability push prices up.

How long is the flight from Athens to Thessaloniki?

The direct flight usually has a scheduled duration of 50–60 minutes. Add time for getting to and from the airports, security checks, boarding and the transfer to your final destination.

Which airlines fly direct from Athens to Thessaloniki?

AEGEAN and SKY express serve the route directly. Flight times and frequencies depend on the date, so check the schedule when searching.

Which airline is cheapest for Thessaloniki?

No airline is consistently cheapest. Compare flights on the same date with equivalent inclusions, adding baggage and any other services you need before deciding.

When can I find cheaper flights from Athens to Thessaloniki?

You will often find better options outside holiday periods and major events if you can be flexible about the day and time. Start searching several weeks ahead, but do not assume that any particular booking day guarantees a lower fare.

How do I get from Thessaloniki Airport to the city centre?

By bus, allow around 40–70 minutes and approximately €2–3. By taxi, allow around 25–45 minutes and €25–40. Confirm current fares and services before travelling.