How to travel from Athens to Istanbul

You can travel between Athens and Istanbul by flight.

The cheapest way to travel from Athens to Istanbul is a flight with an average price of €131.

The fastest way to travel from Athens to Istanbul is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 1m.

Other travel options to Istanbul take longer:

Bus takes on average 15h 24m.

The distance from Athens to Istanbul is approximately 347 miles (560 km).

The average frequency per day from Athens to Istanbul is:

• Around 26 flights per day.

However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Athens and Istanbul as scheduled services by flight can vary by season or day of the week.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Athens to Istanbul:

• Flights mostly depart from Athens International Airport and arrive in Istanbul Airport.

If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Athens to Istanbul, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:

• Travel with ArdaTur to go to Istanbul by bus.
• Travel with Pegasus, Aegean Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways to go to Istanbul by flight.

Yes, there are direct services available from Athens to Istanbul with the following travel companies:

• 0 direct buses per day with ArdaTur.
• 13 direct flights per day with Pegasus, Aegean Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Turkish Airlines.

Omio customers who travel from Athens to Istanbul often also extend their vacation to go to Sofia, Antalya, İzmir, Ankara, Thessaloniki. Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Istanbul and these popular destinations at a great price.

Most travelers need at least three days in Istanbul to see the main sights at a comfortable pace. If you want day trips or a slower itinerary, consider adding extra time.

In Istanbul, you can explore vibrant markets like the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, enjoy a scenic Bosphorus Cruise, and experience a traditional Turkish Bath. Discover historic sights such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque. Don't miss the atmospheric Basilica Cistern and the panoramic views from Galata Tower. For shopping and entertainment, head to Istiklal Avenue.

Three to four days are generally sufficient to explore Istanbul's key attractions, including the historic Hagia Sophia, the bustling Grand Bazaar, and a scenic Bosphorus cruise.