Cheap flights to Athens from across Australia

Athens is a city of millennia-old ruins and late-night rooftop bars that share the same skyline. It might be world-famous as the home to the Acropolis, the Parthenon. But it’s the neighbourhoods that surround it below; each with its own rhythm of street food, neoclassical corners and mosaic-paved alleys that bring her to life in the modern day. 

In Athens, you’ll find ancient marketplaces alongside modern art galleries. Flea markets beside agoras. And when it’s time to move on? There are ferries to Mykonos and flights to Santorini. The capital is more than just a stop: it’s the gateway to Greece.

How long is the flight to Athens?

• Sydney to Athens: 21 hours, 25 minutes (with stops)
• Melbourne to Athens: 20 hours (with stops)
• Brisbane to Athens: 21 hours (with stops)
• Perth to Athens: 18 hours, 15 minutes (with stops)
• Adelaide to Athens: 21 hours, 15 minutes (with stops)

Since flights from Australia to Greece do have a stopover, the times listed above are just the minimum scheduled times. Depending on where you stop and what your flight schedule looks like, it may be longer.

Which airlines fly direct to Athens?

There are no direct flights from Australia to Athens, but you can get there with just one stop with a host of airlines including:

• Qatar Airways: One-stop via Doha, with generous checked baggage allowances and a massive onboard entertainment library.
• Emirates: Flies via Dubai, known for roomy economy seating and free Wi-Fi on select long-haul routes.
• Etihad Airways: Connects through Abu Dhabi, offering a choice of three travel classes and a solid dine-on-demand service in business.
• Singapore Airlines: Stops in Singapore, with award-winning cabin service and smooth long-haul transitions through Changi.
• Turkish Airlines: Via Istanbul, with some seriously stacked access to a wide network on arrival.

Where you can fly direct to Athens from

While there are no direct flights from Australia, these airlines fly via stopovers.

• Sydney: Flights from Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines 
• Melbourne: Flights from Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines

When is the cheapest time to fly to Athens

October usually sees the best-value fares after the summer crowds have gone and before the festive season kicks in. November and February are also smart picks, both being outside major holiday spikes. December is typically the most expensive month to fly, with January and June not far behind. If you’re watching your spend, skip high summer and aim for the shoulder.

Visa and passport requirements when flying to Athens

Australians don’t need a visa for short stays up to 90 days in the Schengen Area, which Greece is part of. But make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from Greece or any other Schengen country.

Where is the airport in Athens?

Athens International Airport (ATH) is 33 km from the Athens city centre in Spata. The metro takes 40 minutes to get to the city and the public bus takes one hour. Taxis will be more pricey but have a fixed fare. Ride-sharing apps and private transfers are also available. Keen to drive for yourself? There are rental times for that.

How early to arrive at the airport

Arrive 3 hours before your international departure for check-in and security.

Keen to explore? Book your Athens hotel or tours with Traveloka now.