When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Athens?
The cheapest time to travel to Athens is during the off-peak season in winter. Crowds are low, and the weather is mild. Summer is peak season, especially around July and August, which means higher rates, temperatures and crowds. Spring and autumn offer the best weather, low visitors and cheap prices. Save on return flights for any season with early booking or by selecting flexible travel dates.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Athens?
The best time to book cheap flights to Athens is 60 to 90 days in advance. If you’re not able to book so far in advance, look out for last minute deals. In general, the earlier the purchase for return flights the better. There can be a lot of rain in winter and late autumn so remember to take an umbrella or raincoat with you.
Flying to Athens International Airport (ATH)
Athens International Airport (ATH), or Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, is Greece’s busiest airport. It is located 33 kilometres southwest of Athens.
Find cheap flights to Athens with Netflights by typing in your city/airport of departure and ATH as your destination. Choose from several popular airlines like Aegean Airlines, Air France, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, SN Brussels Airlines and Swiss Airlines and Turkish Airlines. Airports like Manchester Airport, Edinburgh Airport and George Best Belfast City all serve indirect Athens flights with stopovers in cities like Amsterdam, Munich, Vienna, Zurich and London. Only London’s Heathrow Airport offers both indirect and direct flights to Athens from the UK.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Athens International Airport has two terminals: the main terminal and the satellite terminal. Its main terminal is further split into two halls, Hall A and Hall B. Flights to Athens from the UK will arrive in Hall A, as it is reserved for international and non-Schengen flights. Hall B is for Schengen and domestic flights. The main terminal also has three floors, one for arrivals, departures and food courts. The Satellite terminal is used during high season. It has an arrivals floor and a departures floor.
Getting to the city from Athens International Airport (ATH)
You can travel by rail, bus, taxi or car. Metro line 3 is a cheap option, while the two suburban railways get into Athens Central Station, Stathmos Larisis, quickly. The airport railway station is right by the terminal and it is connected by an elevated walkway. There are four different bus lines and five regional bus services that are great alternatives to getting into the city centre. For a more direct option, taxis are found outside arrivals in Exit 3. Car hire companies are also available in the arrivals level of the main terminal.
Why visit Athens?
The birthplace of democracy, the cradle of western civilisation, ancient Greece – Athens is more than just a city of ruins, it is a place where history comes alive. This is no better example of this than in the Acroplplis which stands proudly above the city. This is the most recognisable site in Athens and is famous around the world. Contrasting this ancient structure is its Acropolis Museum, a fine example of modern architecture.
Take a stroll along Athens’s oldest neighbourhood known as Plaka, located just below the Acropolis. Its narrow cobblestone streets and pastel-colours give it the most charming aesthetics. Watch as the streets come alive in Athens with its many markets and shops. Bahar and To Pantopoleion offer local and traditional spices, oil, wine and other goods. Ermou Street is the city’s main shopping centre. Book cheap Athens flights with Netflights and you can find discover the blend of old and new that Athens proudly displays at every turn.
Don't Forget Before You Fly
Before travelling to Athens, it is advisable to exchange some of your money into euros. There is a daily 600 euro withdraw limit imposed on Greek banks when using a UK card. If your card issuer limits you at a lower amount, this may be your overall daily cap. Debit and credit card are accepted. If you need to withdraw at ATH, currency exchanges are located in the main terminal. British passport holders don’t need a visa to travel to any country in the EU – you can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You just need to make sure that your passport has at least six months validity left, on the day you travel.
