Find the cheapest flights from Athens to Santorini in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: Athens (ATH) → Santorini (JTR)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 1h 30m – 3h (1 stop)
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €85 | low |
| February | €78 | low |
| March | €95 | low |
| April | €120 | medium |
| May | €165 | high |
| June | €210 | high |
| July | €280 | high |
| August | €310 | high |
| September | €195 | high |
| October | €140 | medium |
| November | €75 | low |
| December | €90 | low |
Airlines on This Route
- Aegean Airlines (direct): from €120 — Aegean offers the most reliable schedule. Book 3+ weeks ahead for summer months; their Athens-Santorini flights fill fast during peak season (June-August)
- Sky Express (direct): from €95 — Often cheapest for this route. Check their website directly – they offer dynamic pricing and sometimes have flash sales. Flying on Tuesday/Wednesday can save 30%+ vs weekend flights
- Olympic Air (direct): from €110 — Owned by Aegean but operates independently. Sometimes has better availability when Aegean is sold out. Morning flights (7-9am) tend to be cheapest
Booking Strategy
Athens to Santorini is a short 45-minute domestic hop, but prices vary dramatically by season. The cheapest flights run €50-90 in winter (November through February), while summer peak (July-August) sees prices soar to €200-350. For best deals, book 2-4 weeks in advance and fly midweek – Tuesday and Wednesday are typically 25-40% cheaper than Friday/Sunday departures. Morning flights (first departure around 6:30-8am) are consistently cheapest. Use Google Flights to track price trends, then book directly on Aegean or Sky Express websites – they match or beat OTAs and you get better customer service for changes. If flying in summer, book at least 4 weeks ahead as flights sell out quickly.
Route Tips
- Book morning flights (first departures 6:30-8am) – they’re consistently €20-50 cheaper than afternoon departures on the same route
- If flying in summer, choose Aegean Airlines over Sky Express for better rebooking flexibility if your plans change – their change fees are lower
- Santorini airport (JTR) is tiny and can be chaotic during peak season – arrive 2 hours before your flight despite it being domestic
- Consider the ferry instead of flying if you have time – the high-speed ferry takes 2 hours and often costs €40-60 with better views, though flight is faster overall
- EU citizens need only a national ID card to fly this route – no passport required if traveling within Greece
- Download the Free Now taxi app before arrival – Santorini taxis are notoriously difficult to hail and app booking is more reliable
- If staying in Oia, budget €15-20 for taxi from airport – there is no direct public bus to Oia, only to Fira where you transfer
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Athens to Santorini?
The direct flight from Athens (ATH) to Santorini (JTR) takes just 45 minutes, one of the shortest commercial flights in Europe. Aegean Airlines operates multiple daily departures starting around 6:30am, with the last flight around 8pm. If booking a connecting flight (rare, usually via other Greek islands), expect 1.5 to 3 hours total travel time. Note that flight times can vary by 15-20 minutes depending on wind conditions – the short hop often feels more like a bus ride than a flight.
How much does it cost to fly from Athens to Santorini?
Direct flight prices range from €50 to €350 depending on season. Winter months (November-February) offer the cheapest fares at €50-90 for direct flights. Summer peak (July-August) sees prices jump to €200-350, especially for weekend departures. Shoulder seasons (March-April, October) fall in the middle at €100-150. Sky Express typically undercuts Aegean by €15-30 on average. Budget an additional €20-30 if you need checked baggage.
Are there direct flights from Athens to Santorini?
Yes, direct flights are readily available and are the dominant option for this route. Three airlines operate direct service: Aegean Airlines (most frequent, 8+ daily), Sky Express (5-6 daily), and Olympic Air (3-4 daily). The flight is remarkably short at 45 minutes. There are essentially no connecting options worth considering – the only reason to connect would be if you were flying from another Greek island or arriving from abroad and routing through Athens. Direct flights depart from Athens Terminal 1 (mostly) and Terminal 2.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Athens to Santorini?
January is the cheapest month, with average fares around €85 and frequent deals under €60 if you book in advance. February is similarly cheap at €75-85 average. November also offers excellent value at €75-95. The key is avoiding Greek summer holidays and peak tourist season – prices in July-August are 4-5x higher than winter lows. If your schedule is flexible, January through March offers the best combination of low prices and (mostly) good weather, though Santorini is quiet during these months with reduced ferry and flight schedules.
Which airlines fly from Athens to Santorini?
Three airlines operate this route: Aegean Airlines (flagship carrier, most frequent 8+ daily flights, Oneworld member), Sky Express (budget-friendly regional carrier, competitive pricing), and Olympic Air (Aegean subsidiary, similar schedule). Aegean tends to be slightly more expensive but offers better frequency and reliable connections to international flights. Sky Express often has the lowest fares and newer aircraft. All three include a small carry-on in the base fare; checked bags cost €20-35 extra depending on airline and when you book.
What airport do I fly into in Santorini?
Santorini International Airport (JTR), also called Thira Airport, is located 6km southeast of Fira (the capital). It’s a small regional airport with limited facilities. Upon arrival, you can take a public bus (€2-3, infrequent), a taxi (€25-35 to Fira, metered), or arrange a private transfer (€30-40). Many hotels offer free airport/port transfers – confirm when booking. The airport has a single terminal, limited food options, and no luggage storage. Consider combining with a ferry if heading to other islands – the port is 15 minutes from the airport by taxi.
How far in advance should I book Athens to Santorini flights?
For winter travel (November-February), book 2-3 weeks ahead – there’s less demand and prices are stable. For summer (June-August), book 4-6 weeks ahead minimum, as flights fill quickly and prices rise weekly. The sweet spot for summer is typically 3-4 weeks before departure when airlines have released their best fare classes but haven’t yet raised prices due to scarcity. Last-minute bookings (within 1 week) in summer can be €100+ more than advance bookings. Use Google Flights price alerts set 6 weeks out.
Is it cheaper to fly from Athens to Santorini on weekdays?
Yes, weekday flights are significantly cheaper, particularly Tuesday and Wednesday. Weekend departures (Friday-Sunday) command a 25-40% premium on this route, especially during summer. A Tuesday flight in July might cost €120 while the same flight on Saturday costs €200+. Monday and Thursday fall in the middle – slightly cheaper than weekend but more expensive than midweek. If your schedule allows maximum flexibility, target Tuesday-Wednesday departures year-round for the best fares.
Data updated: 2026-03
