Rome to Athens is one of the Mediterranean’s easiest short hops — a non-stop flight of under two hours, flown many times a day, and often very cheap if you book ahead. This guide covers who flies the route, what a fair return fare looks like in euros, and when to book for the lowest price.
Route: Rome (FCO) → Athens International, Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)
Distance: approximately 1,050 km (650 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 1h 55m – 2h 05m
Direct flights: Yes — ITA Airways, Aegean Airlines and Ryanair all fly non-stop from Rome Fiumicino, several times a day between them.
Fares from Rome to Athens (EUR)
Athens is a year-round city break with a strong summer peak, when it doubles as the gateway to the Greek islands. Fares climb from June to early September and around Easter and Christmas; the cheapest seats are in the November–March off-season. The figures below are typical economy return fares in euros — the low-cost carriers set the floor, while flexible or last-minute tickets sit at the top.
| Month | Typical return (economy) | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €70 – €120 | low |
| February | €70 – €120 | low |
| March | €80 – €140 | medium |
| April | €100 – €170 | medium-high (Easter) |
| May | €100 – €160 | medium-high |
| June | €120 – €190 | high |
| July | €140 – €220 | very high |
| August | €140 – €220 | very high |
| September | €110 – €180 | high |
| October | €90 – €150 | medium |
| November | €70 – €120 | low |
| December | €90 – €160 | medium-high (holidays) |
Reference points from our own deal tracking: a genuinely good return lands around €80–€100, a typical fair price is roughly €120–€130, and anything under about €90 is worth booking on the spot. One-way Ryanair seats can appear from as little as €15–€30 in the off-season.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 2 hours):
- ITA Airways — the most frequent operator from Fiumicino (its home hub), full-service with a checked bag on most fares.
- Aegean Airlines — Greece’s flag carrier and a Star Alliance member; comfortable, reliable, good connections onward to the islands.
- Ryanair — usually the cheapest headline fare; watch the bag and seat add-ons, which can close the gap.
Between them these carriers offer multiple daily departures, so you rarely need to connect. There is no reason to take a one-stop itinerary on such a short route unless a specific fare or schedule suits you.
When to book & how to save
- Book 3–8 weeks ahead for the best short-haul fares; unlike long-haul, prices here can occasionally dip closer in during quiet months, but summer seats sell out.
- Avoid July–August and Easter if you can — the shoulder months of May, September and October give near-summer weather at lower fares.
- Travel light to fly cheap: Ryanair’s lowest fares include only a small under-seat bag — add cabin or checked baggage and compare the all-in price against ITA or Aegean.
- Midweek is cheaper: Tuesday to Thursday departures usually undercut Friday–Sunday, which carry the weekend-break premium.
- Consider Aegean for onward island hops — a single ticket through Athens to Santorini, Mykonos or Crete can be smoother and cheaper than booking separately.
Arriving in Athens
All flights land at Athens International, Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), about 33 km east of the city centre. The easiest way in is Metro Line 3 straight to Syntagma Square (around 40 minutes, roughly €9 one-way), or the X95 express bus to Syntagma for about €5.50 if you don’t mind the traffic. A metered taxi to the centre runs on a fixed daytime tariff of around €40 (a little more at night). Suburban rail also links the airport to the wider Attica network.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Rome to Athens?
The non-stop flight takes about 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours 5 minutes, covering roughly 1,050 km across the Ionian and Aegean seas. There is no meaningful time difference on the return leg, so plan for about two hours in the air either way.
Are there direct flights from Rome to Athens?
Yes. ITA Airways, Aegean Airlines and Ryanair all fly non-stop from Rome Fiumicino to Athens, with multiple departures a day between them. On such a short route there’s no need to connect — a direct flight is almost always available and the cheapest option.
How much does it cost to fly from Rome to Athens?
A typical economy return runs about €80–€160 depending on the season. Off-season deals dip to around €80 or below, while July and August peak toward €200–€220. Ryanair one-ways can appear from €15–€30 in quiet months.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Rome to Athens?
November, January and February are usually the cheapest, with returns from around €70. Avoid July and August, the summer peak, and the Easter and Christmas holiday weeks, which carry the highest fares.
Which airlines fly from Rome to Athens?
Non-stop flights are operated by ITA Airways (the most frequent, from its Fiumicino hub), Aegean Airlines (Greece’s Star Alliance flag carrier) and Ryanair (usually the lowest headline fare). Other Greek and low-cost carriers add seasonal frequencies in summer.
Which airport do I fly into in Athens?
You arrive at Athens International, Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), the city’s single main airport, about 33 km east of the centre. Metro Line 3 connects it directly to Syntagma Square in the heart of Athens in around 40 minutes.
How far in advance should I book Rome to Athens flights?
Aim to book 3 to 8 weeks ahead for the best balance of price and choice. For summer travel (July–August) and the Easter and Christmas peaks, book earlier — seats fill and fares rise as those dates approach.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Usually, yes. Midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) tend to be cheaper than Friday–Sunday flights, which carry a city-break premium. Flying out and back midweek can save €20–€50 on a return, so flexibility of a day or two pays off.
Fare guidance based on aifly.one deal tracking and current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — always check the live fare before booking.
