Find the cheapest flights from London to Athens in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: London (LHR) → Athens (ATH)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 5h 30m – 7h 45m
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €265 | low |
| February | €255 | low |
| March | €285 | low |
| April | €325 | medium |
| May | €355 | medium |
| June | €415 | high |
| July | €485 | high |
| August | €515 | high |
| September | €395 | medium |
| October | €335 | medium |
| November | €275 | low |
| December | €345 | medium |
Airlines on This Route
- British Airways (direct): from €380 — BA often releases seats 355 days out; check their low-cost fare calendar for the cheapest availability
- Aegean Airlines (direct): from €340 — Aegean offers the best regular pricing among direct carriers; check their Flash Sales section every Tuesday
- easyJet (direct): from €310 — easyJet from Gatwick (LGW) often undercuts Heathrow; book 6-8 weeks ahead for best prices
- Ryanair (direct): from €295 — Ryanair flies from Stansted (STN) – check bus/coach costs to Stansted as it affects total trip cost
- Wizz Air (direct): from €280 — Wizz often has the lowest prices but flies from Luton (LTN); sign up for their fare alerts 2 months before travel
- Lufthansa (connecting): from €320 — Lufthansa via Munich or Frankfurt offers reliable connections; book morning departures for shorter layovers
- Turkish Airlines (connecting): from €295 — Turkish Airlines often undercodes connecting fares; Istanbul connection adds ~3 hours but very competitive pricing
Booking Strategy
For London to Athens, book 4-8 weeks in advance for the best fares. January and February offer the lowest prices (€255-285), while August sees peak pricing at €500+. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €30-50 cheaper than weekend flights. If flying direct, Gatwick (easyJet) and Stansted (Ryanair) often beat Heathrow prices by €50-80, though factor in ground transport costs. Use Google Flights for price tracking with the ‘Track prices’ feature – this route sees significant fare drops on Tuesday evenings when airlines release weekly inventory. For connecting flights, afternoon departures via Frankfurt or Munich typically offer the shortest layovers (1h 15m-1h 45m). Avoid flying on Fridays and Sundays returning from Athens, as these are high-demand days.
Route Tips
- Ryanair and Wizz Air fly from London Stansted and Luton respectively – factor in £25-40 for Stansted Express or bus when comparing prices to Gatwick/Heathrow services
- British Airways offers free seat selection 24 hours before departure – check in exactly then to secure better seats without paying
- Athens airport has a fast-track lane for Star Alliance gold members – worth it during peak arrival times if you hold status
- For island trips, book ferries from Piraeus 2-3 days ahead in summer – ferries to Mykonos/Santorini sell out, and hotel prices spike on short notice
- UK passport holders need no visa for Greece – but ensure passport is valid 6 months beyond entry and has at least 3 months remaining validity
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from London to Athens?
Direct flights from London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted) to Athens take approximately 3 hours 35 minutes. British Airways and Aegean Airlines operate the fastest schedules at 3h 30m. If you opt for a connecting flight via Frankfurt, Munich, or Istanbul, expect a total journey time of 5h 30m to 7h 45m depending on layover duration. Morning departures via European hubs typically mean shorter connections (1-2 hours), while afternoon stops can extend wait times significantly.
How much does it cost to fly from London to Athens?
Return flights typically range from €260 in low season to €600+ during August peak. The cheapest direct fares start around €280-300 return with Wizz Air and Ryanair from Stansted or Luton. Mid-range carriers like easyJet and Aegean charge €320-400, while British Airways business-class fares exceed €800. Connecting flights via European hubs can sometimes undercut direct prices, with Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa offering returns from €290-350 including checked baggage.
Are there direct flights from London to Athens?
Yes, multiple airlines operate direct flights from London to Athens year-round. From Heathrow (LHR), British Airways and Aegean Airlines offer multiple daily departures. Gatwick (LGW) has easyJet flights, while budget carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air operate from Stansted (STN) and Luton (LTN) respectively. All major London airports serve Athens, with 15-20 direct flights available daily during summer and 8-12 in winter.
What is the cheapest month to fly from London to Athens?
January and February are the cheapest months, with average return fares of €255-265. November also offers excellent value at €275. The shoulder seasons of March, April, October, and November provide good balance between weather and pricing (€285-335). Peak pricing hits in July-August when average fares exceed €500 due to Greek summer holidays and European vacation demand. September offers a sweet spot – summer weather with reduced crowds and prices around €395.
Which airlines fly from London to Athens?
Direct carriers include British Airways (premium, 1x23kg bag included), Aegean Airlines (best regular pricing, Star Alliance member), easyJet (Gatwick, popular), Ryanair (Stansted, very low fares), and Wizz Air (Luton). Connecting options via European hubs include Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, Swiss, and Turkish Airlines. Budget carriers charge extra for checked bags, while legacy carriers include checked luggage in the fare. Turkish Airlines offers the most competitive connecting fares, often beating budget direct prices.
What airport do I fly into in Athens?
All flights arrive at Athens International Airport (ATH), located 20km southeast of central Athens. The metro (Line 3) connects the airport to Syntagma Square in 40 minutes for €10. Express buses (X95) run to Syntagma every 10-15 minutes for €6. Taxis to central Athens cost €40-50, though avoid metered taxis claiming fixed prices. For those heading to the islands, the metro connects directly to Piraeus port for ferry connections.
How far in advance should I book London to Athens flights?
For this route, book 4-8 weeks ahead for the best deals. Last-minute bookings rarely yield savings – fares typically rise sharply within 14 days of departure. For January/February travel, book by early December. August peak season requires booking 8-12 weeks ahead to secure sub-€450 fares. Budget carriers release seats 6-8 weeks before at their lowest, while British Airways opens availability 355 days out. Use price alerts and book when fares drop below your target.
Is it cheaper to fly from London to Athens on weekdays?
Yes, weekday flights are noticeably cheaper. Tuesday and Wednesday departures save €30-50 compared to Friday or Sunday flights. Returning to London, Monday and Thursday returns are cheapest, while Friday and Sunday returns command premium prices due to business travellers and weekend trippers. The difference can be substantial – a €300 Tuesday flight may cost €380 on Friday. Wednesday-to-Saturday or Sunday-to-Tuesday combinations typically offer the best value.
Data updated: 2026-03
