Are you planning to travel from the fascinating city of Istanbul to the ancient city Athens without spending a fortune? By doing a little research and following some simple travel tips, it will be easier than you think. This travel guide will cover all the ways you can travel between these two wonderful destinations, both comfortably and economically.
Key Takeaways
- Buses offer the cheapest and most convenient option for getting from Istanbul to Athens, with comfortable services offered by several international bus companies.
- There are no direct ferries from Istanbul to Athens, but if you have time there are ferry routes that connect Turkish ports like Çeşme, Bodrum, and Kuşadası to Greek islands, which is the perfect way to island-hop towards Athens.
- While flights may seem fast and convenient, they are not always the cheapest choice for this route, so compare prices across budget airlines.
- There are no direct train connections between Istanbul and Athens, but it is possible to do the journey via, Sofia, then by bust to Thesalonki and finally to Athens, although it takes a lot longer and is more expensive than taking a direct bus.
- Booking flights well in advance and being flexible with your travel dates can help you find the best deals for your budget trip from Istanbul to Athens.
Bus from Istanbul to Athens
If you are looking for a cheap way to get from Istanbul to Athens, then bus travel could be the perfect solution for you. Many bus companies offer direct trips that connect these two major tourist destinations with fares that won’t hurt your pocket. Most buses that go to Athens leave from the Esenler bus station which is also known as Büyuk Otogar. It is located on the European side of the city and is fairly easy to get to the bus station from the centre of Istanbul by public transport.
The duration of the journey between the two cities can vary between 14 and 16 hours, depending on the bus company and many travellers might find such a long bus ride a bit tiring. So, you should think about how you feel about spending so much time on a bus and take this into consideration when making your decision. There are normally three stops along the way, plus the border crossings stops that are necessary for passport control.
The two most popular choices of bus company are:
- Arda Tur – This Bulgarian bus company leaves Istanbul at 12 noon and arrives at 3.30 in the morning in the centre of Athens. Buses operate most days of the week and the trip takes 15h 30m. The company offers a free second bag, as well as free wi-fi onboard. This is a good option if you have a lot of luggage and need more flexibility with travel dates.
- Crazy Holidays – The Greek bus company operates from Istanbul to Athens every Thursday at 17.30 and Athens to Istanbul every Friday at 15.00. The trip is short and only takes 14 hours.
Ticket prices and booking
You can book your bus tickets online via the company´s website or buy them via a bus travel app, such as Busbud. Sometimes, buying the bus ticket on a Turkish travel website, such as Obilet can help you save a few euros. You should always compare apps and websites and find the best price. I have been using the Busbud mobile app for a long time and I find it to be the easiest way to buy tickets.
Arda Tur tickets cost between 65-75 euros one-way, depending on where you buy your tickets. They run very frequently, most days of the week. Crazy holiday buses cost 80 euros an adult one-way ticket. However, if you are a student or 65 and above, it costs 70 euros. You will need to show your international student ID card to get the discount.
When buying your ticket online you need to give your passport details and when you arrive at the bus station to take the bus, you need to have your passport double checked everything on your bus ticket must be the same as on your passport. If you are not from the EU, you may require a Schengen visa. You need to check with the entry requirements for the EU for travellers from your country before travelling. If you don`t have a visa, you will not be able to get on the bus at Istanbul bus station and you won´t get a refund, as it was your responsibility to get a visa.
Cheap flights from Istanbul to Athens
If you are looking for direct affordable flights from Istanbul to Athens, things can be tricky. In the past there were many cheap flights, but recently prices have increased significantly. However, if you’re do a little research, you can still find some cheap flights between the two cities.
Budget Airlines that fly from Istanbul to Athens
Both Turkish Airlines and Aegean Airlines fly directly to Athens from Istanbul International Airport, although both airlines tend to be quite expensive. In general Aegean Airlines tends to be a little cheaper than Turkish Airlines. However, if you book your ticket well in advance or during a special sale, you can often get good deals with both airlines, and you should remember that they both offer a higher baggage allowance than their budget airline rivals.
If you’re on a tight budget, you should think about using a budget Turkish airline company such as Pegasus Airlines. They often have great deals and sales that can help you save. They don´t fly from Istanbul. International Airport but fly from the Sabiha Göcken Aırport whıch ıs located on the Asian side of the city. Remember, that Pegasus offers a lower baggage allowance, and this is what often increases the price of their flights when you arrive at the airport and need to pay excess baggage charges.
Other options may include flights with layovers in cities like Sofia, Belgrade, Bucharest, etc from where you can get a connecting flight. Some airlines such as Wizz can offer this type of air ticket, which although are often good value for money can require a long stopover in an airport. You can check for flights and compare prices on websites such as Kayak and Skyscanner. Sometimes purchasing a airline ticket can be a little cheaper on a Turkish website, such as Obilet. See the guide to Turkish air travel for more information.
Train travel from Istanbul to Athens
I love travelling by train and remember my first long distance train journey between Venice and Istanbul when I was just a teenager. It was a magical experience that I will never forget and is still possible to do today. Unfortunately, there is no direct train route between Istanbul to Athens. However, that doesn´t mean that the journey is impossible, you can still get to Athens from Istanbul by using a combination of train and bus, but it’s not the cheapest or fastest way to travel.
It is also a little complicated because you need to catch the Sofia Express night train which will take you to the capital of Bulgaria. The night train runs every day from Istanbul Halkali Station and arrives at 9.30 in the morning in Sofia. It normally takes about 1 hour to pass through the border control, but all in all is a pleasant journey. Prices start at around 30 euros for a seat, more expensive if you want a couchette. The journey is included in the Interrail Pass. From Sofia you need to get a 20-euro bus to Thessaloniki in Greece that takes 8h.30m. Then from Thessaloniki you need to take another 6-hour bus journey to Athens, that is very expensive at around 40 euros, one way.
The train service between Sofia and Thessaloniki was stopped in 2023 after a serious train accident in Greece. Taking this travel option would only be practical if you are planning to visit Sofia as part of your overall travel plan, otherwise a direct bus from Istanbul to Athens is a much better and cheaper option.
Ferry connections between Turkey and the Greek Mainland
Traveling from Turkey to Greece by ferry is an exciting adventure. However, there is no direct ferry that connects Istanbul and Athens, the only way to do this, would be to take an holiday on one of the many cruise ships that include these cities in their itinerary. It is possible to travel from many Turkish sea ports like Çeşme, Bodrum, Kuşadası, and Marmaris to visit Greek islands such Chios, Rhodes, Samos, and Kos.
From these lovely spots, you can take a domestic ferry to Pireus, which is next to Athens and take a metro or bus to the city centre. Several companies operate these ferry services, but their schedules usually change with the seasons, with the summer months offering the highest number of connections. A trip might be quick, just 30 minutes, or occasionally as long as a couple of hours. Tickets for these ferries range from 20 to 55 euros for a foot passenger. You can buy them online or at the ports. The cost depends on the route and class of service.
The price of getting from the each Greek Island to Pireus depends on which island you are travelling from. These ferry trips offer a special and unforgettable holiday experience. However, getting to the Turkish port from Istanbul can be time
consuming, for example 7 hours to Izmir and about 20 euros by bus. Again, taking a direct bus from Istanbul to Athens is a cheaper and faster option, but travelling by ferry across the Aegean is and unforgettable travel experience.
Tips for budget travel between Istanbul and Athens
If you want a quick and cheap trip from Istanbul to Athens, try the bus. The bus is the cheapest choice. One-way tickets start at about 65 euros. Always book your tickets early to get the best price. For those travellers who prefer flying, search for cheap tickets from many airlines by using comparison websites or Turkish travel websites. As well as signing up to serval airlines newsletters to find out when they are offering special deals. Be open with your travel dates to find the lowest prices.
Using ferries can be a good option, especially if you plan to visit islands along the way. When buying ferry tickets, think about total travel time. Remember to add in the cost of all the ferry prices, plus any buses needed to get you from Istanbul to the Turkish port of departure as well as the price of travel from the port of Pireus to Athens from the islands. It’s smart to book your tickets early during busy times to grab great deals. Remember to check you visa needs for entering the EU whatever your nationality and whatever form of transport you decide to choose.
Conclusion
Travelling from Istanbul to Athens on a budget needs some planning. Flights are fast but not cheap. So, looking into buses is wise for a cost-saving trip. Trains and ferries take longer but offer unforgettable travel memories. Arda Tur and Crazy holidays are both comfy and economical and have several services stops where you can use the bathroom, eat and stretch your legs. Decide what’s best for you by considering travel time, comfort, and price.
FAQ
What transportation options are there to travel from Istanbul to Athens on a budget?
You can travel from Istanbul to Athens on a budget. Options include buses, ferries, flights, and trains. Buses are usually the cheapest choices.
How much does a bus ticket from Istanbul to Athens usually cost?
On average, a bus ticket from Istanbul to Athens costs about 70 euros one way.
Which bus companies offer direct routes from Istanbul to Athens?
Arda Tur is a top choice for direct routes from Istanbul to Athens. Their buses are comfortable and run more regularly.
How long does the bus journey from Istanbul to Athens take?
The direct bus to Athens from Istanbul takes roughly 14-16 hours. It’s a long but cost-friendly choice for many.
Are there any budget airlines that fly directly from Istanbul to Athens?
Yes, there are. You can check for cheaper options like Pegasus Airlines, but don´t forget that they their baggage allowance is very low and when you add on that cost, the price may sometimes be similar to other airlines companies such as Turkish Airlines or Aegean Airlines.
How can I find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Athens?
For the best flight deals, compare prices of different airlines and book early. Try to be flexible with travel dates and consider flights with layovers for savings. Also check prices on flight comparison websites.