Cheap flights to Athens

How long is the flight to Athens?

Depending on your departure city, you should expect a minimum flight time of around 30h; though, depending on the number and choice of layovers on Athens flight deals, the total time could well exceed 50h. Departing from Auckland Airport (AKL), 27h or thereabouts is the faster flight duration to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) with one layover, which is usually at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) or Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH). If departing from Wellington Airport (WLG), around 30h will generally be one of the faster flight times with two connections, the first being Auckland Airport and the second, Singapore Changi, although it could also be Dubai International Airport (DXB), among other options.

Are there direct flights to Athens?

The distance from New Zealand to Athens, Greece, calls for at least one layover to refuel the aircraft; so at present, there are no direct flight options for this travel path. Generally, the layover destinations are simple and efficient airports for transit, most commonly Singapore Changi Airport, Doha International Airport or Dubai International Airport. These airports are frequent hosts of travellers in transit to other destination countries and offer plenty of facilities and dining, to use up some layover time. Some multi-layover flight paths first stop within New Zealand, at Auckland Airport, and the option for a longer layover here plus a side trip along the way could be a good option for those that want to add an extra bit of adventure on their way to Athens.

How do you get from Athens Airport to the city centre?

As a busy and popular destination for travellers from around the globe, Athens and its transport systems are efficient and reliable. There are multiple ways to make the journey from Athens Airport, Athens, to the city – either bus, train, taxi or your own hire car. If driving or taking a taxi, depending on traffic, the journey into Athens can take from 30min to 1h. By train, there is a direct connection from the airport to the city, which takes about 40min; it runs every 30min or so every day from 06:30 to 23:30. Taking local bus services is a cheap option; though, it will take around 1h 30min and, again, is affected by potential traffic, making the train a more efficient and reliable choice.

What are some things to do in Athens?

The heart of Ancient Greece and the capital of the country, Athens holds onto a rich history, both in culture and landmarks. The home to a powerful empire and experts in architecture of their time, the remains of many impressive structures still lie within the city. The Acropolis of Athens and Parthenon are must-sees, as well as Acropolis Museum, which is home to significant and well-preserved ancient artefacts. For its modernisation and demand to accommodate tourism, Athens now has a modern and trendy side; there’s a collection of rooftop bars offering views of the Acropolis, to enjoy a drink at sunset, and there’s boutique stores across the city and the restored historical neighbourhood of Plaka to stroll through.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Athens?

While all international travel will require a passport, a visa is not required for your entry into Greece if you are a citizen of New Zealand and are planning a short stay. As Greece is a part of the Schengen area, New Zealand passports come under an agreement allowing a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period.

What airport do you fly into for flights to Athens?

Booking a flight to Athens Eleftherios V. (ATH) is your only option if you intend on flying to Athens. It is only a 19.7 km journey from Eleftherios V. to Athens’s city centre.