Cheap Flights to Athens

How long is the flight to Athens?

Flights to Athens, Greece from South Africa can take anywhere between 13-30h depending on your stopovers. If you're flying from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you can expect flights to have a single stop and a travel time of around 12 and a half to 13h. Flights from Cape Town International Airport with one stopover will take around 12h and 30min. If you're flying from Durban, you can expect a travel time of closer to 17h with multiple stopovers.

Are there direct flights to Athens?

There are currently no direct flights to Athens, Greece from South Africa, but you will find flights with a single stopover and a travel time of under 15h. Flights from Johannesburg typically have one stopover in Cairo before flying to Athens. If you’re travelling from Cape Town International Airport, you can expect Athens flight deals to have a single stopover at Addis Ababa International Airport. Flights from Durban to Athens typically have the first stop in Johannesburg with a second stopover in Cairo or Istanbul.

How do you get from Athens airport(s) to the city centre?

Once you arrive at Athens International Airport, Athens, you'll have a few options for getting to the city centre. Metro Line Three connects the airport to the city and will take roughly 40min. Tickets can be bought from the information kiosks for both the Metro and the bus. The X95 bus will cost a little less and will take close to an hour to reach the city centre. If you use the Suburban railway, you can travel to Plakentias station, which connects to the rest of the city. Taxis are available outside Exit Three on the Arrivals level and will take around 40min to get to the city. You can also make use of local taxi apps in Athens, Greece.

What are some things to do in Athens?

Athens in Greece is widely considered a popular travel destination for those visiting the country for its historic remnants of Ancient Greece, coupled with local modern culture and an array of local cuisine. Spend time visiting the 5th-century Acropolis on a guided tour for your benefit. As a history fan, you’ll want to spend time visiting the many museums in Athens, including the Numismatic Museum of Athens, as well as the War Museum, the Byzantine Museum, and one of the biggest archaeological museums in Greece, The National Archaeological Museum. A trip to Hadrian's Library is also a must-see for scholars, with its ancient history of housing documents and reading halls. If you’re looking to catch some sun, spend time at Edem Beach and frolic in the surf. If you love art, spend time on a street art tour with a local artist showing you hidden gems. Limba Rage Room is one place to let loose and smash TV’s, plates, glasses and many other household items. End your days with a sunset over the city and watch the Acropolis come alive with lights from Lycabettus Hill.

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

South Africans are required to get a Greek Schengen visa before travelling to Athens. It’s recommended that you apply two to three months before your planned arrival.