London to Athens: 2,393 km, 3h 30m–3h 50m flight time. 4 airlines including British Airways and Aegean Airlines. Best months: March, April, May. From £120–350.
London to Athens is one of Europe's most popular longer short-haul routes, connecting Britain to the cradle of Western civilization. Multiple carriers compete vigorously: British Airways and Aegean Airlines from Heathrow, and easyJet and Ryanair from Gatwick and Stansted. The flight takes 3.5–4 hours and is available year-round. Athens is a remarkably compelling destination across all seasons — summer for island connectivity, spring and autumn for pleasant temperatures and manageable crowds at the Acropolis.
Athens Airport is one of Europe's most functional, with a direct metro to the city center in 40 minutes. The city rewards exploration beyond the Acropolis — the Monastiraki flea market, the First Cemetery, and the street food scene in Psiri are all highlights. From Athens, renting a car enables day trips to Cape Sounio (Poseidon's temple by the sea), the Peloponnese battlefields and Byzantine ruins, and the olive groves of the Attic countryside. Athens is also the gateway to Greek island ferries from Piraeus port.
| Airline | Type | Direct? | Duration | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | ✈️ Full Service | ✅ Yes | 3h 35m | £120–350 |
| Aegean Airlines | ✈️ Full Service | ✅ Yes | 3h 35m | £100–300 |
| easyJet | 💰 Budget | ✅ Yes | 3h 40m | £65–190 |
| Ryanair | 💰 Budget | ✅ Yes | 3h 45m | £55–170 |
Book March flights 6-8 weeks in advance for the best London to Athens fares.
Compare prices across all airlines for this route.
Data and regulations verified against official sources. Last checked 2026-04-27.
Yes, Greece remains very welcoming to UK visitors. UK passport holders can visit for up to 90 days without a visa. Note that your UK passport must be less than 10 years old from its issue date. ETIAS will be required from 2026.
Metro Line 3 runs from the airport to Syntagma in 40 minutes for €9. Buses run to Piraeus and central Athens. A fixed-rate taxi costs €38 to central Athens (day) or €54 (midnight–5am).
November–February (outside Greek Orthodox Christmas) offers the lowest fares, with November and January especially cheap. Greek Easter causes a price spike. Summer (July–August) is peak with prices often double the off-season.
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