Calculating the Distance from Turkey to Greece by Plane, Ferry, and Road

With its ancient sites, stunning islands and Mediterranean beaches, Greece is a hugely popular destination for travelers from around the world. For those visiting from Turkey the proximity makes a Greek getaway very convenient. But just how far apart are these ancient neighbors?

In this guide, we’ll look at the mileage and travel times between Turkey and Greece. Whether you’re planning to fly, take a ferry, or drive between the countries, we’ve got you covered with distances and tips. Read on for everything you need to know to plan your ideal Turkey to Greece route!

Finding the Straight Line Distance Between Turkey and Greece

To start, let’s look at the distance “as the crow flies” between the central points of Turkey and Greece. This straight line distance gives us a baseline mileage.

The total direct flight distance from the geographic midpoint of Turkey to the geographic midpoint of Greece is

• 399 miles
• 642 km
• 347 nautical miles

The flight path follows a southeast direction between the countries While actual travel routes will be a bit longer, this number gives you a good idea of just how close these Mediterranean neighbors are.

Driving Distance and Time from Turkey to Greece

For road trippers looking to drive from Turkey to Greece, the route will be longer than the direct line. However, it allows you to see more of the beautiful scenery in southern Europe.

The total driving distance from Istanbul, Turkey to Athens, Greece is approximately:

• 615 miles
• 990 km

Factoring in rest stops and traffic, the drive time clocks in around:

• 11 hours

Popular stopping points along the Turkey to Greece drive include:

• Edirne, Turkey
• Komotini, Greece
• Thessaloniki, Greece

While lengthy, the drive is very manageable over 2 days. And you’ll save money compared to flying or taking ferries. Just be sure your vehicle rental agreement allows crossing the border.

Taking the Ferry Between Turkey and Greece

For travelers headed to the Greek islands, ferries provide a popular transportation option. Numerous ferry routes connect Turkey and Greece across the Aegean Sea.

Some top ferry routes include:

• Bodrum to Kos
• Cesme to Chios
• Kusadasi to Samos
• Marmaris to Rhodes

Ferries run most frequently during the summer tourist season. Schedules are reduced in winter. The sailing duration ranges from 20 minutes for shorter hops up to 2 hours for overnight journeys.

Booking in advance is recommended, especially in peak season. You can reserve directly with operators like Aegean Speed Lines. Fares run €20-€80 each way depending on the route.

Flight Duration and Distance Between Major Cities

For quick, direct transport between Turkey and Greece, flying is the way to go. Numerous carriers including Turkish Airlines offer regular nonstop flights.

Here are flight times between some top city pairs:

• Istanbul to Athens: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Ankara to Athens: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Izmir to Athens: 55 minutes
• Istanbul to Thessaloniki: 1 hour 25 minutes

As you can see, Greece is just a short hop from most major Turkish airports. Flight distance ranges from 300 to 500 miles depending on your departure point.

Expect to spend around $100-$300 for a one-way ticket depending on the season. Searching budget carriers like Pegasus can help lower fares.

The Time Difference Between Turkey and Greece

When planning your getaway, keep the time zone difference in mind as well. Greece is 1 hour ahead of Turkey.

So if it’s 3pm in Istanbul, it’s 4pm in Athens. This minor difference makes travel between the countries very convenient.

The proximity also makes Greece a popular destination for short breaks from Turkey. With frequent flights under 2 hours, you can easily spend a weekend or a few days enjoying the beaches, cuisine, and ancient sites.

Major Destinations to Visit in Greece

Part of the appeal of Greece is the sheer variety it offers visitors. From the Parthenon in Athens to the clifftop monasteries of Meteora, these are some top attractions:

• Athens – Home of the Acropolis, Ancient Agora marketplace, the Temple of Zeus, and the National Archaeological Museum

• Thessaloniki – Greece’s second city with Byzantine architecture and a beautiful waterfront

• Santorini – Stunning cliffside villages overlooking the flooded caldera of this volcanic island

• Mykonos – Cosmopolitan island dotted with whitewashed buildings and packed with lively nightlife

• Meteora -Hilltop Orthodox monasteries built atop sandstone pillars offer amazing views

• Delphi – Considered the center of the ancient world, this site hosted the legendary Oracle of Delphi

• Crete – Greece’s largest island has Venetian towns, palm tree forests, and ancient Minoan palace ruins

From urban exploration to island hopping, Greece presents the full spectrum of travel experiences a short distance from Turkey.

Tips for Traveling Between Turkey and Greece

With numerous transportation options connecting these neighboring countries, getting from Turkey to Greece is smooth and straightforward. Here are some tips:

• Fly direct – For speed and convenience, book direct flights between cities like Istanbul and Athens.

• Take the ferry – To experience island life, hop aboard a summertime ferry like Bodrum to Kos.

• Don’t forget your passport – You’ll go through immigration when crossing so have proper ID.

• Exchange currency – Both countries use the Euro, so swap your Lira for Euro before arriving.

• Travel light – When flying or ferrying between countries, pack light to easily move between modes.

Getting from Turkey to Greece only requires around 400 miles of travel. With ferries, flights, and roads connecting major destinations, you have ample transportation choices. Use our distance estimates and tips to easily plan your upcoming Turkish-Greek getaway! Whether you’re seeking ancient ruins or island bliss, these historic neighbors make the perfect pairing.