Flying Distance from Turkey to Greece: How Long is the Plane Ride?

With stunning beaches ancient ruins, and vibrant culture Greece and Turkey are two bucket-list destinations for many travelers. If you’re planning a trip to explore these neighboring nations, you’ll need to know – how far is it by plane from Turkey to Greece?

In this guide we’ll look at the air distance and flight times between Turkey and Greece. We’ll also cover flight routes, travel tips and must-see sights to help you plan an epic Eastern Mediterranean vacation.

Straight Line Flight Distance from Turkey to Greece

As the crow flies, the air distance from Turkey to Greece is about 699 miles or 1,125 kilometers.

This is the direct line from Turkey across the Aegean Sea to mainland Greece. It’s the shortest distance a plane would fly between the two countries.

The actual flight routes are a bit farther as planes travel along established air corridors. But this straight line distance gives a helpful reference point for the distance between Turkey and Greece by air.

Average Flight Time from Turkey to Greece

On a typical commercial flight, it takes around 1 hour and 54 minutes to fly nonstop from Turkey to Greece.

This assumes an average airspeed of 500 mph by a passenger plane and includes estimated take-off and landing time. With optimal conditions, some flights may be 15-30 minutes shorter.

For example, common flight times are:

• Istanbul to Athens: 1 hour 55 min
• Antalya to Thessaloniki: 1 hour 40 min

So you can easily fly between major cities in Turkey and Greece in under two hours.

Major Flight Routes and Airlines

There are no direct international flights between Turkey and Greece currently. But connections through European hubs are quite convenient.

Popular one-stop routes include:

• Istanbul – Munich – Athens
• Izmir – Frankfurt – Thessaloniki
• Ankara – Paris – Heraklion

Airlines like Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Aegean Airlines and more offer these connecting flights between the two countries.

Charter flights also frequently operate during summer peak season for tourists. For island-hopping, small Greek carriers like Sky Express offer inter-island flights.

Tips for Planning Your Vacation Itinerary

If you’re planning an upcoming trip to both Turkey and Greece, here are some tips:

• Spend at least a full week in each country to experience the highlights.

• Bookend your trip in major hubs like Athens and Istanbul where flights are easiest.

• Take short 50 minute flights between islands and cities within each country.

• Travel overland by train or car between nearby destinations where feasible.

• Plan your island-hopping route through the Greek islands carefully.

• Focus on a specific region like the Turquoise Coast or Cyclades islands rather than trying to see everything.

• Combine Greece and Turkey with nearby Balkan or Mediterranean countries for a longer trip.

Top Sights and Activities in Each Country

With so much to see and do, it’s worth spending quality time immerging yourself in each destination.

Must-See Sights in Turkey

• Explore ancient Greek and Roman sites like Ephesus and Aphrodisias.

• Marvel at fairy chimneys in the surreal landscape of Cappadocia.

• See hot air balloons float over volcanic rock formations at sunrise.

• Wander through the exotic Grand Bazaar and historic mosques of Istanbul.

• Relax on sandy beaches and swim in the turquoise water of the Turquoise Coast.

Top Attractions in Greece

• Soak up ancient history at the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens.

• Island hop through the whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches of the Cyclades.

• Hike through the monasteries of Meteora perched atop rock pinnacles.

• Explore ruins of the great Minoan civilization of Crete.

• Wander through the lovely Venetian towns of Santorini and Mykonos.

Gorgeous Destinations Await

From the ruins of Ephesus to the cliffs of Santorini, Turkey and Greece offer no shortage of beauty and wonder. And at just a quick 1-2 hour flight or around 700 miles between the countries, you can easily discover the treasures of both on one amazing Mediterranean trip.

So pack your bags, grab your flight and get ready to immerse yourself in the rich history, scenic landscapes, and welcoming cultures of these captivating neighbors. The journey of a lifetime awaits!