How far is Turkey to Greece? It depends on where you’re starting from and how you plan to travel This guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about the distance between Turkey and Greece, including:
- Travel options: Flying, taking a ferry, or driving
- Distances between major cities: Istanbul to Athens, Izmir to Thessaloniki, and more
- Travel times: Estimated durations for each travel option
- Costs: Average prices for flights, ferries, and fuel
- Tips for planning your trip: Visa requirements, border crossings, and things to do
Are you prepared to take off on your journey? Fasten your seatbelt and let’s get started!
Travel Options: Choosing Your Path
Flying: The fastest way to get from Turkey to Greece is by plane. Direct flights between major cities like Istanbul and Athens take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Several airlines offer regular flights, including Turkish Airlines, Aegean Airlines, and Pegasus Airlines.
Ferry: Taking a ferry is a more scenic and leisurely option. Ferries operate between various ports in Turkey and Greece, including Istanbul, Izmir Bodrum, and Athens. The journey time varies depending on the route but it typically takes between 2 and 8 hours.
Driving: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can drive from Turkey to Greece. The distance between Istanbul and Athens by car is approximately 1,200 kilometers (746 miles), which takes about 15-16 hours of driving without stops. However keep in mind that border crossings can be time-consuming, and you’ll need the appropriate documentation for your vehicle.
Distances Between Major Cities
The following table lists the distances between a few important Greek and Turkish cities:
| From | To | Distance by Air (km) | Distance by Road (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | Athens | 724 | 1,200 |
| Izmir | Thessaloniki | 469 | 780 |
| Antalya | Rhodes | 356 | N/A |
| Bodrum | Kos | 131 | N/A |
Travel Times: How Long Will It Take?
The length of time it takes to travel between Greece and Turkey depends on the route you take and the mode of transportation you select. Here’s a general overview:
Flights:
- Istanbul to Athens: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Izmir to Thessaloniki: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Antalya to Rhodes: 1 hour
Ferries:
- Istanbul to Piraeus (Athens): 7-8 hours
- Izmir to Piraeus: 16-18 hours
- Bodrum to Kos: 30 minutes
- Fethiye to Rhodes: 1 hour 30 minutes
Driving:
- Istanbul to Athens: 15-16 hours
- Izmir to Thessaloniki: 10-11 hours
- Antalya to Rhodes: 8-9 hours
Costs: How Much Will It Set You Back?
Depending on the route you take, the season, and other variables, the cost of traveling from Turkey to Greece varies. Here’s a rough estimate of average prices:
Flights:
- Istanbul to Athens: €50-€200
- Izmir to Thessaloniki: €40-€150
- Antalya to Rhodes: €40-€120
Ferries:
- Istanbul to Piraeus: €50-€150
- Izmir to Piraeus: €70-€200
- Bodrum to Kos: €15-€30
- Fethiye to Rhodes: €20-€40
Driving:
- Fuel costs: €150-€250 (depending on fuel prices and vehicle efficiency)
- Tolls: €50-€100 (depending on the route and vehicle type)
Tips for Planning Your Trip:
- Visa requirements: Citizens of most European countries can enter Greece without a visa for up to 90 days. However, it’s always best to check the latest visa regulations before your trip.
- Border crossings: Be prepared for potential delays at border crossings, especially during peak season.
- Things to do: Both Turkey and Greece offer a wealth of historical sites, stunning beaches, and delicious cuisine. Do your research and plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your trip.
Remember, the distance between Turkey and Greece is just a number. It’s the experiences you’ll have along the way that will truly make your trip unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I drive from Turkey to Greece without a visa?
No, you need a valid visa to enter Greece, even if you are driving.
2. What is the best time of year to travel from Turkey to Greece?
The best time to travel is during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds.
3. Are there any language barriers between Turkey and Greece?
Turkish and Greek are different languages, but English is widely spoken in both countries.
4. What currency is used in Greece?
The currency used in Greece is the Euro.
5. What are some popular tourist attractions in Greece?
Some popular tourist attractions in Greece include the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Santorini caldera, and the beaches of Mykonos.
About How Far is it Between
This tool can be used to find the distance between two places.
There are two distances output:
- As the Crow Flies – The direct distance between points
- When possible, the distance traveled by land is estimated to be equivalent to the distance traveled by road and sea.
The distances can be output in the following units:
The result is a map with two locations, their crow-fly path, and the land transportation route, along with a distance measurement.
You can use the controls on the map to:
- Pan the map
- Zoom the Map
- Switch between Map and Satellite views
Map Showing the Distance Between Istanbul, Turkey and Athens, Greece
Input the name of the two places in the text boxes and click the Show button.
The recommended format to use is [City, Country] i.e. [City(comma)(space)Country].
You can copy the link that appears when a result is returned and use it as a constant reminder or send it to others.
Note: For UK postcodes, use the UK Postcode Distance tool; for ZIP codes, use the Distance Between ZIP Codes tool. Also, to find the distance between points that are not named, you can use the Measure Distance tool.