Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Several airlines fly from the New York City area to Greece, but nonstop service is concentrated on one route: Athens. Travelers can depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), then continue to Greek islands and other mainland cities by domestic flight, ferry, train, bus, or rental car.
Quick Answer
Nonstop New York-to-Greece flights currently operate only to Athens. From JFK, options include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Norse Atlantic Airways. From EWR, Emirates and United Airlines operate nonstop service. Routes and frequencies can be seasonal, so verify your exact dates directly with the airline before booking.
Key Takeaways
- Athens International Airport (ATH) is the only Greek airport with nonstop service from the New York City area.
- JFK-to-Athens carriers currently include American, Delta, and Norse Atlantic; EWR-to-Athens carriers include Emirates and United.
- A scheduled nonstop flight to Athens usually takes about 9 to 10 hours; the return to New York is often longer.
- Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Rhodes, Santorini, and other Greek destinations require a connection or an onward domestic transfer.
- Compare baggage, seats, meals, change rules, airport access, and total trip time rather than choosing by base fare alone.
Direct Flights From New York to Greece
New York has more nonstop Greece options than most U.S. cities. However, every nonstop route from the New York area currently lands at Athens International Airport (ATH). There are no nonstop flights from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Greece.
| Route | Nonstop airlines | Service note |
|---|---|---|
| JFK to ATH | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Norse Atlantic Airways | Delta currently advertises year-round JFK service. American and Norse schedules may be seasonal or date-limited. |
| EWR to ATH | Emirates and United Airlines | Emirates publishes a daily EWR-ATH schedule. United service can vary by season and travel date. |
| LGA to Greece | No nonstop service | A connection is required, often through another U.S., Canadian, or European airport. |
Note: Airline routes, operating days, aircraft, and seasonal start or end dates can change. Check the airline and the Athens International Airport airline directory for your specific dates.
Which Airline Is Best for the Trip?
There is no single best airline for every traveler. The right choice depends on your home location, budget, baggage needs, loyalty status, and preferred cabin.
- For a full-service U.S. carrier: Compare American, Delta, and United based on schedule, loyalty benefits, seat selection, and the rules attached to your exact fare.
- For Newark convenience: Emirates and United may be practical for travelers in New Jersey, Lower Manhattan, or areas with easier access to EWR.
- For a lower base fare: Norse Atlantic may be competitive, but add the cost of checked bags, meals, seat selection, and changes before comparing totals.
- For schedule flexibility: A carrier with more operating days or a longer seasonal window may be worth a slightly higher fare.
How Long Is the Flight From New York to Greece?
A nonstop flight from JFK or EWR to Athens is generally scheduled for about 9 to 10 hours. The return flight often takes roughly 10.5 to 11 hours because of prevailing winds and routing. Weather, air traffic, aircraft type, and operational changes can affect the actual time.
Connecting trips to Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, or other Greek destinations usually take longer. When comparing itineraries, look at the total elapsed time, the connection airport, whether bags transfer automatically, and how much time you have between flights.
Pro Tip: Avoid a tight self-transfer. If separate tickets require you to collect and recheck baggage, allow a generous buffer and understand that one airline may not protect you if the first flight is delayed.
Choosing Between JFK and Newark
Start with the airport that is easiest and most reliable for you to reach. A cheaper ticket can lose its value if ground transportation is expensive, inconvenient, or vulnerable to traffic delays.
- Choose JFK when American, Delta, or Norse offers the better schedule, or when JFK is easier to reach from your home.
- Choose EWR when Emirates or United offers the better itinerary, especially if you live in New Jersey or west of Manhattan.
- Do not choose LGA for a nonstop trip because LaGuardia does not currently have nonstop Greece service.
For international departures, follow the airline’s check-in guidance and leave extra time for security and document checks. Airport construction, summer crowds, and irregular operations can add delays.
Passport, Visa, ETIAS, and Arrival Requirements
For U.S. tourists, Greece permits visa-free visits of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. The U.S. Department of State says a passport should remain valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure from Greece and should have a blank page available.
As of July 2026, ETIAS is not yet operating. The European Union expects it to begin in the last quarter of 2026 and says travelers do not need to apply until an official launch date is announced. Requirements differ by nationality, residence status, and trip purpose, so travelers who are not using a U.S. passport should check the rules that apply to their documents.
Athens International Airport reports that the European Union Entry/Exit System is fully deployed for eligible non-EU travelers and warns that passport control may take longer. For departures from Athens, the airport currently advises arriving at least 2.5 hours before the scheduled flight.
Warning: Entry rules can change. Confirm passport, visa, and travel-authorization requirements before buying a nonrefundable ticket and again shortly before departure.
Exploring Athens, the Capital of Greece
Athens blends ancient landmarks with busy neighborhoods, markets, museums, restaurants, and contemporary art. Plaka and Monastiraki are convenient areas for walking, dining, and reaching many central sights.
The city’s best-known landmark is the Acropolis of Athens, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaea, and Temple of Athena Nike form part of the larger Acropolis complex. The site represents far more than one building, so allow time to explore the slopes and nearby museum area.
Athens also works well as a gateway. Travelers can continue by domestic flight to many islands, take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina, or travel overland to mainland destinations such as Delphi, Meteora, Nafplio, and Thessaloniki.
Discovering the Ancient Ruins of Athens
| Site | What to see | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Acropolis and Slopes | Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, and southern-slope monuments | Timed entry is required. Check the official Hellenic Heritage ticket page for current hours and availability. |
| Ancient Agora | Temple of Hephaestus, Stoa of Attalos, and the former civic center of ancient Athens | Allow enough time for both the outdoor site and the museum inside the reconstructed stoa. |
| Roman Agora | Tower of the Winds and remains from the Roman period | Easy to combine with a walk through Plaka and Monastiraki. |
| Temple of Olympian Zeus | Monumental surviving columns from one of antiquity’s largest temples | Access can change during conservation work, so verify conditions before visiting. |
The Ancient Agora was once the center of Athenian civic and commercial life. Walking through it helps place the city’s political and philosophical history in a real setting. The Roman Agora and Tower of the Winds show how Athens continued to develop under Roman rule.
Opening hours change by season, and extreme heat or conservation work can affect access. In summer, an early timed entry can mean cooler conditions and lighter crowds. Wear shoes with good grip because polished stone and uneven paths can be slippery.
Island Hopping in the Greek Islands
The Greek National Tourism Organisation describes a country with about 6,000 islands and islets, although only a small fraction are inhabited. Each island group has its own landscape, architecture, transport pattern, and pace.
For most first-time visitors, two or three well-matched islands create a better trip than rushing through a long checklist.
Mykonos and Santorini are famous for nightlife, whitewashed villages, and dramatic views. Naxos and Paros offer beaches, villages, and a somewhat slower rhythm. Crete is large enough to support a full trip on its own, while Rhodes combines beaches with ancient and medieval sites.
Ferry or Domestic Flight?
- Use a ferry when islands are in the same group and the sailing schedule fits your itinerary.
- Use a domestic flight when traveling between distant regions or when a long ferry would consume most of a day.
- Build in a buffer before your international flight because strong winds, operational issues, or schedule changes can disrupt island transport.
A common route is Athens to Mykonos, then Mykonos to Santorini. Another option is Athens to Naxos or Paros for a more relaxed Cycladic itinerary. Check port names carefully because Athens-area ferries may depart from Piraeus, Rafina, or Lavrio.
Exploring the Historical City of Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city and the main urban center of northern Greece. Founded in the Hellenistic period, it later became an important Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Mediterranean city. Its layers of history appear in churches, markets, ruins, museums, and neighborhoods.
The White Tower is the city’s most recognizable landmark and now houses an exhibition about Thessaloniki. The Rotunda was built as part of Emperor Galerius’s early-fourth-century complex; its original intended use is debated, and it later served as a Christian church and an Ottoman mosque.
Visitors can also explore the waterfront promenade, Ano Poli, the Arch of Galerius, Byzantine churches, food markets, and museums. From New York, Thessaloniki normally requires a connecting flight or an onward trip from Athens.
Visiting the Acropolis of Lindos on Rhodes
The site commonly described as the “Acropolis of Rhodes” in travel writing is more accurately the Acropolis of Lindos, located above the village of Lindos on the island of Rhodes. The hilltop complex overlooks the coast and includes the Temple of Athena Lindia, ancient architectural remains, later fortifications, and broad sea views.
The ascent is steep and exposed to the sun. Wear suitable footwear, carry water, and consider visiting early in the day during hot months. The site helps explain Rhodes’s importance as a religious, maritime, and strategic center across several historical periods.
Exploring the Beautiful Beaches of Crete
Crete, Greece’s largest island, offers resort beaches, secluded coves, historic towns, mountain villages, archaeological sites, and long-distance hiking. Elafonissi is known for shallow turquoise water and areas of pink-tinted sand, while Balos Lagoon is known for pale sand, clear water, and a dramatic setting in western Crete.
Beach conditions and access vary. Some places require a boat, a drive on rough roads, or a substantial walk. Protect fragile dunes, follow local restrictions, and never remove sand or shells from protected areas.
Beyond the coast, travelers can visit the archaeological site of Knossos, explore Chania and Rethymno, hike in the island’s mountain landscapes, or stay in smaller villages. Because Crete is large, choose one region or allow enough time to avoid spending much of the trip in transit.
Sampling Greek Cuisine and Local Wines
Greek cuisine emphasizes seasonal vegetables, olive oil, grains, cheese, seafood, herbs, and grilled or slow-cooked meats. Popular dishes include moussaka, souvlaki, grilled octopus, calamari, gemista, spanakopita, and regional pies. Menus vary by island and mainland region, so local specialties are often more rewarding than ordering the same dish everywhere.
Greece also has a long winemaking tradition. Santorini is known for Assyrtiko, a high-acid white grape that works well with seafood and salty foods. Nemea is associated with Agiorgitiko, which can produce styles ranging from fresh and fruity to structured and oak-aged.
For a better food experience, look for restaurants that list seasonal dishes, ask what is prepared locally, and try smaller portions shared across the table. If you plan to drive, arrange a designated driver for winery visits.
Exploring the Charming Villages of Santorini
Santorini is known for cliffside settlements overlooking a volcanic caldera. Oia attracts visitors with blue-domed churches, narrow lanes, boutique hotels, and sunset views. Fira, the island’s capital, has a wider range of restaurants, shops, nightlife, and transport connections.
Pyrgos and other inland villages can offer a quieter atmosphere and a closer look at traditional architecture. The island also has wineries, archaeological sites, beaches formed from volcanic material, and walking routes along the caldera rim.
Sunset viewpoints become crowded, especially in peak summer. Arrive early, respect private property and church areas, and consider watching the sunset from a less congested village, winery, or walking route.
Planning Your Greek Adventure
Best Time to Travel
April through June and September through October are popular periods for pleasant sightseeing weather and fewer peak-summer pressures. July and August bring the hottest conditions, the largest crowds in famous destinations, and strong demand for flights, hotels, and ferries. Winter can be rewarding for Athens and Thessaloniki, but some island hotels, tours, and ferry frequencies may be limited.
Sample Trip Lengths
- Seven days: Spend three or four nights in Athens and the rest on one nearby or well-connected island.
- Ten days: Combine Athens with two islands in the same group, or Athens with Crete.
- Two weeks: Add Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Crete, or a mainland road trip without forcing too many one-night stops.
Booking and Packing Tips
- Book the transatlantic flight before locking in nonrefundable island hotels and ferry tickets.
- Compare the final airline price after baggage, seats, meals, and payment fees.
- Leave recovery time after the overnight flight before scheduling a major tour.
- Keep medication, documents, valuables, and one change of clothes in your cabin bag.
- Use a card with no foreign transaction fee when possible, but carry some euros for small purchases.
- Download offline maps and save booking confirmations before leaving reliable Wi-Fi.
If fishing is part of your trip, check airline baggage limits before packing a travel fishing rod and review local licensing, protected-area, and equipment rules. The right gear can help, but it should fit the airline’s dimensions and the activities you have actually booked.
Understanding local customs also improves the experience. Dress respectfully at churches and monasteries, avoid blocking narrow village paths for photos, and learn a few Greek greetings. A realistic route with enough time in each place will be more memorable than an itinerary built around collecting destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airlines fly nonstop to Greece from New York?
Current nonstop options to Athens include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Norse Atlantic Airways from JFK, plus Emirates and United Airlines from EWR. Operating dates and frequencies can change by season.
Which New York airports offer nonstop flights to Greece?
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) offer nonstop service to Athens. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) does not have nonstop Greece service.
What Greek cities can I reach nonstop from New York?
Athens is currently the only Greek destination with nonstop flights from the New York City area. Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos, and other destinations require a connection or an onward transfer from Athens.
How long is a nonstop flight from New York to Athens?
Most scheduled nonstop flights take about 9 to 10 hours from New York to Athens. Return flights are often around 10.5 to 11 hours, although weather and routing can change the actual time.
Are New York-to-Greece flights seasonal?
Some are. Delta currently advertises year-round JFK-to-Athens service, and Emirates publishes a daily EWR-to-Athens schedule. Other carriers may operate seasonally or on selected dates, so check your travel period directly with the airline.
Is JFK or Newark better for flying to Greece?
The better airport is the one with the strongest combination of ground access, schedule, total fare, and airline benefits. JFK offers American, Delta, and Norse options; EWR offers Emirates and United.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Greece?
U.S. tourists generally do not need a visa for stays of 90 days or less within a 180-day period. Passport-validity and other entry rules still apply, and travelers should confirm current requirements before departure.
Do I need ETIAS to travel to Greece in 2026?
As of July 2026, ETIAS is not yet operating. The European Union expects it to launch in the last quarter of 2026 and will announce the specific date in advance. Check the official ETIAS website before your trip.
Sources
- Athens International Airport: Airline Companies — confirms New York JFK and EWR links and provides current airline information.
- Delta: Greece Vacations and Flight Information — supports Delta’s current JFK-to-Athens service statement.
- Emirates: Newark to Athens Schedule — supports the EWR-to-ATH route and published flight duration.
- Norse Atlantic Airways: Route Media Library — documents the JFK-to-Athens route.
- U.S. Department of State: Greece Travel Information — supports visa-free stay and passport guidance for U.S. travelers.
- European Union: Official ETIAS Information — supports the current ETIAS status and expected launch period.