Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackMay is an excellent month to begin your journey from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH). The RDU travel experience in May benefits from moderate spring weather in North Carolina, slightly lower terminal crowds compared to summer, and more reliable transatlantic schedules. Typical itineraries include one-stop connections via Atlanta, New York (JFK/EWR), or major European hubs such as Amsterdam (AMS) or Frankfurt (FRA). For optimal fares, book 6–10 weeks ahead and consider midweek travel dates. Major nearby cities that use RDU include Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and the Research Triangle Park area. Use fare alerts, flexible-date search, and check baggage policies to ensure smooth check-in and boarding.
There are no regular nonstop flights between Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), so total travel time in May typically ranges from 11 to 16+ hours depending on the routing and length of the layover. Common one-stop connections route through U.S. or European hubs (e.g., New York JFK, Atlanta ATL, Charlotte CLT, Amsterdam AMS, or Frankfurt FRA). Expect a door-to-door itinerary: about 9–11 hours of flight time plus 2–6 hours of connection time; always check the itinerary for the seasonal schedule and daylight saving shifts.
Direct (nonstop) service between Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) is uncommon year-round and unlikely in May; most itineraries require one or two connections. Airlines typically connect through U.S. gateways (Atlanta, New York/Newark, Charlotte) or European hubs (Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt). If you prefer fewer stops, search for one-stop options via major transatlantic carriers and consider flexible dates to find the shortest total travel time.
For travel in May, book 6–10 weeks in advance for the best chance at lower fares, and monitor prices 2–3 times per week. Midweek departures (Tuesday or Wednesday) and returns on midweek days often produce lower prices; using fare alerts and flexible-date search tools (Google Flights, Skyscanner) can uncover flash sales or lower-priced connecting itineraries. Peak demand rises as island-hopping season begins, so lock in a fare when you see a good price.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is well connected by car, rideshare, and regional shuttle services; plan to arrive at least three hours before your international departure in May. Parking options include hourly, daily and economy lots with shuttle service; rideshare pickup/drop-off zones and taxis are available curbside. If you're traveling from nearby major cities—Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, or Research Triangle Park—factor local traffic and leave extra time during weekday mornings or college events.
Travelers flying from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) should carry a passport valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure from the Schengen Area, and check visa rules for U.S. citizens (U.S. citizens typically do not need a short-stay visa for Greece). As of May, health entry restrictions are generally lifted, but always confirm current requirements with airline notifications, the Greek government or the U.S. State Department before departure. Consider travel insurance for medical coverage and trip disruption.
May departures from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) usually mean warm, variable weather both in North Carolina and in Athens — pack lightweight layers, a light rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for city exploration. Include a travel adaptor for European outlets (Type C/F), sunscreen, a hat for sunny island days, and a daypack for archaeological sites. Check the airline baggage allowances for carry-on and checked luggage, and consider a compact umbrella for spring showers.
May is a superb month to arrive at Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH): spring weather, fewer peak-summer crowds, and more frequent island connections. After landing, travelers can take the Metro to central Athens, catch X95 to Syntagma Square, or head to Piraeus for ferries to the Cyclades and Dodecanese. Popular nearby destinations accessible from ATH include central Athens, Piraeus, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Nafplio, Delphi, and Thessaloniki. Domestic flight capacity and ferry services expand in May, so book onward travel early and consider pre-purchasing timed-entry tickets for the Acropolis to avoid mid-day crowds.
Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) connects directly to central Athens via the Metro Line 3 (blue line), express buses (X95 to Syntagma), taxis, and private transfers. In May, the metro operates regularly and is often the fastest budget option to the city center (about 35–45 minutes), while taxis take roughly 35–50 minutes depending on traffic and cost a flat fare to central Athens. If you're heading to the port of Piraeus for island ferries, the X96 bus or a direct taxi is convenient.
In May, passenger volumes increase as spring tourism ramps up, so passport control and baggage claim can take 30–60 minutes depending on arrival timing and concurrent flights. EU and Schengen citizens can use eGates where available for faster processing; non-EU travelers should have passports, entry stamps checked, and proof of onward travel if requested. Allow buffer time for customs and transportation to your hotel, and consider purchasing a local SIM at arrivals for immediate connectivity.
May offers cultural perks on the RDU→ATH route: in Athens, the Athens & Epidaurus Festival begins programming with concerts, theater and dance events across historic venues, and local spring festivals celebrate culinary and cultural heritage. On the U.S. side, Raleigh and the Research Triangle host spring events such as outdoor concerts, university graduation weekends and arts festivals in May that can impact airport traffic and hotel availability. If you time your trip around local events, book flights and transfers early to avoid sold-out accommodations and busy weekend airport periods.
May is one of the best times to fly from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH): it’s shoulder season with pleasant weather in Athens (average highs around 24–26°C), fewer crowds than July–August, and reasonable fares compared to peak summer. Early to mid-May offers comfortable sightseeing, while late May begins the island travel rush; for lower prices and smaller crowds, opt for early May weekdays and book domestic island connections promptly. If you want beach weather, reserve trips for late May or June for warmer sea temperatures.
Choosing between direct and connecting flights for the RDU→ATH route comes down to trade-offs: direct (nonstop) minimizes total travel time but is rarely available between RDU and ATH; instead, most travelers choose one-stop itineraries to reduce travel time while keeping fares reasonable. Connecting flights offer more schedule flexibility and potentially better pricing—common layover hubs include Atlanta (ATL), New York (JFK/EWR), Amsterdam (AMS) and Frankfurt (FRA). For smoother trips, select layovers of 90–180 minutes when staying in the same terminal or opt for airline-protected connections to reduce rebooking risk.
Popular airlines for the RDU→ATH route in May include Delta (via U.S. gateways), KLM (via Amsterdam), Lufthansa (via Frankfurt), Air France (via Paris), and Aegean Airlines (partner connections). Delta often provides convenient connections through Atlanta or New York with strong U.S. domestic feed from Raleigh-Durham, while KLM and Lufthansa offer efficient European connections with reliable baggage handling and alliance benefits. Aegean provides strong position from European hubs into Athens with good on-time performance; costs vary by season and routing, so compare total travel time, baggage fees, and alliance status. For premium economy or business travel, transatlantic carriers often run competitive promos in spring.
Key seasonal tips for traveling RDU→ATH in May: expect pleasant weather in Athens but pack layers for variable spring conditions; book island ferries and domestic flights early as services ramp up in mid-to-late May; and combat jet lag from the 7-hour time difference by adjusting sleep schedules before travel. Purchase travel insurance for cancellations or missed connections, carry a printed copy of all domestic tickets if you have tight airport transfers, and download offline maps for archaeological sites where mobile coverage can be spotty. Use local public transit in Athens for the most efficient city transfers and reserve taxis for early-morning or late-night arrivals.
Flight time from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) in May depends heavily on routing: typical one-stop itineraries show 9–11 hours of airborne time plus 2–6 hours of connection time, yielding total travel times of roughly 11–16+ hours. Time zone difference in May: Raleigh operates on Eastern Daylight Time (UTC−4) and Athens on Eastern European Summer Time (UTC+3), a 7-hour difference. Major connection hubs include Atlanta (ATL), New York (JFK/EWR), Charlotte (CLT), Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG) and Frankfurt (FRA). Flight schedules increase in frequency in late spring as European carriers prepare for summer demand.
Find cheap flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) in May by using flexible-date searches, fare alerts, and midweek departures. Typical bargain strategies: 1) Book 6–10 weeks before travel, 2) prefer Tuesday–Wednesday departures, 3) look for one-stop itineraries via U.S. or European hubs, and 4) combine carriers in multi-leg itineraries when baggage and connection times are reasonable. Price ranges for May commonly fall between $600–$1,100 roundtrip depending on routing and seat class. Use incognito browsing for price checks, set alerts on Google Flights/Skyscanner, and sign up for airline newsletters for flash sales.
To reach popular islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, or Rhodes, you can fly domestically from Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to regional airports (e.g., JTR, JMK, HER) or take ferries from the port of Piraeus. In May, domestic flights increase and ferry schedules expand with the start of the island season; flights are faster but check for luggage restrictions, while ferries are scenic and may be cost-effective if you book early. Always check ferry timetables and domestic carrier availability when coordinating international arrival times.
From Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), travelers can access central Athens, the historic Acropolis and Plaka, the port of Piraeus (for islands), and day-trip destinations such as Delphi, Nafplio, and Cape Sounion. May is ideal for day trips because temperatures are warm without the high-season heat and crowds. Consider booking guided day tours that include transport from Athens or renting a car if you plan multiple mainland excursions.
Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) offers currency exchange counters, ATMs, and several mobile operator kiosks (Cosmote, Vodafone, Wind) in the arrivals hall where you can buy local SIMs or eSIM top-ups. ATMs typically dispense euros; exchange counters may have lower rates than city alternatives, so compare fees. Purchasing a prepaid SIM at the airport or arranging an eSIM before travel ensures immediate connectivity for maps, transfers, and booking ferries or domestic flights.
May in Athens brings mild to warm temperatures (typically 18–26°C / mid-60s to upper-70s°F), low humidity, and increasing sunshine — perfect for sightseeing and beginning island travel. Pack sunscreen, comfortable shoes for uneven archaeological sites, and a light jacket for cooler evenings; book island ferries early if traveling later in May as demand rises. Expect fewer crowds than high summer but plan ahead for popular sites to secure preferred time slots.
