Athens airport car rental for Evia
Rental companies operate at Athens International Airport, so you can collect a car on arrival and drive straight to Evia. The island is linked to the mainland by the bridges at Chalkida, which means no ferry is needed to get there. A car also helps once you are on the island, where the main sights are far apart.
This page explains the route and the points to check with the rental company. Rental prices, minimum ages and deposits depend on the company and the date, so check them with the rental company. Prefer to leave the driving to someone else? See our Evia tours and day trips.
Compare rental car prices at Athens Airport (ATH) for the drive to Evia on Economybookings.com.
Evia tours and day trips
Guided day trips, boat trips and hikes on Evia, with live prices and availability.
The route from the airport
Over the bridge, or by ferry.
Over the Chalkida bridges
Drive from the airport to Chalkida and cross the strait by one of the two bridges. The time from the airport depends on the traffic and your start point. The route estimate from central Athens to Chalkida is 78.9 km, about 1 h 28 min.
Chalkida guide →On the island
Distances on Evia add up. From Chalkida it is 127 km to Edipsos (about 2 h 25 min) and 118 km to Karystos (about 2 h 35 min). From Athens to Limni it is 154 km (about 2 h 34 min) and to Karystos 191 km (about 3 h 29 min), in both cases over the high bridge. These are route estimates, not live traffic.
Roads that need care
The monastery of Galataki near Limni is reached from the village, and the paths through the forest nearby can have bad and dangerous sections. Stay on the main road. Do not assume that mountain tracks or access roads are open, and ask locally.
Limni guide →Ferry routes with a rental car
One-way car fares in 2026, in euros. Confirm the price and the timetable before you go.
| Route | Lands at | Car fare | Arrive at the port |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rafina to Marmari | Marmari, south Evia | €27 (CAT1) or €30 (CAT2) | Vehicles 1 hour before departure |
| Oropos to Eretria | Eretria, central Evia | €10 including the driver | Tickets also sold at the port on the day |
| Arkitsa to Loutra Edipsou | Loutra Edipsou, north Evia | €20.50 | 30 to 60 minutes before departure |
| Glyfa to Agiokampos | Agiokampos, north Evia | €18.50, 20 percent off with a return ticket issued in advance | 30 to 60 minutes before departure |
For most trips, collect the car at the airport and take the bridge. Choose a ferry only if your rental company allows it in writing and the crossing saves you a long drive to your base.
Taking a rental car on a ferry
The rules belong to the rental company.
Written consent
Some rental companies require written consent for shipping the car. Rules differ by company, so never assume that a rental car may go on a ferry.
Insurance
Even with consent, damage on board can be excluded from the collision cover. Ask what is covered on the crossing before you pay for the ferry ticket.
Boarding
On the Arkitsa and Glyfa routes you board in the order you arrive, and a place in the queue is not reserved. Arrive 30 to 60 minutes early. On the Rafina route, tickets are issued in the passenger's name, so book in good time. For fares and times by route, read about getting to Evia from Athens.
Parking on Evia
Where you can park.
In Chalkida
Parking is available at the Arethousa archaeological museum and at the Karababa fortress. Karababa has free entry and opens 08:30–15:30 from 1 April to 31 October, closed on Tuesday.
In Eretria
The archaeological museum in Eretria also has parking. It opens 08:30–15:30 and is closed on Tuesday.
Eretria guide →At hotels and beaches
Do not assume free parking in town centres or at beaches. Ask your hotel before you arrive, and check for signs on the spot.
Plan the rest of your trip
After you pick up the car.
Athens airport car rental for Evia: frequently asked questions
Can I rent a car at Athens Airport and drive to Evia?
Yes. Rental companies operate at the airport, and the bridges at Chalkida let you drive to the island without a ferry. Availability and rates depend on the company and the date.
Can I take a rental car on a ferry to Evia?
Only if your rental company agrees. Some need written consent, and damage on board may be excluded from the collision cover. Ask before you buy a ferry ticket.
How long is the drive from Athens to Chalkida?
The route estimate is 78.9 km and about 1 h 28 min from central Athens. From the airport the time depends on the traffic, so allow extra.
Is parking free on Evia?
Parking is available at sights such as the museums in Chalkida and Eretria and at the Karababa fortress. Do not assume that parking is free everywhere, and check on the spot.
Do I need a car on Evia?
The sights are spread over a large island, for example 127 km from Chalkida to Edipsos. A car gives you the most freedom, while trains run to Chalkida and buses serve the island.