Ways to get to Evia from Athens
You do not need a boat to reach Evia. Two bridges at Chalkida connect the island to the mainland: a cable-stayed high bridge and an older electric sliding bridge. From Athens you can drive, take a direct train or a bus, or cross by one of four ferry routes. Which one is best depends on where on the island you are going.
Evia is large, and the distance to your hotel matters as much as the way you cross. If you want to skip the logistics, our Evia tours and day trips list excursions with the planning done for you.
Our pick: a first day without a car
Once you have arrived in Eretria, this half-day trip picks you up at your hotel.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tours and day trips on Evia
Boat trips, hikes and guided day trips on Evia, with live prices and availability.
By road, train and bus
The land route over the Chalkida bridges.
By car
The road distance from Athens to Chalkida is 78.9 km, about 1 h 28 min as a route estimate. Your start point and the traffic change that. Other estimates from the same bridge: Chalkida to Edipsos 127 km (about 2 h 25 min), Chalkida to Karystos 118 km (about 2 h 35 min), and Athens to Limni 154 km (about 2 h 34 min).
By train
Direct trains run between Athens Railway Station and Chalkida every day. One example in the 2026 timetable leaves Athens at 07:28 and reaches Chalkida at 08:50, 1 h 22 min. There are several departures a day, often about two hours apart, and some trains do not run on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The Chalkida line does not stop at Kato Acharnai or Pyrgos Vasilissis. Check the current timetable and service notices before you travel.
By bus
KTEL Evia (KTEL Nomou Evias) is the bus operator on the island. Timetables and tickets are on its website, so check the current timetable and price before you go.
From Athens Airport by train
The airport line and the Chalkida line are separate lines, so plan to change at Athens Railway Station and allow extra time for the change.
Ferries to Evia: routes and 2026 fares
Prices are per one-way trip, in euros. Confirm the day's timetable and price before you go.
| Route | Crossing | Adult | Car | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rafina to Marmari | About 1 hour | €12 | €27 (CAT1) or €30 (CAT2) | Children 5 to 10 pay half price, under 5 free. Motorbikes €8, €10 or €11 by category |
| Oropos to Eretria | 20 minutes | €3 (reduced €1.50) | €10 including the driver | Motorbike without rider €3. Departures about hourly |
| Arkitsa to Loutra Edipsou | About 45 minutes | €4 to €6 | €20.50 | Children 5 to 10 €3, under 5 free. Bicycles free |
| Glyfa to Agiokampos | – | €4.60 | €18.50 | Children 5 to 10 €2.30, under 5 free. 20 percent vehicle discount with a return ticket issued in advance |
For most visitors without a car, the train to Chalkida or the short Oropos to Eretria crossing is the easiest way in. If you drive, use the bridges unless the ferry saves you a long road section to your base.
What to know about each ferry
Arrival times, discounts and landing points.
Rafina to Marmari
Marmari is in the south of the island. The ferry does not land in Karystos. Tickets are issued in the passenger's name, so book in good time. Even small children need a ticket, at no charge. Passengers should be at the port 30 minutes before departure, and vehicles 1 hour before. Half-price fares for students, large families and travellers with a disability of 80 percent or more need proof. Check the current timetable for the crossing time and the number of departures.
Karystos guide →Oropos to Eretria
The crossing takes 20 minutes. Departures leave Eretria on the half hour and Oropos on the hour. Tickets can also be bought at the port on the day. On busy holidays, book ahead. A car with its driver costs €10, and an additional adult passenger costs €3.
Eretria guide →Arkitsa to Loutra Edipsou
The ferry lands at the hot springs town in the north. Arrive 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Boarding is in order of arrival, so a place in the vehicle queue is not reserved. A motorbike up to 250 cc costs €6.70, larger bikes €8.50. In autumn, sailings run roughly every two hours.
Edipsos guide →Glyfa to Agiokampos
Arrive 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Boarding is in order of arrival. A motorbike up to 250 cc costs €4, larger bikes €6.50, and bicycles are free. Students pay €2.30. The timetable changes with the calendar, so look at the current schedule.
Kymi to Skyros
Skyros is a separate island. Ferries to it leave from Kymi on the Aegean side of Evia. Prices depend on the fare type, so check the current price list for your date.
Taxi and transfer from Athens Airport (ATH)
What the airport rank can and cannot do for an Evia trip.
The airport
ATH is Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" in Spata. It is not an airport on Evia.
The taxi rank
Taxis wait at Exit 3 of the arrivals level. In 2026 the fixed fare is €50 from 05:00 to 24:00 and €65 from 00:00 to 05:00 for a trip to the centre of Athens inside the ring. That fixed fare does not apply to Chalkida, Eretria, Edipsos or Karystos.
Transfers to Evia
Agree the destination address, the total price and what the price includes before you set off. Ask whether a ferry ticket is part of it, because it is not assumed. Price and journey time for an Evia transfer depend on the destination, so ask for both in advance.
Book a private transfer from Athens Airport (ATH) to Chalkida at a fixed price on Kiwitaxi.
Rental car and parking
Pick up at the airport and cross by bridge.
Collecting a car
The airport has rental companies, so you can collect a car on arrival and drive to Evia over the bridges, with no ferry required. See our guide to car rental from Athens Airport for the route and the ferry rules.
Taking a rental car on a ferry
Some rental companies require written consent before a car goes on a ferry. Damage on board may fall outside the collision cover even with consent. Ask your company before you book a ferry ticket.
Parking
Parking is available at the Arethousa museum and the Karababa fortress in Chalkida, and at the museum in Eretria. Check on the spot whether there is a charge, and ask your hotel about parking before you arrive.
Getting to Evia from Athens: frequently asked questions
Can I get to Evia without a ferry?
Yes. Two bridges at Chalkida link the island to the mainland, so you can drive or take the train or bus from Athens with no boat at all.
How long does it take to get from Athens to Chalkida?
By car about 1 h 28 min for 78.9 km as a route estimate. A direct train example in the 2026 timetable takes 1 h 22 min.
Is there a direct train from the airport to Chalkida?
The airport line and the Chalkida line are separate, so plan a change at Athens Railway Station. Check the current timetable for both lines.
What does the Athens Airport taxi cost to Evia?
The airport fixed fare of €50 by day and €65 at night applies to the centre of Athens, not to Evia. Agree the total price with the driver or company before you leave.
Do I need to book the ferry in advance?
On the Rafina to Marmari route, tickets are issued in the passenger's name and booking in good time is advised. On the Oropos to Eretria route, tickets are sold at the port on the day, and booking ahead helps on busy holidays.
Can I take a rental car on an Evia ferry?
Only if your rental company allows it. Some require written consent, and cover for damage on board can be excluded. The bridges avoid the question.