14/09/2021
Evia, the second-largest island in Greece, beckons with its diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to pristine beaches. Its remarkable proximity to the Greek mainland, coupled with its connection via two bridges, makes it exceptionally accessible by both sea and land. Whether you're planning a visit to its capital, Chalkis (Chalkida), or exploring the charming coastal villages, understanding your travel options is key. This guide provides comprehensive information on how to reach Evia Island, catering to various starting points and final destinations.
Ferry Services to Evia: A Comprehensive List
Several ferry lines operate along Evia's western coast, offering convenient connections to the Greek mainland. Here's a breakdown of the key routes, listed from south to north:
| Route | Departure Port (Mainland) | Arrival Port (Evia) | Cost (Passenger/Vehicle) | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rafina – Marmari | Rafina (Attica) | Marmari (Southern Evia) | €9 / €21 | Several routes daily, year-round | Accessible from Athens by bus (approx. 1 hour). Tickets online or on-site. Timetables can be found here (Greek only). |
| Agia Marina – Nea Styra | Agia Marina (Attica) | Nea Styra (Southern Evia) | €4.20 / €16 | Several routes daily, year-round | Slightly harder to reach from Athens but cheaper and quicker. Tickets on-site. Timetables can be found here (Greek only). |
| Oropos – Eretria | Oropos (Northern Attica) | Eretria (Central Evia) | €2 / €6 | Frequent routes daily, year-round | Busiest, cheapest, and most frequent route. Official website available. Timetables can be found here. |
| Arkitsa – Edipsos | Arkitsa (Phthiotis) | Edipsos (Northwestern Evia) | €3.40 / €16.80 | Several routes daily, year-round | Connects to the spa town of Edipsos. Official website available. Timetables can be found here. |
| Glyfa – Agiokambos | Glyfa (Phthiotis) | Agiokambos (Northern Evia) | €2.30 / €13.30 | Several routes daily, year-round | Connects to the north coast of Evia. Official website available. Timetables can be found here. |
Additionally, ferry and flying dolphin services connect the eastern Evian ports of Kymi and Mantoudi to the Sporades islands (Skyros, Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos). Indirect routes from Volos city to northern Evia are also occasionally available.
Reaching Evia from Athens: Land and Sea Options
Getting to Evia from Athens is remarkably straightforward. For destinations in southern Evia, the ferry routes from Rafina or Agia Marina are ideal. However, for central and northern Evia, travelling overland is generally more cost-effective and time-efficient.
By Bus: The Most Frequent Choice
Buses to Evia depart from Athens' Liossion Bus Terminal (Liosion 260, Athens 10445). The nearest metro station is Kato Patissia. Many northbound buses stop at Kato Patissia, making it a convenient boarding point. Direct bus routes serve not only Chalkida but also Eretria, Aliveri, Kymi, Psachna, Prokopi, and Istiaia. From Chalkida's bus station, further connections to other parts of the island are readily available.
Buses typically run every 30 minutes from dawn until 10 PM, with slightly reduced services on weekends. Tickets can be purchased at the station or directly on the bus. A one-way trip to Chalkida costs approximately €7, with a return ticket costing €12.50. The journey to Chalkida usually takes about an hour. For the most current timetables and prices, consult the bus company's official website.
By Train: A Comfortable Journey
Trains to Chalkis depart daily from Athens' Larissa Train Station, accessible via the metro's red line (Larissa Station stop). Trains run every one to two hours, starting from 4:51 AM to 9:51 PM. A single ticket costs around €6.50 and can be purchased at the station. The train journey to Chalkis takes a little over an hour. The Chalkis train station is conveniently located in the city centre, just before the Euripus Bridge. Check the train company's official website for up-to-date schedules and fares.
By Car: Freedom and Flexibility
Driving to Chalkis involves taking the national motorway A1 (European motorway 75) towards Lamia and Thessaloniki. Exit the motorway at Schimatari, approximately 60 km from Athens, and follow the signs for Chalkida. You will cross the bridge onto Evia shortly after. Be aware that motorway tolls amount to €3.60. Alternatively, you can drive to one of the aforementioned ferry ports and transport your car across the bay.
By Taxi: Convenience at a Price
For those seeking a more direct and comfortable transfer, a taxi to Chalkida or other parts of Evia is a viable option. Most taxi drivers in Athens will readily accept such fares due to Evia's close proximity. An average fare from central Athens to Chalkida is around €60. It is advisable to agree on the price with the driver beforehand. For a guaranteed price and enhanced comfort, booking a transfer through services like GetTransfer.com is recommended.
Hitchhiking: An Adventurous Alternative
For the more adventurous traveller, hitchhiking presents a possibility, though it requires patience in Greece. Head towards the A1 (E75) motorway, preferably heading north out of Athens to avoid city traffic. Displaying "Chalkida" (or "Χαλκίδα") on your sign, perhaps at a petrol station, and persisting with your request could lead to a ride.
Travelling to Evia from Northern Greece
When coming from northern Greece, you might find direct bus services from cities like Thessaloniki or Ioannina to Chalkis. However, more commonly, you may need to take a train to Athens and change at Oinoi station. If your destination is in northern Evia, catching a ferry from Arkitsa or Glyfa ports is often the preferred option.
Flights to Evia: What You Need to Know
Evia Island does not have its own airport. Given its excellent connectivity to Athens International Airport (ATH), direct flights to Evia are not necessary. Therefore, your primary flight destination will be Athens.
From Athens Airport to Evia Island
As of recent information, there are no direct public transport links from Athens International Airport to Evia. However, reaching the island from the airport is feasible through connecting routes. The quickest overland route to Chalkis involves taking a train to SKA or Agioi Anargyroi stations and then transferring to a direct train to Chalkis. Alternatively, you can travel to central Athens and take a train from Larissa Station or a bus from Kato Patissia Station. These journeys typically take between two to four hours and cost around €20 per person to reach Chalkis. For a faster transfer, especially with luggage, a pre-booked taxi can reach Chalkis in under an hour for approximately €50 for up to three passengers.
If your final destination is in southern Evia, the most convenient option from Athens Airport is to take the direct bus to Rafina Port and then catch the ferry to Marmari.
Planning Your Stay and Activities
Once you've arrived on Evia, the island offers a wealth of experiences, from exploring its mountainous interior to relaxing on its beautiful beaches. Tools like Stay22 can assist in finding and comparing accommodation and activities across various platforms, often displaying them on an interactive map for easy planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the fastest way to get to Evia from Athens?
For central and northern Evia, driving or taking a bus/train to Chalkis is generally the fastest overland route. For southern Evia, the Rafina-Marmari ferry is a good option.
Q2: Can I take a train directly from Athens Airport to Evia?
No, there are no direct train services from Athens Airport to Evia. You will need to connect via other stations in Athens.
Q3: How much does it cost to take a taxi from Athens to Evia?
A taxi from central Athens to Chalkis typically costs around €60. It's best to confirm the price beforehand.
Q4: Are there ferries to Evia all year round?
Yes, most of the listed ferry routes operate daily throughout the year.
Q5: Does Evia have an airport?
No, Evia Island does not have its own airport.
With these options, your journey to the captivating island of Evia is sure to be smooth and enjoyable. Happy travels!
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