Getting from Athens to Evia

If you are heading to Evia from Athens you are going to the second largest island in Greece and one of the least known outside the country, despite being connected to the mainland by two bridges and sitting within easy reach of the capital. Evia is a long, narrow island of mountains, forests, thermal springs and coastline that stretches for hundreds of kilometres, with a dramatically different character at its northern and southern ends. The north around Edipsos is known for its thermal baths, one of the oldest spa destinations in the ancient world. The central coast around Eretria and Halkida has good beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. The south is remote, rocky and barely visited.

Getting there by air

Evia has no commercial airport. The nearest airport is Athens, around 90 kilometres from Halkida by road. Flying is not a practical option for this route.

Take the train, bus or drive

The drive from central Athens to Halkida, the capital of Evia, takes around 1.5 hours via the E75 motorway and crosses into the island over the Chalkida bridge, one of the more remarkable pieces of infrastructure in Greece spanning the Euripus Strait where the current reverses direction several times a day. The KTEL bus from Athens Liossion terminal runs frequently to Halkida taking around 1.5 hours. The train from Athens Larissa station to Halkida takes around 1.5 hours and runs several times daily. From Halkida you can head north toward Edipsos or south toward the remote beaches of the southern tip.

Take the ferry

Several short ferry crossings connect the Attica and Boeotian coasts to Evia at various points along its length. The most useful for travellers coming from Athens are the Arkitsa to Edipsos crossing taking around 1 hour, and the Rafina to Marmari crossing taking around 1 hour, both running frequently in summer.

Your best option

Drive or take the train to Halkida. It is the fastest and most straightforward approach and the bridge crossing into Evia is worth seeing. From Halkida you can explore the island at your own pace. If you are heading specifically to the thermal baths at Edipsos in the north, the ferry from Arkitsa is a pleasant alternative to the long drive around the island.