Getting to Evia: Every Way to Reach Greece's Best-Kept Island Secret

When travelers think of Greek islands, they immediately picture long ferry rides or regional flights out of Athens. But Evia (also spelled Euboea) defies the standard island rules. As the second-largest island in Greece, it sits so close to the mainland that it feels like a continuation of it, yet it retains a completely distinct, authentic island charm.

Because of its unique geography, Evia is one of the most accessible islands in the country. You do not even need to board a boat to get there if you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground. Whether you want to drive across a bridge, take a scenic train ride, or hop on a classic ferry, here are all the ways you can reach the beautiful island of Evia.

The Drive-Across Bridges: No Boats Required

The absolute easiest way to reach Evia is by car or bus via the capital city of Chalkida, where the island almost touches the Greek mainland across the narrow Euripus Strait. You have two bridge options here:

• The High Bridge: If you are driving directly from Athens or the international airport, the modern cable-stayed suspension bridge is the fastest route. It bypasses city traffic and deposits you straight onto the highway heading into central and southern Evia.
• The Old Sliding Bridge: Located right in the heart of Chalkida town, this historic low-level bridge is a fascinating attraction. It actually opens and slides away periodically to allow ships to pass through the rushing tidal currents below. Crossing this bridge puts you right in the lively center of the island's capital.

The Budget Train Route from Athens

If you are a solo traveler or looking to save money on car rentals and fuel, you can easily reach Evia by train.

Head to Athens Central Railway Station (Larissis Station) and catch the direct suburban train bound for Chalkida. The journey takes roughly 90 minutes, winding through the scenic mainland countryside before crossing the strait directly into the Chalkida train station, which sits right on the waterfront. Tickets are incredibly affordable, making it a perfect option for a quick day trip or weekend escape.

The Northern Ferry Crossings

If you are traveling from northern or central Greece (such as Thessaloniki, Volos, or the Pelion region), driving all the way down to the bridges is unnecessary. Instead, you can take advantage of the short, efficient ferry crossings in the north:

• Glyfa to Agiokampos: This is the most popular route for travelers coming down from northern Greece. The ferry ride takes only about 25 minutes, landing you in northern Evia, which is famous for its dense pine forests and the thermal spa town of Edipsos.
• Arkitsa to Edipsos: Operating regularly throughout the year, this ferry links the mainland town of Arkitsa directly to the famous thermal springs of Edipsos in just 45 minutes.

The Central and Southern Ferry Crossings

For those who want the classic Greek island ferry experience or want to head straight to the pristine beaches of southern Evia, several ports located just outside of Athens offer quick crossings:

• Agia Marina to Nea Styra: Located on the eastern coast of the Attica region (roughly an hour's drive from central Athens), the small port of Agia Marina runs frequent daily ferries to Nea Styra. The crossing takes about 45 minutes and accommodates vehicles.
• Rafina to Marmari: The major port of Rafina, which is located very close to the Athens International Airport, offers a direct ferry connection to the beautiful southern bay of Marmari. The trip takes around an hour and fifteen minutes.

With so many bridges and boat routes connecting it to the mainland, Evia eliminates the stress of rigid ferry schedules and flight cancellations, allowing you to plan the perfect, flexible Aegean getaway.