How to Get to Karystos
Karystos is not an island. It sits at the southern tip of Evia, which is joined to the mainland by a bridge. From Athens International Airport drive 16 km to the Port of Rafina, about 20 minutes, then the Rafina to Marmari ferry operated by Olympian Ferries on the vessel Evia Star, roughly one hour, with three to four sailings each way every day and year round. From Marmari to Karystos it is 12 km, about 15 minutes. Net travel time, 20 minutes plus one hour plus 15 minutes, about one hour 35 minutes. Adult ticket 12 euro, small car 27 euro, as of September 2026. A second ferry from Agia Marina to Nea Styra leaves roughly every 90 minutes. The passenger port for Karystos is Marmari.
Three ways in, and only two of them involve a boat
Evia is joined to the Greek mainland by permanent bridges at Chalkida. It is an island on the map and not in practice. The ferry is a shortcut not a lifeline. That single fact settles most of the anxiety people carry into this question.
| Route | Crossing | Frequency | From ATH to departure point | Door to door |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rafina to Marmari | about 1 hour | 3 to 4 daily, year round | 16 km, 25 to 30 min | 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Agia Marina to Nea Styra | about 45 min | 7 to 9 daily | about 40 min, further than Rafina | about 3 hours |
| Chalkida bridge, no ferry | none | always open | direct from the airport | about 3 hours driving |
Getting from Athens Airport to the Port of Rafina
Sixteen kilometres. A taxi runs on a flat airport fare of 38 euro by day and 53 euro between midnight and 5 am, and takes 25 to 30 minutes. The KTEL bus costs 3 euro, takes 30 to 40 minutes and runs every 30 to 60 minutes from around 4:30 until 22:30. A rental car simply drives on board with you.
Timetable, frequency and tickets
The Rafina to Marmari line runs all year with no seasonal break. Under the timetable in force until 17 September 2026 there are three to four sailings each way per day. The first departure from Marmari is at 07:00 on most days, the first from Rafina at 08:30. The last departure from Rafina varies by weekday, from 16:30 on Saturday to 22:30 on Thursday. Summer adds sailings. Most of the year you arrive, buy a ticket and board. In August and on Greek holidays book a vehicle space ahead and arrive 30 minutes early.
Fares, September 2026
| Category | Rafina to Marmari | Agia Marina to Nea Styra |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 12 euro | 6.50 euro |
| Student | 8 euro | 6.50 euro |
| Child 5 to 10 | 6 euro | 3.30 euro |
| Small car | 27 euro | 21.50 euro |
| Large car | 30 euro | 25.50 euro |
| Motorbike up to 250cc | 8 euro | 7 euro |
| Motorbike over 250cc | 10 euro | 9 euro |
A couple travelling with a rental car pays roughly 55 euro each way in ferry costs. A family of four with a car pays about 63 euro.
וילה עם בריכה באי אוויה ליד הים, 200-600 א' אירו.
The ship, the water and the view
Evia Star is 87 metres long and 17 metres wide and carries 708 passengers and 133 vehicles according to the operator. Open car deck, a snack counter, outdoor seating, pets allowed, no wifi. About twenty minutes out of Rafina the Petalioi islands appear, then the ridge of south Evia opens up with Mount Ochi standing over Karystos.
The crossing runs inside the Petalion Gulf, water sheltered on both sides, which is why the sailing is comfortable for people prone to seasickness. Evia itself acts as a giant breakwater for the whole gulf. The open sea east of Karystos, in the Kafireas strait, also called Cavo d Oro, is a different story, and the ferry does not go there.
What can cross
The car deck is an open roll on roll off deck. Cars, four wheel drives, motorbikes, campervans, full tourist coaches and delivery and mid size trucks all cross routinely, because this line is part of the everyday supply chain of South Evia. Freight vehicles and coaches are not in the published passenger tariff and are quoted directly by the operator according to vehicle type and length. Genuinely oversized loads, long trailers and heavy plant travel overland via the Chalkida bridge, where there is no ramp or deck limit at all.
If a sailing does not go
It is rare. The Rafina to Marmari line runs in sheltered water all year as everyday transport for south Evia. In the rare case one sailing is delayed, the next one goes, the Agia Marina line keeps running, and the Chalkida bridge is always open.
FAQ
Is there a flight from Athens to Karystos
No. Karystos has no airport. The nearest is Athens International Airport, then the ferry from Rafina or the road via Chalkida.
Which port do I book to reach Karystos
Marmari. It is the passenger port for Karystos, 12 km from town.
Do the ferries run in winter
Yes, three to four sailings a day all year on the Rafina to Marmari line.
Can I take a rental car on board
Yes, and it is very common. Notify your rental company when booking.
Can you reach Karystos without a ferry
Yes. The Chalkida bridge links Evia to the mainland and the drive from the airport takes about three hours.
