Fastest ~40 min by high-speed ferry
| ⛴️ Ferry | ~40 min | High-speed catamaran/hydrofoil from Piraeus, frequent sailings |
| ⛴️ Ferry | ~1h-1h10 | Slower conventional ferry, a bit cheaper, only option carrying cars |
| 🚆 Train | ~25-30 min | Metro Line 1 from Monastiraki to Piraeus port before the ferry |
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Aegina is the closest of the Saronic Gulf islands to Athens, close enough that some islanders commute into the capital for work. That makes it one of the easiest island escapes anywhere in Greece — a short hop by sea to a place known for its harbour views, an ancient temple on a pine-covered hill, and, above all, its pistachios.
The quickest way: high-speed ferry from Piraeus
High-speed catamarans and hydrofoils run frequently from Piraeus, Athens' main port, to Aegina Town, taking around 40 minutes. Because Aegina is so close and so popular, sailings run many times a day, especially in the summer months, operated by the main Saronic Gulf ferry companies. Buying tickets online in advance or at the port is straightforward, and while sold-out sailings are less common here than on routes to more distant islands, booking ahead is still sensible on summer weekends and Greek public holidays.
The slower conventional ferry
Alongside the fast catamarans, slower conventional ferries also serve Aegina, taking around 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes — not dramatically longer than the high-speed service, and often a little cheaper. These larger ferries also carry vehicles, which makes them the only option if you want to bring a car or scooter across to the island rather than relying on Aegina's local buses and taxis once you arrive.
Getting to Piraeus from central Athens
Piraeus is easily reached from central Athens by Metro Line 1, running directly from Monastiraki and other central stops in around 25–30 minutes, making it the cheapest and most reliable way to reach the port. Taxis take a similar amount of time outside heavy traffic but cost considerably more. See our Athens airport to the city guide if you're arriving from the airport rather than a central hotel, and our Athens Metro guide for more on riding the network.
Why there's no realistic alternative
Aegina has no airport and no bridge or car-ferry-free link to the mainland, so the ferry from Piraeus is the only practical way to get there — there's no bus or driving route that avoids the sea crossing entirely. This isn't a drawback so much as part of the island's appeal: the short, easy crossing is a large part of what makes Aegina such a popular half-day or full-day escape for both visitors and Athenians alike.
What to see on Aegina
Aegina Town, where the ferry docks, has a relaxed harbourfront lined with cafés, fishing boats and a single standing column from a ruined Temple of Apollo on a small rise above the port — a modest but atmospheric first stop for anyone with limited time. The island's standout ancient site, however, is the Temple of Aphaia, one of the best-preserved temples anywhere in Greece, set on a pine-forested hilltop on the island's east side with views out over the sea towards the neighbouring islands. Along with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion (see our Athens to Cape Sounion guide), it's sometimes described as forming a "sacred triangle" of ancient sightlines across the Saronic Gulf. The temple sits around 30 minutes by local bus or taxi from Aegina Town.
Pistachios
Aegina is Greece's best-known pistachio-growing island, and roadside stalls, shops and cafés across the island sell the nuts in every form, from simple roasted pistachios to pistachio-based sweets and spreads. A visit in September, during the harvest, brings the island's annual pistachio festival, but the nuts are sold year-round and make an easy, edible souvenir of the trip.
Beyond the harbour
Beyond Aegina Town, the ruins of Paleochora, a former hilltop settlement built to shelter islanders from pirate raids, and the monastery of Agios Nektarios, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Greece, both make worthwhile additions for visitors with more than a few hours to spend on the island.
Getting around Aegina
Aegina is small enough that many of its main sights can be reached without a car: local buses run from Aegina Town to the Temple of Aphaia, the beaches on the island's east coast, and the village of Perdika at the southern tip, though services can be infrequent outside peak season. Bicycles and small scooters can be hired in Aegina Town for those who want more flexibility, and taxis are a straightforward if pricier option for a short hop to a single sight. A small passenger boat also runs from the harbour to the tiny islet of Moni, a nature reserve with a quiet swimming beach, a popular add-on for visitors with a full day to spare.
How much time to allow
A straightforward half-day trip — the ferry over, a wander around the harbour, lunch and the ferry back — is easily done in 4 to 5 hours round trip. Fitting in the Temple of Aphaia as well generally pushes a visit to a full day, given the bus or taxi ride each way to reach it. Aegina also rewards an overnight stay for travellers who want a slower pace than a typical day-tripper's itinerary allows.
Which should you choose?
The high-speed ferry is the best choice for most visitors on a tight schedule, while the slower conventional ferry is worth considering if you want to bring a vehicle or simply prefer a calmer, cheaper crossing. For a comparison with another popular Saronic island, see our Athens to Hydra guide, and our Saronic Gulf ferries guide for the wider network of island-hopping options from Piraeus.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Athens to Aegina?
Around 40 minutes on the high-speed catamaran, or 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes on the slower conventional ferry, both departing from Piraeus.
Do I need to book the ferry in advance?
Not always essential given how frequently boats run, but booking ahead is sensible for summer weekends and Greek public holidays.
Can I bring a car to Aegina?
Yes, on the slower conventional ferries, which carry vehicles — the high-speed catamarans are passenger-only.
What is Aegina known for?
Its pistachios, the well-preserved Temple of Aphaia, and being the closest and easiest Saronic Gulf island to reach from Athens.
Sources and further reading:
- Ferry schedules and operators: Piraeus Port Authority.
- Route planning cross-checked with The Man in Seat 61.
- Archaeological site information: Greek Ministry of Culture.