Chalkida, the beautiful capital city and gateway to Evia Island, is easily accessible from Athens by public transport. Buses and trains run frequently between the cities. They both take roughly one hour. The train is a bit cheaper but slightly slower and less punctual than the bus. The train’s additional advantage is that it drops you off in the heart of the city, unlike the bus that stops at the city’s edge. Below you’ll find detailed information on how to get from Athens to Chalkida by either bus or train. But if you instead prefer a comfortable and affordable private transfer, you can book it here.
Read further about what to do in Chalkida and beyond on Evia Island.
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Athens to Chalkida by bus
The buses to Chalkida depart from Liosion Bus Terminal in Athens (location). The terminal is a 10-minute walk from Kato Patisia or Agios Nikolaos green-line metro stations. Bus X93 from the airport also stops at Liosion Bus Terminal.
To avoid walking to the station or taking a taxi, you can catch the bus at the bus stop outside of Kato Patisia metro station. All buses departing from Liosion Bus Station pull over there to pick up more passengers. The bus stop is situated beside a kiosk, diagonally across the street from the square (location). There will always be people waiting, whom you can ask for the right bus.
Buses to Chalkida run every 30–60 minutes from dawn till evening, every day, year-round. At the time of writing (November 2024), the exact schedule is:
Monday to Friday: 06:30, 08:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00
Saturday: 08:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00
Sunday: 07:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00
Check the bus company’s website for possible updated schedules.
The ticket to Chalkida costs €7 for a one-way trip and €12.50 for a return trip. You can buy it either at the station or on the bus after you have sat. Buying it before guarantees your seat, but the bus is rarely full. If you prefer, you can book by phone on 22210 20400. You are also supposed to be able to buy the ticket online here, but you’d be lucky if the page works.
The bus drops you off at Chalkida Bus Station (location), whence you have to walk for 30 minutes to the city center. From the station in Chalkida, you can take buses to numerous other places around the island. And you can also take direct buses from Athens to several other big towns of Evia like Eretria, Aliveri, Kymi, Psachna, Prokopi, and Istiaia.
Athens to Chalkida by train
The trains to Chalkida depart from Athens’ central Larissa Railway Station (location). The red-line Larissa Station metro station is situated in front of it.
The trains run every 1–2 hours from dawn till evening, every day, year-round. At the time of writing (November 2024), the exact schedule is:
Monday to Friday: 4:28, 5:24, 07:28, 09:28, 11:28, 13:28, 15:28, 16:28, 17:28, 18:28, 20:28, 22:28
Weekends: 5:24, 07:28, 09:28, 11:28, 13:28, 15:28, 17:28, 18:28, 20:28, 22:28
The ticket costs €6 one-way. You can buy it at the booths in the station or online here.
The train stops at Chalkida Railway Station (location), which is 100 meters before the city’s old bridge and its coastal promenade.
Recommended Accommodations in Chalkida
Splurge: Blue Marine Village—For a luxurious coastal retreat near Chalkida, Blue Marine Village offers a blend of privacy and stunning natural beauty. This seaside hotel features direct access to a private beach, a spacious garden, and rooms with essential amenities like air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Select rooms also have balconies, adding extra charm to your stay. Each morning, you can start with a buffet breakfast. It’s a peaceful choice, particularly favored by couples for its seclusion and scenic views.
Comfort: Paliria Hotel—Set right along the Evripos Strait, the 3-star Paliria Hotel provides an ideal mid-range stay with a view. Overlooking the main promenade, the hotel offers airy rooms with balconies that showcase either the cityscape or the tranquil sea. Guests enjoy conveniences like free Wi-Fi, a breakfast room, a snack bar, and accessible facilities for those with disabilities.
Save: Efrosini’s studio semi-basement—A budget-friendly and homely stay in Chalkida, located in the picturesque old town near the city center. This semi-basement apartment is simple yet functional, featuring two bedrooms, a full kitchen, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. Perfect for travelers looking for flexibility, the studio allows you to explore nearby parks, beaches, and the laid-back surroundings of Chalkida while keeping your accommodations affordable and self-sufficient.
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