Athens (Piraeus) - Aegina
Ferries to Saronic Islands
Athens (Piraeus) - Aegina
Ferries to Saronic Islands
Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Aegina are operated by 7 ferry companies, including Blue Star Ferries, Anes Ferries, Saronic Ferries, Aegean Flying Dolphins, San Lorenzo Ferries, Aegina Ferries & Remezzo Maritime Company. The crossing typically takes around 1 hour 10 minutes. There are currently 195 weekly sailings on this route, with prices starting from as little as $11. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability, and book your ferry to Aegina today.
The Athens (Piraeus) to Aegina ferry is a year-round service spanning approximately 16.9 nautical miles across the Saronic Gulf, connecting the main port of Athens with the closest of the Saronic islands, Greece.
This route is served by 7 operators providing 195 weekly sailings, with up to 29 daily sailings in peak periods, making it one of the most frequently served ferry connections anywhere in Greece. Famous for its pistachios and the ancient Temple of Aphaia, Aegina is the ideal island escape from Athens, reachable in as little as 40 minutes and popular year-round with day-trippers and weekend visitors.
There are currently 7 ferry operators that provide ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Aegina.
Blue Star Ferries operates high-speed catamaran services on the Athens (Piraeus) to Aegina route with up to 7 daily sailings and a crossing time of approximately 40 minutes. The best choice for travelers who want to reach Aegina quickly, or those maximizing their time on a day trip from Athens.
Saronic Ferries provides up to 10 daily sailings on conventional ferries with a crossing time of approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, offering the most departures of any operator on this route and the only service that accepts bicycles without charge. The preferred choice for travelers bringing a car or a bicycle.
Aegina Ferries offers around 20 weekly sailings with a crossing time of approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes on conventional vessels, providing a reliable and budget-friendly option with vehicle transport and a good choice of departure times throughout the day.
Aegean Flying Dolphins provides up to 26 weekly sailings on high-speed catamarans that complete the route in just 40 minutes, making them the joint fastest operator from Athens to Aegina.
The fastest ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Aegina is with Blue Star Ferries and Aegean Flying Dolphins in 40 minutes, while Saronic Ferries and Aegina Ferries offer conventional services with vehicle and bicycle transport.
All ferries on this route depart from Gate E8 at Piraeus and arrive at Aegina Town, the island's main port. Additional services from Piraeus to Souvala and Agia Marina are available seasonally. It’s always best to confirm your arrival port at the time of booking if you have a specific destination on the island in mind.
Most conventional ferries on this route allow vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles. Bicycles travel free on Saronic Ferries and Anes Ferries. Cabin accommodation is available on Blue Star Ferries services on this route, though given the short crossing time of 40 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes, it is rarely necessary.
The Piraeus to Aegina ferry is one of the most frequently departing ferry routes in all of Greece, with sailings starting in the early morning and running until late evening throughout the year. The first ferry departs at 06:00 and the last ferry departs at 20:45, giving travelers the freedom to plan a day trip with maximum flexibility.
In peak season, departure windows run from around 06:00 for the earliest ferry sailings to approximately 20:30–21:30. There are no overnight ferries on this route. With up to 20 sailings a day in July and August, the Piraeus to Aegina ferry effectively operates as an island shuttle service, giving visitors the freedom to take any convenient sailing rather than planning rigidly around a fixed timetable.
Timetables vary between seasons. From October to May, around 71 weekly sailings are available, whereas from June to September this rises to approximately 141 weekly sailings, plus additional services to Souvala and Agia Marina. Aegina is the second-busiest passenger port in Greece after Piraeus, and weekend sailings fill quickly throughout summer.
Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Aegina typically range from 40 minutes with Blue Star Ferries & Aegean Flying Dolphins to 1 hour 25 minutes with Saronic Ferries, San Lorenzo Ferries & Aegina Ferries, depending on the operator and vessel type. At approximately 16.9 nautical miles across the Saronic Gulf, this is one of the shortest international and domestic ferry connections anywhere in the Mediterranean.
The fastest services, operated by high-speed hydrofoils, complete the crossing in as little as 40 minutes. Saronic Ferries conventional vessels take approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, while Aegina Ferries and other conventional operators take 1 hour and 20 to 1 hour and 25 minutes. All services on this route are direct with no intermediate stops between Piraeus and Aegina Town, making it straightforward to choose based on your preferred departure time and budget.
One thing to consider is that Aegina has three ports: Aegina Town on the western coast, Souvala on the northern coast, and Agia Marina on the eastern coast. The fastest crossing of 30 minutes is the Piraeus to Agia Marina ferry, which is particularly convenient if you are heading to that side of the island or the Temple of Aphaia. Services to Souvala and Agia Marina operate seasonally from approximately April to October.
The Athens (Piraeus) to Aegina ferry price is among the most affordable of any Greek island connection, making Aegina an exceptionally accessible destination for a wide range of travelers. The cheapest tickets start from around $12, with average fares typically costing $52.03 depending on the operator and time of year. If you are looking for a cheap ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Aegina, conventional ferry operators such as Saronic Ferries and Aegina Ferries offer the lowest prices, while Blue Star Ferries and Aegean Flying Dolphins charge a slight premium for the faster crossing.
For a foot passenger, the average one-way fare is between $11.73 and $47.42. The Piraeus to Aegina car ferry cost is slightly more so expect to pay around $111.48 for one adult with a vehicle in standard season. Motorcycles are cheaper still, costing around $64.18.
Children between the ages of 5 and 10 are eligible for a 50% discount on most sailings. Children from 0 to 4 years of age travel for free, though they will not be allocated an individual seat. ISIC student cardholders are eligible for a 50% discount with most operators on this route. Disabled passengers also qualify for a discount with Saronic Ferries and select other operators, though eligibility for this must be confirmed at the time of booking.
Operators periodically offer promotional offers and discounts ahead of peak season. You can also find great offers on accommodation in Aegina by visiting our accommodation page.
| Season | From price |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Sep - Nov) | $12 |
| Spring (Mar - May) | $12 |
| Summer (Jun - Aug) | $12 |
*Based on a one-way trip with one adult
| Ticket Type | From Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $12 |
| Car | $29 |
| Cabin | $12 |
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| Athens (Piraeus) - Aegina Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $47 | |
| 1 Adult with Car | $111 | |
| 1 Adult with Motorcycle | $64 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $74 | |
| Athens (Piraeus) - Aegina Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Athens |
| Destination | Saronic Islands |
| No. of Operators | 7 |
| Operators | Blue Star Ferries, Anes Ferries, Saronic Ferries, Aegean Flying Dolphins, San Lorenzo Ferries, Aegina Ferries & Remezzo Maritime Company |
| Average Price | $52 |
| Average Pet Price | $80 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 29 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 195 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h 10 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 40 m |
| First Ferry | 06:00 |
| Last Ferry | 20:45 |
| Distance | 17 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 May 2026.
The Athens (Piraeus) to Aegina ferry operates with a mix of high-speed hydrofoils and catamarans alongside larger conventional ro-ro ferries. With crossing times ranging from 40 minutes on the fastest high-speed services to 1 hour 25 minutes on the slowest conventional vessels, the onboard experience differs significantly between operators on this route, particularly for travelers with vehicles or bicycles, for whom only conventional ferries are suitable.
The comprehensive seating option on most operators, and more than adequate for any crossing on this route. All vessels have air-conditioned passenger cabins with assigned or open seating.
Available on Blue Star Ferries services, offering wider seating with additional space and comfort. A popular upgrade option on the high-speed sailing for those who want a more comfortable crossing, particularly on busy summer sailings when the standard cabin can be full.
Available on Blue Star Ferries services, though rarely needed given the short crossing time. An option for passengers who want complete privacy for the journey.
Available on most vessels on this route, offering drinks, coffee, and light snacks.
All vessels on this route have air-conditioned indoor passenger areas. On conventional ferries like Saronic Ferries, there is also generous open deck space for passengers who want fresh air and sea views during the crossing.
Available on Saronic Ferries and Aegina Ferries conventional vessels. The Saronic Gulf crossing past the coastline of Attica is pleasant and scenic, particularly enjoyable on the return sailing from Aegina in the late afternoon with views of Piraeus and Athens.
Conventional ferry operators, including Saronic Ferries, Aegina Ferries, Anes Ferries, and San Lorenzo Ferries, accommodate cars, motorcycles, campervans, and bicycles on their ro-ro vehicle decks. High-speed hydrofoils and catamarans do not accommodate vehicles.
Available on select vessels operating on this route. Check with your specific operator for current availability.
Designated luggage areas are available on all vessels. There is no formal luggage check-in procedure. Most operators allow up to 40–50 kg of luggage per passenger.
Piraeus is the largest passenger ferry port in Europe and a popular departure port for ferries from Athens to the Saronic Gulf islands. Ferries to Aegina depart from Gate E8, which is only a 5-minute walk from Piraeus metro station, making it the most accessible of any departure gate at Piraeus and a straightforward starting point for day-trippers heading to Aegina from Athens city centre.
The Green Line (Line 1) connects Piraeus station directly to central Athens (Monastiraki, Omonia) in approximately 30 minutes. Gate E8 is a 5-minute walk from the station exit. This makes Piraeus to Aegina one of the easiest island journeys to start from central Athens without a car or taxi.
The X96 express bus operates 24 hours a day between Athens International Airport and Piraeus Port, stopping near Gate E8. The travel time from the airport is approximately 60–80 minutes, depending on traffic. This is a cost-effective option for travelers arriving by air who want to continue directly to Aegina without crossing the city by metro.
Taxis from central Athens to Piraeus cost approximately $20–$30 and take around 20–30 minutes outside rush hour. From Athens International Airport, a taxi takes approximately 45–60 minutes and costs around $55–$65. Pre-booking is recommended during peak season.
Boarding: As a general rule of thumb, arrive at least 20–40 minutes before departure if traveling on foot and approximately 60–90 minutes when traveling with a vehicle. Gate E8 is compact and close to the station, making it one of the most straightforward boarding experiences at Piraeus for foot passengers. In peak summer, however, particularly on Friday evening departures, arrive earlier to ensure a smooth boarding experience.
Ferries from Piraeus arrive at the main port of Aegina Town, the island's capital and commercial heart on the western coast. The port is adjacent to the waterfront, an elegant neoclassical harbor lined with fishing boats, cafés, tavernas, horse-drawn carriages, and the distinctive yellow-and-white buildings that give Aegina Town its gentle, unhurried character.
Aegina is the second-busiest passenger port in Greece after Piraeus, and the infrastructure here is equipped for a large influx of passengers. The port area has a range of helpful facilities, including ticket offices, ATMs, a taxi rank, a bus station, car and scooter rental agencies, and bicycle hire shops, all within easy walking distance of the pier.
The bus station is located directly on the waterfront, a 2-minute walk from the ferry pier to the right as you disembark. KTEL buses serve all major destinations on the island, including Agia Marina (approximately 20 minutes, with a stop near the Temple of Aphaia), Perdika village, Marathonas beach, and Pahia Rachi. Buses operate frequently in summer and are timed around ferry arrivals.
A taxi rank is located at the port, with horse-drawn carriages also available as a traditional alternative for short distances within Aegina Town. Taxis serve all parts of the island, including Pahia Rachi, Perdika, and beaches. Agree on the fare before departure, as metered and fixed fares both operate. Pre-booking a taxi for early morning return departures is recommended in peak season.
Several agencies operate from the port area and along the waterfront, offering cars, scooters, ATVs, and bicycles. Cycling is a popular and practical way to explore Aegina as the island is relatively flat in the coastal areas around Aegina Town and Marathonas, and bicycle hire is available from the port for a modest daily fee.
Aegina Town itself is entirely walkable from the port, with the main shopping street, waterfront restaurants, the Archaeological Museum of Aegina, and the historic Kapodistrian buildings all within 5–10 minutes on foot. The medieval tower of Markellos is also just a few steps from the waterfront.
Seasonal ferries from Piraeus to Souvala (northern coast, approximately April–October) and Agia Marina (eastern coast, approximately April–November) provide direct access to different parts of the island without requiring onward transport. The Agia Marina ferry is particularly convenient for visitors heading directly to the Temple of Aphaia or the eastern beaches, as it cuts out both a bus journey and a crossing of the island by road.
Pet owners will be pleased to know that pets are allowed on ferries from Piraeus to Aegina with Blue Star Ferries, Anes Ferries & Saronic Ferries. Travel with pets is free of charge on most operators. As this is a domestic Greek route, documentation requirements are very straightforward, though onboard pet arrangements can vary by operator and vessel type.
As both Piraeus and Aegina are within Greece and the EU, an EU pet passport is the standard required document. This document confirms your pet's identity, microchip number, and vaccination history, and is required by ferry operators on this domestic Greek route.
Proof of valid rabies vaccination must be recorded in the EU pet passport. Ensure all vaccinations are current and documented before travel.
Your pet must be microchipped in compliance with ISO standards. The microchip must have been implanted before, or on the same day as, the first rabies vaccination.
Declare your pet at the time of ticket booking and carry all relevant health documentation for the journey. Each passenger can travel with a maximum of 5 pets, all vaccinated and with a valid health book. Travel with pets is free of charge on most operators on this route.
An EU pet passport is a uniform document that certifies your pet's identity, microchip number, and vaccination history, required for travel between EU member states. It is issued by a licensed veterinarian in any EU country and serves as the definitive record of your pet's health and travel eligibility on domestic and international routes.
On most Athens (Piraeus) to Aegina ferries, small pets may remain with their owner in the passenger cabin. Larger dogs must wear a leash and muzzle in passenger areas and may be required to use the kennels provided on board. On conventional vessels with Saronic Ferries and Aegina Ferries, dogs on a leash are typically permitted on open deck areas, which is a more comfortable arrangement for larger dogs.
On high-speed hydrofoils, however, open deck access is not available, so larger pets will need to remain in the kennel area for the full duration. If you are traveling with a vehicle, pets may also remain in your car on the vehicle deck during the crossing. Confirm the operator's specific pet policy at the time of booking, as conditions vary by vessel.
Passengers with reduced mobility traveling on the Athens (Piraeus) to Aegina ferry route should contact their operator directly at the time of booking to arrange appropriate assistance. Most ferries on this route are accessible for passengers with disabilities, with onboard amenities for passengers with reduced mobility, though the level of provision varies between the high-speed hydrofoils and the larger conventional ferries. Conventional vessels such as those operated by Saronic Ferries are generally more accessible than high-speed hydrofoils, which can have more restricted internal layouts.
Most conventional ferries on the Piraeus to Aegina ferry are equipped with basic accessibility provisions, including wider doorways and passenger areas designed for passengers with reduced mobility. Blue Star Ferries' vessels offer the most comprehensive accessibility features on this route, including adapted seating and assistance for boarding. Please confirm specific provisions with your operator at the time of booking.
Passengers with reduced mobility are usually given priority boarding. Contact your operator in advance to arrange this. Gate E8 at Piraeus is one of the quieter port gates, making it a more manageable boarding experience than the larger Cyclades terminals.
Staff assistance boarding and disembarking is available upon request. This is particularly useful on high-speed hydrofoil services where boarding can involve steps or narrow gangways.
The larger conventional ferries on this route are generally more accessible for wheelchair users. Aegina Town port itself has a flat waterfront promenade that is accessible for wheelchair users immediately on disembarkation.
Passengers traveling with a car who have mobility needs may, in some cases, be allowed to remain with their vehicle during the short crossing. However, this option must be confirmed with your operator beforehand.
Always notify your operator of any accessibility or special assistance requirements at the time of booking rather than at the port. Advance notice ensures the correct arrangements are in place for your arrival. You can also contact Direct Ferries customer support for guidance on accessible ferry options on the Athens (Piraeus) to Aegina route.
Aegina is a popular weekend escape from Athens so Friday evening departures from Piraeus and Sunday afternoon returns from Aegina are among the most in-demand sailings in Greece. If you are traveling at the weekend in summer, book online in advance as these sailings tend to sell out.
If speed is the priority, Blue Star Ferries and Aegean Flying Dolphins complete the crossing in 40 minutes but carry no vehicles and typically charge a higher price. If you are bringing a car, motorcycle, or bicycle, choose Saronic Ferries, Aegina Ferries or Anes Ferries.
Three ports on Aegina are served from Piraeus: Aegina Town (year-round, main port), Souvala (seasonal, northern coast), and Agia Marina (seasonal, eastern coast). If you are heading to the Temple of Aphaia or the eastern beaches, a direct ferry from Piraeus to Agia Marina saves significant onward travel time.
All Piraeus to Aegina ferries depart from Gate E8, which is a 5-minute walk from Piraeus metro station, making this the most convenient gate in the port for public transport arrivals. For foot passengers, arriving 20–40 minutes before departure is typically sufficient. For vehicles, allow at least 60–90 minutes, particularly in peak summer when vehicle queues at the gate can be much longer.
With ferries departing Piraeus from 06:00 and the last return from Aegina at around 21:30, a day trip gives you plenty of time to explore the island. Take the earliest fast ferry for maximum time, or the mid-morning conventional ferry if a leisurely pace suits better. The Temple of Aphaia, Aegina Town waterfront, and Perdika fishing village can all be visited in a single day.
Keep your passport or EU ID card, pet documentation, and any discount eligibility proof readily accessible at check-in. Although this is a domestic Greek route, an ID is required for boarding all ferries.
With up to 7 operators on this route offering very different fares, speeds, and vessel types, using Direct Ferries to view all options side by side is the most efficient way to find the right crossing. Filter by operator, departure time, and fare to find the best match for your plans.
The Saronic Gulf is generally well-sheltered and calmer than the open Aegean, making the Piraeus to Aegina ferry one of the more reliable crossings year-round. However, strong southerly winds can occasionally cause delays or cancellations in autumn and winter. High-speed hydrofoils are more susceptible to weather cancellations than larger conventional ferries, so it's worth factoring this in if you are traveling in the shoulder season.
Aegina Town to Marathonas and Perdika along the western coast road is one of the most enjoyable cycling routes in the Saronic Gulf, flat enough for most riders and taking around 45–60 minutes at a relaxed pace. Bicycle hire is available at the port for a modest daily fee.
