How to get to Aegina
Getting to Aegina is probably the simplest part of any trip to the Greek islands. There is no airport, but the island sits so close to Athens that the ferry is cheap, frequent and quick. The large majority of visitors combine it with a few days in Athens before or after, which also makes the luggage logistics easier. In high season (June to September) the departures are so continuous that there is practically no need to buy a ticket in advance. Outside the season it is worth checking the timetables on [Ferryhopper](https://www.ferryhopper.com/) a couple of days ahead, because some frequencies are cut back on Mondays and on winter weekdays.
By ferry
The ferry from Piraeus, the port of Athens, is the main route. There are two kinds of boat: the conventional ferry, which takes around 75 minutes and carries cars, and the hydrofoil or "flying dolphin", which takes 40 minutes and is passengers only. Operators include Hellenic Seaways, ANES Ferries and Aegean Flying Dolphins, with departures almost every hour between 7:00 and 20:00 in summer. Prices are around 10 to 12 euros on the ferry and 14 to 18 euros on the hydrofoil, one way. The crossing is a very steady one: the Saronic Gulf is sheltered and seasickness is rare, even on the hydrofoils, which move about the most. If you are travelling with children who are sensitive to it, take the slow ferry in the morning and come back on the hydrofoil in the late afternoon. Almost all boats dock at the **port of Aegina town**, on the west side of the island, right in front of the old quarter. Some departures (Hellenic Seaways and Alexandros in particular) dock at **Agia Marina** or **Souvala**, on the north and east coasts. Always check the arrival port before you book your accommodation.
By plane
Aegina has no airport. The way in is to fly to Athens (Eleftherios Venizelos airport, ATH), take the metro or the X96 bus to Piraeus (45 to 60 minutes) and the ferry from there. Landing in Athens in the morning and sleeping in Aegina that same night is perfectly feasible if the timings line up.
Other options
An interesting alternative is the day cruise from Athens that combines **Aegina, Poros and Hydra** in a single day. These leave from Flisvos marina or Piraeus, include lunch on board and usually stop for about three hours in Aegina, just enough time to go up to the [Temple of Aphaia](/islands/aegina/temple-of-aphaia/) or call in at [Agios Nektarios](/islands/aegina/agios-nektarios/). It is not the best way to get to know the island, but it is the most efficient one if you are based in Athens and only have a single day.