Any advantage or need to buy ferry tickets in advance for this route on a weekday next month?
Do certain times sell-out, or do dynamic price increases kick in closer to the departure date?
Also, is the scenery on the slower ferries worthwhile vs. faster closed cabin ferries.
Was thinking of taking one fast and one slow if that makes sense.
Lastly, purchase through Ferryhopper, or direct with the ferry line?
Thanks!
Been across to Aegina numerous times (I live in Athens), always bought tickets at the port for the slow ferries Saronic ferries), maybe once online but only a day or so in advance to go to Aegina, always buy the return at the port in Aegina. I never use the fast ferries, smaller & more expensive, if you do intend using them one way maybe worth buying in advance, especially mid month. Always buy direct from the operator.
Thanks for the info. Also, any experience with the bus service reliability? Was thinking of taking the blue line from Aegina (town) to the Temple of Aphaia for a brief visit and then back to Aegina (town.)
traditravel -
Please report back on your experience visiting Aegina from Athens - we are hoping to do so when we’re there in early September before we join up with the RS Athens/Heart of Greece tour.
Thank you!
The bus service is fine to go to the Temple of Aphaia, the timetable changes throughout the year, the times are posted in the window of the ticket kiosk opposite the ferry port. Being August they’re likely to be very busy at times.
This is the latest bus timetable, all others I found seem to be out of date,
https://www.aeginaportal.gr/ktel.html
It’s in Greek but the columns you need are ΑΠΟ ΑΙΓΙΝΑ & ΑΠΟ ΑΦΑΙΑ (from Aegina & from Aphaia)
If you want to prebook ferries this is the site for that,
https://www.sf.gr/en
I only ever use the slow ferries & never had a problem with tickets last minute but as it’s mid August on or around the 15th (one of the busiest holiday times for Greeks as it’s a main religious day) & if you definitely know which day & times will suit you it could be a good idea to do book on this occasion :)
Thanks again!
Here are my pieces of information on Aegina, which I keep posting, like a broken record:
• Photo album of daytrip -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/36264706@N03/sets/72157621604646139/detail/ it shows the "mini-cruise" of an hour you can get on an open-decks ferry ... the visitor used a car, but it shows highlights nicely, and metro station at Piraeus.
• Do Salnav advises (I know her, and confirm that she Knows All) about buying tickets in advance ... how far, depends on your planned date -- The Holiday itself is Sat Aug 15, but the week before/week after may be quite busy -- and weekENDS are a no-no.. boats AND island will be jammed. For a single day, always choose a weekday. If your "day pick" is like monday 17th, or later than 23rd, fewer crowds. If using online be SURE u r booking open-deck at least 1 way.
• I was there several days without a car & used bus (these days, they also rent e-bikes and I think ATMs... if u are conversant with them you can be OK, one main road only not that hilly, take care)
• About the bus - Plus...it gets you to the Temple, you spend a bit of time, wandering in/around, taking pix. Then what? Bus schedule very sparse, perhaps better in August. What I did was set off down the road about 100 yds, then on downill side saw sign on tree "Short-cut"..., scrambled down a path 200 yards or so and ... Presto! on the outskirts of beach village (Ag Marina??). I found a beach taverna, changed into swimsuit in its restroom, had a dip & sunbathe, sat at lunch table asked about bus schedule and bus stop, then had leisurely lunch, caught bus back to port.
• There are many port cafes for an adult beverage while waiting for ferry.... if you have a longer time, it's fun to brwose through the back-streets of port town, some fascinating small stores, not souvenirs but groceries and home-decor and hardware stores for the permanent residents, an initeresting look into regular greek lives.
Since I have usually been to Greece off-season (May or September), a few days before my ferry day, I would normally just go to a ticket agency in central Athens (there were agencies in almost every block it seemed), and buy tickets for an island destination, choosing times AND boat types available. Cost maybe 1 euro more, job done.
Thanks! great photos.
FYI - the flower in the picture labeled "more berries" is lantana ;) I have lots of it in my yard.
