Ferry to Rhodes 2026: routes, prices & tickets
You can reach Rhodes by ferry from Piraeus (Athens) and from Heraklion, with Blue Star Ferries. Tickets start from €26. Below you'll find which route to choose, when to book and how to get around once you leave the port.
Ferry tickets to Rhodes
- Departure ports
- 1
- Travel time
- 12h 50m – 27h 55m
- Tickets from
- €26
- Ferry companies
- 1
Ferries to Rhodes from Athens and the mainland
| Route | Travel time | Type | Ferry companies | from | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piraeus to Rhodes | 12h 50m – 27h 55m | Conventional |  | €45.50 | Schedule → |
Island hopping to and from Rhodes
Heraklion – Rhodes11.5 hours – 12h 40mfrom €26Ferry times to Rhodes
Indicative schedule — times change by season. Confirm in the search before booking.
Summer
| Departs | Arrives | Vessel / Company | Type | Days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 | 06:10 | Blue Star Delos | Conventional | Sun | — |
| 15:00 | 09:20 | | Conventional | Thu | — |
| 18:00 | 10:05 | Blue Star 2 | Conventional | Mon | — |
| 18:00 | 09:40 | Blue Star 2 | Conventional | Wed | — |
| 18:00 | 06:50 | Blue Star 2 | Conventional | Fri | — |
| 23:55 | 14:45 | Blue Star 2 | Conventional | Sat | — |
How much is the ferry to Rhodes
Conventional
from €26Starting prices per person, economy seat, one way.
When to book: for July–August 3–4 weeks ahead; May, June and September have more availability. Discounts for students, large families and island residents.
Ferry companies serving Rhodes
Port information
- Arrival port: Akandia commercial port (Rhodes, 85132), south of the Medieval Town. This is where the large ships from Piraeus and Heraklion dock.
- Other ports in Rhodes Town: Mandraki and Kolona, used by excursion boats, catamarans and small ferries. Your ticket states which port you are sailing to.
- Distance to the Old Town: About a 20-minute walk, with no continuous pavement in places. With luggage, take a taxi (about 5 minutes).
- Taxis: There is a taxi rank outside the port terminal. Tell the driver the name of your ship so they take you to the right quay.
- Parking: There is a designated car park at Akandia, with a free shuttle to the Old Town when it is running. Check the hours before you rely on it.
- Airport: Diagoras Airport, about 14–16 km from the town. A taxi to the town takes around 20–30 minutes.
- Buses: The city bus and long-distance bus station is in the New Town. Buses to the villages and the airport leave from there.
- When to arrive: Plan to be at the port at least 60–90 minutes before departure, and earlier if you have a vehicle.
How to get to Rhodes by ferry in 2026
There are two direct routes to the island: Piraeus – Rhodes and Heraklion – Rhodes. Both are operated by Blue Star Ferries. The lowest price you see on the page (from €26) is usually for an economy seat. Cabins, a car and travel in July and August push the total up, so check the final price in the search results before you pay.
From Piraeus
This is the main connection and it runs all year round. In summer there are days with two departures, while in winter the timetable is thinner. Ships usually leave in the afternoon or evening (around 15:00–18:00) and arrive in Rhodes the next morning or around midday.
The journey time depends on the ship and the intermediate stops. The fastest sailings take about 15–16 hours. Others, with stops at Kos, Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos or Symi, take 18–19 hours. On a few days of the week there are also sailings of over 23 hours, because the ship calls at many islands.
What matters is which ship you take, not just the departure time. Two tickets from the same port can differ by 8 hours in journey time. Open the details of each sailing and check the stops and the arrival time.
From Heraklion
The Heraklion – Rhodes route links Crete with the Dodecanese. The ship calls at Sitia, Kasos and Karpathos. The journey takes around 11–13 hours and there are only a few departures a week. The days change by season, so check the date before you book accommodation. The route is handy if you are island hopping and want to avoid going back via Piraeus.
Which sailing to choose
- Morning arrival: Choose a ship that arrives at around 06:00–09:40. That way you can check in, pick up a hire car or catch a bus without losing a whole day.
- Afternoon or evening arrival: Best avoided, unless you've already booked accommodation in Rhodes Town. Evening buses to the villages in the south are few and far between.
- Return trip: Ships often leave Rhodes in the late afternoon, at around 17:00, and arrive in Piraeus the next morning. If you have a flight from Athens, leave a buffer in case of delays.
- Travelling with a car: Book early. Vehicle spaces on summer sailings and over holiday periods sell out before passenger tickets do.
When to book
For July–August, Greek Orthodox Easter and public holiday weekends, book at least 3–4 weeks ahead, especially if you want a cabin or need to take a vehicle. For May–June and September–October, a few days ahead is usually enough. In winter there are fewer sailings per week. If your trip is tied to a specific date, first check which days have a sailing and then book your accommodation.
Weather can change the schedule, mainly in winter and during strong southerly or northerly winds. Blue Star announces timetable changes on its website. Your ticket stays valid and usually doesn't need to be changed, but the departure time may be moved.
Arriving in Rhodes: Akandia port
The large ships from Piraeus and Crete dock at the commercial port of Akandia, just south of the Medieval Town. This is not Mandraki harbour, where the excursion boats and catamarans to Turkey leave from. The Old Town is about a 20-minute walk away, but in places the road has no continuous pavement. With luggage, a taxi (about 5 minutes) is more convenient. Diagoras Airport is roughly 14–16 km from the town.
What to do after you arrive
- Rhodes Town: The Medieval Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 and is a good choice for your first day. Mandraki harbour is close by.
- Lindos: About 44 km from Rhodes Town, with an ancient acropolis. You'll need a car or an organised tour.
- Symi and other islands: The small boats to Symi and neighbouring islands leave from Kolona and Mandraki, not from Akandia. Check the port shown on your ticket.
Tips for a stress-free journey
- For a journey of more than 15 hours, a cabin, or at least an airline-style seat, makes a big difference, especially with children.
- If you're travelling with a vehicle, board at least 1–1.5 hours before departure.
- Rhodes is a large island (about 1,400 sq km). If you aren't hiring a car, stay in the town or near the bus stops.
- For March–April and November–December, check the sailing days before you book a hotel.
Rhodes ferry FAQ
How much is a ferry ticket to Rhodes in 2026?
Prices start from €26 for an economy seat. The final price depends on the ship, the date, the cabin and whether you're taking a vehicle. Summer and holiday periods are more expensive.
How long does the ferry from Piraeus to Rhodes take?
About 15–16 hours on the fastest sailings. With more stops it takes 18–19 hours, and on a few days over 23 hours. Check the stops on the sailing before you book.
Is there a daily ferry from Piraeus to Rhodes?
Yes, the route runs all year round. In summer there are days with two departures, while in winter the timetable is thinner.
Is there a ferry from Heraklion to Rhodes?
Yes, with Blue Star Ferries, via Sitia, Kasos and Karpathos. The journey takes about 11–13 hours and there are only a few departures a week, on days that change by season.
Which port in Rhodes do ferries from Piraeus arrive at?
At the commercial port of Akandia, south of the Medieval Town. Excursion boats and small ferries to Symi leave from Kolona and Mandraki harbours.
How do I get from Akandia port to the Old Town?
It's about a 20-minute walk. With luggage, a taxi is more convenient and takes about 5 minutes. There is also a car park at Akandia with a free shuttle to the town, but confirm the hours before relying on it.
How far in advance should I book a ferry to Rhodes?
For July–August and holiday periods, 3–4 weeks ahead is best, especially for a cabin or a car. Outside peak season, a few days ahead is usually enough.
Can I take my car on the ferry to Rhodes?
Yes, Blue Star ships carry vehicles. Declare your vehicle when you book and reserve early, as spaces fill up quickly in summer.