Ferries from Rhodes: Symi, Kos, Patmos, Crete and Santorini
Rhodes is the Dodecanese's main port: a day trip to Symi, onward to Kos and Patmos, and in season to Crete and Santorini.
- Symi is the classic day trip: 45 minutes to 1h40 by boat.
- Kos takes 2 to 7 hours depending on the vessel; Patmos about 4.5 to 9.
- Lindos is on Rhodes itself, about an hour's drive from town.
If you are on holiday in Rhodes and want to see another island, time decides: Symi for a day, Kos or Patmos for an overnight, Crete or Santorini as another leg of the trip.
Where ferries leave from
Most sailings leave the main port of Rhodes Town, by the Old Town. Skala Kamirou on the west coast (about 43 km away) links only to Tilos, according to Greeka.
Main routes
| Destination | Crossing | High-season frequency | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Symi | 45 min–1h40 | 5–7 daily | €5 |
| Halki | 1–2h30 | about 3 a week | €8 |
| Tilos | 2–4 h | 5 days a week | €12 |
| Kastellorizo | 2h30–5 h | almost daily | €15 |
| Kos | 2–7 h | 1–4 daily | €14.50 |
| Nisyros | 2h45–5h20 | 4–5 a week | €12 |
| Kalymnos | 3–6h30 | 1–2 daily | €18.50 |
| Patmos | 4h25–9 h | 1–3 daily | €23 |
| Piraeus (Athens) | 13–23h30 | 1–2 daily | €45 |
*Source: Greeka, high season (May–September), basic fares. Timetables are usually published in March and change every year.*
Symi, Kos and Patmos
Symi is the easy day trip, see the Rhodes–Symi ferry and our Symi guide. Kos is about 2 hours by fast boat and worth at least a night, see the Kos guide. Patmos suits travellers heading north through the Dodecanese.
Crete and Santorini
In season there are sailings to Crete (Heraklion and Sitia) and Santorini, usually via Karpathos and Kasos. They are long and not daily, so check Ferryhopper or operators first. A domestic flight via Athens can be quicker.
Lindos needs no ferry
Lindos is on Rhodes' east coast, about an hour by car from town or over 90 minutes by KTEL bus. See our Lindos guide and car rental in Rhodes.
Marmaris
A short route (about an hour) links Rhodes with Marmaris in Turkey. Israelis should check the National Security Council travel warning for Turkey first.
FAQ
How long is the ferry from Rhodes to Symi? Between 45 minutes and about 1h40, depending on the vessel.
Can you take a ferry from Rhodes to Santorini? Yes, in season, but it is a long crossing that does not run daily.
How long from Rhodes to Kos? 2 to 7 hours, depending on fast boat or conventional ferry.
How do I get from Rhodes Town to Lindos? About an hour by car or taxi, or by the east-coast KTEL bus.
