Ferry from Athens to Rhodes: times, cabins and prices (2026)
Rhodes is far: the ferry from Piraeus takes 12 to 15 hours, usually a whole night. When it is worth it, what it costs, and why most Israelis simply fly direct.
- Piraeus to Rhodes: 12 to 15 hours, Blue Star Ferries only, 6–7 days a week, mostly afternoon or evening departures.
- Adult tickets from about €45.50; two adults with a car about €181.50 (Ferryhopper, October 2026).
- In Piraeus, the Rhodes ferry usually leaves from gate E1.
For most Israelis a direct flight from Tel Aviv to Rhodes is faster and simpler. The ferry pays off mainly if you're already in Athens, travel with a car, or want to stop at Dodecanese islands on the way.
How long is the ferry from Athens to Rhodes?
Piraeus to Rhodes is about 239 nautical miles (about 442 km). Only Blue Star Ferries runs the route, with conventional ferries.
| Piraeus to Rhodes | Rhodes to Piraeus | |
|---|---|---|
| Crossing time | 12h to 15h10 | 10h40 to 15h10 |
| Frequency | 6–7 days a week | 6–7 days a week |
| Adult ticket | from about €45.50 | from about €46.50 |
Figures according to Ferryhopper, October 2026. Up to 2 sailings a day in summer. Crossing times vary with that day's route.
Cabin or seat?
It's a whole night at sea, so a cabin is well worth it. According to Ferryhopper there are cabins for one to four, inside and window cabins, shared-cabin beds and pet-friendly cabins. Book ahead in summer.
With a car
Two adults with a car: about €181.50 from Piraeus to Rhodes and about €170 back. Motorbikes from about €41. A car rented in Athens needs written permission from the rental company.
Which Piraeus gate?
According to Ferryhopper, the Rhodes ferry usually leaves from gate E1. Gates can change, so check your ticket and the boards.
Getting to Piraeus: from the airport take metro line 3 straight to Piraeus station (up to 59 minutes) or the 24-hour X96 bus. From central Athens (Syntagma, Monastiraki) take metro line 1 or 3. The port is huge: walking from the entrance to your gate can take up to 30 minutes, so check your gate on the ticket. Airport to Piraeus and the city.
Ferry or flight?
There are direct flights from Tel Aviv to Rhodes and short domestic flights from Athens. If you just want to get to Rhodes, flying is far faster. The ferry suits travellers already in Athens with a car, or island-hopping. Flights to Rhodes from Israel.
Kosher and Shabbat on Rhodes
Rhodes has a Chabad house in Ialysos, a kosher restaurant, and the Jewish Quarter with the Kahal Shalom synagogue in the Old Town. Chabad Rhodes and the Jewish Quarter.
Tips before you book
- July and August: book ahead, especially with a car or if you want a cabin on a night sailing.
- Meltemi wind: from mid-May to mid-September a strong north wind blows. High-speed boats are cancelled first, and sometimes the port authority stops all sailings. When strong wind is forecast, a large conventional ferry is the safer choice.
- Strikes: when the seamen's union strikes, all ferries stay in port. Check today's strikes and the strike calendar.
- Spare day: never come back from the island on the day of your flight home.
- Ticket and passport: most companies send an e-ticket with a QR code. Bring your passport and arrive at least an hour before departure.
More on ports, winds and tickets: Ferries in Greece: the complete guide.
More on the island: Rhodes destination guide.
FAQ
How long is the ferry from Athens to Rhodes? 12 to 15 hours from Piraeus with Blue Star Ferries. In the other direction the shortest crossing is about 10 hours 40 minutes.
How much is the ferry to Rhodes? According to Ferryhopper in October 2026, from about €45.50 per adult one way, without a cabin.
Ferry or flight to Rhodes? Usually a flight: there are direct flights from Tel Aviv and domestic flights from Athens. The ferry pays off mainly with a car or when island-hopping.
Crossing times, companies and fares are based on Ferryhopper and the operators' sites, October 2026. Fares are "from" prices for one adult, one way, and change by season and vessel. Check the current price when you book.
