How to Travel to Rhodes Island in Greece. Flights, Ferries and More.
Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, is not only a sunny destination rich in history and culture but also one of the easiest Greek islands to reach. No matter if you prefer the speed of a flight, the scenic journey of a ferry, or the adventure of a road trip across Europe, there are many ways to arrive on this beautiful island.
- By plane: The main airport on Rhodes is Rhodes International Airport "Diagoras", which is located about 14 km from the city of Rhodes. There are several airlines that offer direct flights to Rhodes from various cities in Europe, as well as from other destinations in Greece.
- By ferry: If you prefer to travel by sea, you can take a ferry from various ports in Greece to Rhodes. There are also ferries that operate between Rhodes and other nearby islands, as well as from Turkey and Cyprus.
- By car and ferry: If you prefer to drive, you can take a car ferry from various ports in Greece to Rhodes. You can drive to Greece from literally any European country. This is a good option if you plan to explore the island by car and want to stay for a long time so renting a car may be too expensive.
Travel to Rhodes by Air
Rhodes International Airport “Diagoras” is the island’s main gateway, located just 14 km southwest of Rhodes Town. It is the third busiest airport in Greece for international arrivals, especially during summer.
- Direct flights in summer (April-October): Many European cities offer direct charter and low-cost flights.
- Year-round connections: Daily flights from Athens, Thessaloniki, and other Greek islands.
- Airport transfers: Upon arrival, you can reach Rhodes Town by bus (approx. 40 min), taxi (20 min), or private shuttle.
- Tip: In high season, book flights early as availability is limited and prices rise quickly.
Some airlines offering flights to Rhodes
- Olympic Air - https://www.olympicair.com/
- Aegean Airlines - https://www.aegeanair.com/
- Sky Express - https://www.skyexpress.gr/
- EasyJet - https://www.easyjet.com/
- RyanAir - https://www.ryanair.com/
- Lufthansa - https://www.lufthansa.com/
- Eurowings - https://www.eurowings.com/
- Brussels Airlines - https://www.brusselsairlines.com/
- Air France - https://wwws.airfrance.fr
- KLM - https://www.klm.com/
- Austrian Airlines - https://www.austrian.com/
- Smartwings - https://www.smartwings.com/
- LOT - https://www.lot.com/
- FinnAir - https://www.finnair.com/
- SAS - https://www.flysas.com/
This is not a complete list of airlines flying to Rhodes island. There are many more airlines offering routes to Rhodes. You can also use a flight finder service for your convenience. Here are some suggestions:
- Booking.com Flights - https://www.booking.com/flights/
- Google Flights - https://www.google.com/travel/flights
- Sky Scanner - https://www.skyscanner.net/
- Kayak - https://www.kayak.com/flights
Travel to Rhodes by ferry
For travelers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, ferries connect Rhodes with Athens, nearby islands, and even Turkey.
- From Athens (Piraeus): Long but scenic trips (13-17 hours). Overnight ferries are popular.
- From nearby islands: Regular connections with Kos, Symi, Patmos, Kastellorizo, and more.
- From Turkey: Daily ferries in summer link Rhodes with Marmaris and Fethiye, making island-hopping between countries easy.
The Ports of Rhodes
- Central Port (Commercial Port): International ferries and cruise ships.
- Mandraki Port: Departure point for day trips to Symi and coastal cruises.
- Akandia Port: Used for domestic and cargo traffic, also serves passenger ferries.
- Tip: Ferry schedules vary by season. In summer, book in advance; in winter, routes are less frequent.
Ferry companies offering routes to & from Rhodes
- Blue Star Ferries - www.bluestarferries.com
- Dodekanisos Seaways - www.12ne.gr
- Saos Ferries www.saos.gr / www.kydontours.gr
Major Travel Agencies
Alternatively, if you prefer not to organize the trip yourself, you can choose to use a Travel Agency to arrange the trip for you. Some major Travel Agencies that offer trips to Rhodes include:
- TUI Group - https://www.tui.com/
- DerTour (Germany) - https://www.dertour-reisebuero.de/
- AllTours (Germany) - https://www.alltours-reisecenter.de/
- ITS (Germany) - https://www.its.de/
- Jet2Holidays (United Kingdom) - https://www.jet2holidays.com
Getting Around Rhodes After Arrival
- Public buses: Connect Rhodes Town with major resorts and almost all villages.
- Taxis: Readily available but can be expensive for long distances.
- Car or scooter rental: Highly recommended to explore the island at your own pace.
- Guided tours: Convenient for first-time visitors wanting to combine transport with sightseeing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Rhodes
How long is the ferry from Athens to Rhodes?
Depending on the vessel, the journey takes 13-17 hours. Overnight ferries are common.
Can you fly directly to Rhodes from the UK or Germany?
Yes, from May to October there are many direct flights from major cities such as London, Manchester, Frankfurt, and Munich.
Is there a ferry from Turkey to Rhodes?
Yes, in summer daily ferries connect Marmaris (approx. 1 hour) and Fethiye (approx. 1.5 hours) with Rhodes.
