Best option from Rhodes to Athens: Flight — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 1h, from €35. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 4, 2026): Sky Express, Aegean Airlines, Aegean; main departure point: Rhodes Island Airport.
There are 2 ways to get from Rhodes to Athens
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 4, 2026 for a departure on November 25, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Star Ferries | Ferry | Rhodes Port | €97 | 2 |
| Aegean Airlines | Flight | Rhodes Island Airport | €50 | 4 |
| Aegean | Flight | Rhodes Island Airport | €53 | 4 |
| Sky Express | Flight | Rhodes Island Airport | €74 | 6 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
In July and August, cabins and vehicle spaces on the Rhodes to Athens ferry sell out first. Book online as soon as your dates are fixed, so you are not left with a last-minute flight at a higher fare.
Athens has three ferry ports: Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio. Check your ticket for the exact arrival port before you book your onward hotel, metro or taxi, as they are in different directions from the city.
Strong Aegean winds can delay or cancel sailings. If you have an international flight out of Athens, arrive a day early by ferry, or choose the plane for the final leg of your trip.
The overnight crossing is more comfortable with a reserved seat or cabin than with a deck ticket. Bring a light jacket, snacks and a charger, as the deck can be cool and busy at night.
Count the real cost of the ferry: the saved hotel night can offset a higher fare, while the flight gives you back a full day. Pick what matters most to your schedule and budget.
The journey experience
Getting from Rhodes to Athens is a simple choice once you know what matters to you: speed or budget. The two options are very different, and the comparison table on this page shows you durations, price ranges and frequency side by side, so you can decide in seconds.
The plane is the fast, practical option. Flights link Rhodes airport with Athens airport, and they suit anyone who wants to keep a full day free for sightseeing, or who has a tight onward connection. The ferry is the slow but atmospheric alternative: an overnight crossing through the Dodecanese and the Aegean, with deck space, seats or a cabin depending on the ticket you pick. It works well if you want to save on a night's accommodation and enjoy the sea.
One thing to check before booking a ferry is the arrival port. Boats from Rhodes normally dock at Piraeus, the main port of Athens, but always read the ticket details to confirm the port and avoid a costly mix-up with Rafina or Lavrio. Timetables change with the season and some sailings run only on certain days, so book ahead in summer and keep a flexible day in case of strong winds. If you have a flight home soon after, flying is the safer choice. Book online for instant confirmation.
Frequently asked questions — Rhodes → Athens
Flights from Rhodes to Athens start from €35, with typical fares up to €59. The ferry starts from €97, with typical fares up to €98. Prices vary with season and how early you book, so reserve ahead in summer to get the lowest fare available.
The flight takes about 1 hour, making it by far the quickest option. The ferry crossing takes between 14 and 17 hours, usually overnight, depending on the sailing and the stops made along the way. Check the exact schedule when you book.
For most travellers the plane is the best choice: about 1 hour and fares from €35. The ferry suits those who prefer a sea crossing, want to save a night of accommodation, or are not in a hurry. It is slower, but a more memorable experience.
Ferries from Rhodes usually arrive at Piraeus, the main port of Athens, but always confirm the arrival port on your ticket, as Rafina and Lavrio are also Athens ports in other directions. Piraeus is linked to central Athens by metro.
Yes, both options listed here connect Rhodes and Athens: the flight goes between the two airports, and the ferry sails from Rhodes to the Athens area. Ferry routes can include stops on other islands, so check the details of your sailing when booking.
Why visit Athens?
- ✓ Explore the Acropolis and the Parthenon at opening time to beat the crowds and the midday heat
- ✓ Wander the Acropolis Museum, with its glass floors over active excavations and the Parthenon Gallery
- ✓ Get lost in the Plaka and Anafiotika alleys, a whitewashed island-style village below the Acropolis
- ✓ Taste souvlaki, loukoumades and fresh produce at the Varvakios Central Market and in Psyrri tavernas
- ✓ Watch the sunset from Lycabettus Hill or take a half-day trip to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
When to visit Athens?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
April to June and September to October — warm, sunny days, fewer crowds and no extreme summer heat
What to do in Athens?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Athens?
Allow 3 days to cover Athens properly: day one for the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum and Plaka; day two for the Ancient Agora, Monastiraki, Thissio and the National Archaeological Museum; day three for a day trip to Cape Sounion or the Saronic islands. With only 2 days, skip the day trip and start at the Acropolis at opening time to beat the heat and the crowds. With 4 or 5 days, add Delphi or Nafplio.
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