Checked offer from Rhodes to Symi: Ferry, about 1h 10min, from €7. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 4, 2026): Blue Star Ferries; main departure point: Rhodes Port.
One option to get from Rhodes to Symi
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 | €7 | 2 |
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Practical tips
In July and August, sailings to Symi fill up quickly with day-trippers and holidaymakers. Reserve your seat online as soon as your dates are fixed, especially if you need to be on a specific boat for a connection.
Just as Athens has several ports, the harbour area in Rhodes Town has more than one quay. Check your ticket or confirmation for the exact departure point before you set off, so you do not end up at the wrong side of the port.
Strong summer winds can delay or cancel sailings, particularly on faster boats. Avoid scheduling the crossing on the day of an international flight, and keep a flexible buffer so a cancelled boat does not wreck your plans.
If you are visiting Symi for the day, check the last boat back to Rhodes before you buy your outward ticket. Missing it means an unplanned overnight stay, and rooms near the harbour can be scarce in high season.
Reach the port well before departure with your e-ticket and passport or ID to hand. Boarding can be busy in summer, and arriving early helps you find the right quay, store your luggage and choose a good seat.
The journey experience
Rhodes to Symi is one of the easiest island hops in the Dodecanese, and the ferry is the natural way to do it. You leave from the harbour in Rhodes Town and arrive right in Symi's postcard-pretty port, with no airport transfers or bus connections in between. The comparison on this page shows the current crossing time and fare range at a glance.
The crossing is by sea, so comfort depends on the vessel and the weather. You can sit inside in the lounge or head out on deck for views of the coastline and, as you approach, Symi's colourful neoclassical houses stacked around the harbour. Luggage is easy to bring on board, which suits backpackers and couples with larger bags. Boats are popular with day-trippers as well as people staying overnight, so expect a lively mix.
Greek ferry timetables change with the season, and days and times can differ from one operator to another. Check the schedule for your exact date, confirm which quay your boat leaves from, and book ahead in high season so you are not left waiting on the quayside. If strong winds disrupt sailings, keep a spare day in your plan. Booking online gives you instant confirmation.
Frequently asked questions — Rhodes → Symi
Ferry fares from Rhodes to Symi start from €7, and a typical ticket costs up to €8. Prices can vary with the operator, the type of vessel and how early you book, so compare the options for your date and reserve online to secure your seat.
The crossing takes a little over an hour, roughly between 1 h 10 and 1 h 25 depending on the vessel and sea conditions. Add some time for boarding and getting to the port, so you can comfortably plan onward connections or a day on the island.
The ferry is the best option listed for this route. It connects the two harbours directly, so you avoid airport transfers and bus connections. It also starts from just €7, which suits a mid-range budget. Book online in high season for instant confirmation.
Boats for Symi leave from the harbour area of Rhodes Town. Since the exact quay can depend on the operator and the sailing, check your ticket or booking confirmation before you head to the port, and allow yourself enough time to find the right boarding point.
No, the ferry on this route links Rhodes and Symi directly, so you do not need to change on another island. Just confirm the sailing days and times for your date, since schedules vary with the season, and book your ticket in advance.
Why visit Symi?
- ✓ Stroll up the Kali Strata, the 375-step staircase linking Gialos harbour to Chorio, for sweeping views over the pastel neoclassical houses
- ✓ Visit the Monastery of Panormitis, a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Archangel Michael, with its bell tower and museum
- ✓ Take a boat to the tiny islet of Nimos or the Agios Georgios Dyssalonas cove for turquoise swimming spots
- ✓ Discover Symi's shipbuilding heritage at the Nautical and Folklore Museum in Chorio
- ✓ Taste fresh Symi shrimp (giganda) at a waterfront taverna in Gialos or Pedi
When to visit Symi?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
May to early October — warm, sunny and dry, with calm seas; July–August is hottest and busiest
What to do in Symi?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Symi?
Symi is best as a 2-3 day stay: one day to explore Gialos and Chorio (the 500-step Kali Strata, the Kastro and the museum), one day for boat trips or beaches like Nimborio and Agios Nikolaos, and a third for Panormitis Monastery or a hike. Day-trippers from Rhodes get only a few hours, which means crowded harbors and no sunset or evening atmosphere. Stay overnight, book ferries ahead in summer, and visit in May-June or September-October for better weather and fewer crowds.
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