Getting from Chania to Rhodes

If you are heading to Rhodes from Chania you are making your way from the most intimate of Crete's three main cities to the largest island in the Dodecanese group, on the opposite side of Greece. It has a medieval walled city built by the Knights of Saint John that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Chania to Rhodes running in summer on the wider Blue Star route that connects Crete with the Dodecanese. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes many hours with stops along the way. Alternatively take the overnight ferry from Chania to Piraeus and then board the overnight Piraeus to Rhodes ferry, which runs 1 to 2 times daily in summer and takes around 12 to 18 hours. Flying is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Getting there by air

Rhodes has an international airport with daily connections from Athens. Chania has an international airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Chania to Athens and then Athens to Rhodes takes around 55 minutes on the second leg. Total journey time is around 4 to 5 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Fly from Chania to Athens and then fly to Rhodes. It is the fastest and most practical approach. If you prefer to travel by sea, check whether the seasonal direct ferry from Chania aligns with your dates as it avoids Athens entirely. If you are traveling with a car, take the overnight ferry from Chania to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Rhodes ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.