Getting from Symi to Rhodes

If you are heading to Rhodes from Symi you are making your way from one of the most beautiful harbour towns in the Dodecanese to the largest island in the same group, just a short distance to the south. 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 direct ferry from Symi to Rhodes running daily from March through to December, with up to 7 or 8 daily departures in peak summer making it one of the most frequent ferry routes in the eastern Aegean. The journey normally takes around 50 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on the operator and vessel. Multiple operators serve the route including Dodekanisos Seaways, Blue Star Ferries, Sebeco Lines and Saos Ferries, with the fastest crossing taking around 50 minutes on the Dodekanisos Express catamaran. It is one of the most natural and effortless connections in the Dodecanese and keeps the journey entirely within the island group.

Getting there by air

Symi has no airport. The nearest airport is Rhodes. Flying is not a practical option for this short crossing given the frequency and convenience of the direct ferry service running multiple times daily.

Your best option

Take the direct ferry from Symi to Rhodes. With up to 8 daily departures in summer and 4 to 7 sailings in the shoulder months of April, May, September and October you rarely need to book more than a day in advance. Check the schedule before traveling as departure times vary by season and between operators. If you are traveling with a car the conventional ferry takes your vehicle directly to Rhodes port.