Getting from Thessaloniki to Rhodes

If you are heading to Rhodes from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to the largest island in the Dodecanese group, on the opposite side of the country. 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.

Getting there by air

Rhodes has an international airport with daily connections from Athens and seasonal direct flights from Thessaloniki in summer. When the direct service is running the flight takes around 1 hour 10 minutes making it one of the most convenient connections from Thessaloniki to any Dodecanese island. Check the schedule carefully as direct flights are seasonal. Alternatively fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Rhodes.

Take the train, bus or drive

Thessaloniki is connected to Athens by train, taking around 4 to 5 hours, and by KTEL bus, taking around 5 to 6 hours. From Athens the overnight Piraeus to Rhodes ferry runs 1 to 2 times daily in summer and takes around 12 to 18 hours. Flying is considerably more practical than the combined train and ferry journey for most travelers.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Thessaloniki to Rhodes. Getting there by sea means traveling to Piraeus for the overnight ferry to Rhodes.

Your best option

Fly directly from Thessaloniki to Rhodes when the seasonal service is running. It is the fastest and most practical approach. When direct flights are not available, fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Rhodes. If you are traveling with a car, drive from Thessaloniki to Piraeus via the E75 motorway and take the overnight Piraeus to Rhodes ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.