Getting from Thessaloniki to Symi

If you are heading to Symi from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to one of the most beautiful harbour towns in the Dodecanese group, on the opposite side of the country. The colorful neoclassical mansions stacked up the hillside above the port make for one of the most striking harbour approaches in the Greek islands.

Getting there by air

Symi has no airport. The nearest airport is Rhodes. Thessaloniki has an international airport with connections to Athens and seasonal direct flights to Rhodes in summer. Flying from Thessaloniki to Rhodes and then taking the local ferry from Rhodes to Symi, which takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, gives a total journey time of around 3 to 4 hours when the direct service is running. Check the schedule 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, followed by the local ferry to Symi. 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 Symi. Getting there by sea means traveling to Piraeus for the overnight ferry to Rhodes and then taking the local ferry to Symi.

Your best option

Fly from Thessaloniki to Rhodes when the direct seasonal service is running, then take the local ferry across to Symi. When direct flights are not available, fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Rhodes. Give yourself at least two nights on Symi. The island reveals itself completely once the day visitors leave and the harbour becomes entirely your own. Note that Symi is car-free so your vehicle would remain in Rhodes.