Getting from Zakynthos to Rhodes

If you are heading to Rhodes from Zakynthos you are making your way from one of the most beautiful of the Ionian islands 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.

Getting there by air

Rhodes has an international airport with daily connections from Athens. Zakynthos has an international airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Zakynthos 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.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Zakynthos to Rhodes. No Ionian island is connected by sea to any Aegean island. Getting there by road means taking the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and driving to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Rhodes ferry, which runs 1 to 2 times daily in summer and takes around 12 to 18 hours. The total journey by road and sea takes the better part of two days. Flying is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Your best option

Fly from Zakynthos to Athens and then fly to Rhodes. It is the fastest and most practical approach. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and drive to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Rhodes ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.