Rhodes – Symi
Ferry to Dodecanese Islands
Rhodes – Symi
Ferry to Dodecanese Islands
You can get to Symi from Rhodes by ferry. Ferries from Rhodes to Symi run all year round, with an average crossing time of 1 hour 20 minutes. With 49 weekly sailings, it's easy to find a Rhodes to Symi ferry to suit you.
Rhodes to Symi first ferry: departs Rhodes at 08:00.
Rhodes to Symi last ferry: departs Rhodes at around 18:15.
Bear in mind that Rhodes Symi ferry times can vary by season. We recommend checking the latest Rhodes Symi ferry timetable before you book.
The Rhodes to Symi ferry duration depends on whether you’re travelling on an Rhodes to Symi fast ferry or a conventional ferry. The Rhodes to Symi ferry time is usually around 1 hour 20 minutes on average.
Average Rhodes to Symi ferry time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Fastest ferry crossing to Symi: 45 minutes
Longest ferry crossing to Symi: 1 hour 20 minutes
The fastest Rhodes Symi ferry takes 45 minutes. Bear in mind, the Rhodes to Symi ferry duration can vary.
Ferries from Rhodes to Symi are provided by 3 ferry companies; Dodekanisos Seaways, Blue Star Ferries & Sebeco Lines. There are a combined total of 7 daily and 49 weekly sailings. Bear in mind, the Rhodes Symi ferry timetable can change throughout the seasons, with more options available in the summer months.
Ferry frequency: the Rhodes to Symi ferry runs all year round
Dodekanisos Seaways: 3 daily sailings and 21 weekly sailings
Blue Star Ferries: 1 daily sailing and 1 weekly sailing
Sebeco Lines: 4 daily sailings and 27 weekly sailings
With the fastest ferries from Rhodes to Symi taking around 45 minutes, you can easily do a Rhodes to Symi day trip.
The Rhodes to Symi ferry price can vary depending on the ferry company you're travelling with and the season you're travelling in.
Average Rhodes Symi ferry cost: £59.43
Rhodes to Symi distance: approximately 28.8 miles (46.3km) or 25 nautical miles.
Yes, you can take your car on the Rhodes to Symi ferry.
Rhodes to Symi car operators: Dodekanisos Seaways & Blue Star Ferries
Car prices: usually between £52 and £266
Cheapest car price: £19
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Rhodes ferry to Symi.
Rhodes to Symi foot passenger ferries: Dodekanisos Seaways, Blue Star Ferries & Sebeco Lines
Foot passenger prices: usually between £19 and £111
Cheapest foot passenger price: £7
Here's everything you need to know about taking your pet on the ferry to Symi.
Pets are allowed on Rhodes to Symi ferries. However, you must let the ferry company know you are travelling with a pet at the time of your booking.
Pet-friendly operators:
Dodekanisos Seaways
Blue Star Ferries
You will need the following things with you when travelling with your pet on board the Rhodes Symi ferry.
Blue Star Ferries:
Dodekanisos Seaways:
You can travel with guide dogs and assistance dogs on the ferry to Symi from Rhodes with Dodekanisos Seaways & Blue Star Ferries. However, you must let the ferry company know at the time of booking. You may also have to present any necessary certificates if asked to do so on board.
Blue Star Ferries: free
Dodekanisos Seaways: free
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| Rhodes - Symi Ferry Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Destination | Dodecanese Islands | |
| Destination | Dodecanese Islands | |
| No. of Operators | 3 | |
| Operators | Dodekanisos Seaways, Blue Star Ferries & Sebeco Lines | |
| Average Price | £59 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 7 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 49 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h 20 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 45 m | |
| First Ferry | 08:00 | |
| Last Ferry | 18:15 | |
| Distance | 25 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 April 2025.
"Great way to travel"
"Tilos to Rhodes ferry - diagrams blue star ferry"
"Holiday"
"Great trip"
Yes, a day trip is possible with a quick ferry ride.
From Symi, you can easily visit the Greek island of Rhodes, known for its historical sites and beautiful beaches. Another accessible island is Tilos, a more peaceful destination with quaint villages and hiking trails. You can also explore the nearby island of Nisyros, famous for its active volcano and charming hilltop villages.
The high-speed ferry from Rhodes to Symi (Simi) operated by Dodekanisos Seaways, takes 45m, costs £107.
Yes, you will need a passport to travel from Rhodes to Symi, as both islands are part of Greece. However, if you are on a cruise ship with scheduled stops at both islands, you may not need a passport if you remain in the port areas. Make sure to check the specific entry requirements.
From Rhodes airport, take a taxi or bus to the Port of Rhodes (around 25 minutes). Once at the port, you can catch a ferry to Symi (Simi), with ferry rides usually taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Ferries depart regularly, especially during the summer months.
The ferry ride from Rhodes to Symi can be rough, particularly during the winter months when seas are choppier. In the summer, sea conditions are generally calmer, but it's still advisable to check the weather forecast before your journey. Motion sickness medication may be helpful for those prone to seasickness.
The easiest way to travel from Rhodes to Symi is by daily ferry, taking around 1-2 hours. For the fastest journey, consider a high-speed catamaran, which can make the trip in as little as 50 minutes. The most budget-friendly option typically is the conventional ferry, which offers a balance of cost and comfort, taking around 1.5-2 hours and allowing you to enjoy the scenic views along the way.
The Greek island of Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands and lies in the eastern Aegean Sea, to the north east of the island of Crete and south east of Athens. The island is also a short distance off the coast of Turkey. Rhodes Town is the island's capital and main town and its Old Town is a rich tapestry made up of different civilisations and cultures. The city's medieval walls, its fortress like buildings, the gates, bastions, narrow alleys, old houses, fountains and busy squares combine to make all visitors feel as though they have stepped back thousands of years. Outside of Rhodes Town the island has a number of small villages and beach resorts that are popular with tourists. The main ones are Faliraki, Lindos, Kremasti, Pefkos, Archangelos, Haraki, Koskinou, Afantou, Paradisi, Trianta and Embona.
From the island's port, ferry services depart to Piraeus by both conventional and high speed ferry. The island is also connected to the rest of the Dodecanese Islands, the Cyclades Islands and to Crete during the summer months.
The Greek island of Symi is one of the Southern Dodecanese and is located to the north of the island of Rhodes and is close to the coast of south west Turkey. The island is around 13 km in length, north to south, and about 8 km east to west and has a total land area of around 70 sq. km. The four main areas on the island are Yialos, which is where the island's main harbour is located, Chorio is the top town, Pedi Bay is the valley that is located below Chorio and Nimborios is the bay and settlement that lies to the north of Yialos. Also on the island is the small village of Marathounda and the Monastery at Panormitis.
There are a number of popular sites across the island and includes a number of old churches and monasteries with one worth visiting being the Church of Constantinos and Eleni on the southern slopes of the Vigla which has lovely gardens and terraces. Also on the island, and built by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century, is the Monastery of the Archangel Michael at Roukouniotis which was built on the site of a 5th century monastery, which itself was built on the site of a pre-Christian temple.
We recommend to book your ferry from Rhodes to Symi in advance to get it at the cheapest price. The Rhodes to Symi ferry cost varies depending on the season you’re travelling in. Most Symi Rhodes ferry prices are higher in the peak summer months between June to September. Ferries during these months can sell out so if you’re wanting to travel on a Rhodes to Symi ferry in summer it’s always best to make sure you book in advance. Check out our special offers page for all the latest ferry discounts and to find the best ferry from Rhodes to Symi to suit you.
Yes, students can get a 5% discount on Rhodes Symi ferry tickets all year round. Check out our special offers page for more discounts and to get the cheapest Rhodes to Symi ferry booking.
It all depends on the size of the ship but disembarking the ferry can take around 15-45 minutes.
If you're getting the Rhodes to Symi ferry with luggage, then there are certain restrictions that may apply. The amount of luggage you can take on the Rhodes to Symi ferry depends on the ferry company you are travelling with.
Blue Star Ferries: up to 50kg
Dodekanisos Seaways: up to 40kg
SAOS Ferries: up to 50kg
Sebeco Lines: up to 50kg
There are a wide range of facilities available on board the Rhodes to Symi ferry. These include cafes, restaurants, bars and gift shops. Bear in mind that each ship’s facilities will vary.
The accommodation and seating on the boat from Rhodes to Symi differs depending on the ferry company and how long the journey is. Prices are also dependent on the company you travel with and the size of your cabin.
Blue Star Ferries: As well as Economy and airline-style seating, there are also both private and shared cabins available on board including 2, 3 and 4 berth cabins.
Dodekanisos Seaways: There’s a variety of seating on board including economy, super economy and business seats.
SAOS Ferries: Numbered air-type seats, super economy deck seats and open-air deck seats are available on board.
Sebeco Lines: you can choose from open-deck seating and comfortable seating below deck.
Yes, the ferries from Rhodes to Symi are suitable for people with reduced mobility. The exact facilities on board will depend on the ship you’re travelling on. It's best to inform the ferry company at the time of booking to see if they can accommodate any requests.
Blue Star Ferries: Special cabins, priority boarding and wheelchairs are available on board.
Dodekanisos Seaways: Ships have special areas for those who need them with easy access too. The crew is also available to assist.
SAOS Ferries: Accessible areas are available for people with disabilities.
Sebeco Lines: Facilities are available on board to assist those with disabilities.
If you're travelling from Rhodes to Symi by ferry, we recommend arriving at Rhodes port at least 1 hour before departure. However, if you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to arrive 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours before departure to allow time for parking. Wherever you’re travelling from, you should allow plenty of time to get to the port in case of traffic.
Your Rhodes to Symi ferry tickets will be sent by email. You will then need to check in with the ferry company before you travel and you may receive an additional boarding pass.
The latest check-in time for your Rhodes Symi ferry crossing should be in your confirmation email.
Blue star ferries: from 48 to 2 hours before the scheduled departure time
Dodekanisos Seaways: at least 1 hour before departure
SAOS Ferries: at least 1 hour before departure
Sebeco Lines: at least 30 minutes before departure for foot passengers and 1 hour before if you’re travelling with a vehicle
Yes, parking is available at Rhodes port.
Rhodes ferry port is located in the east of Rhodes town, near to the Old Town.
From Rhodes town:
By foot: 10 minute walk
By taxi: a few minutes drive
From Rhodes airport:
By taxi: approximately 20-30 minutes
By public bus: around 40 minutes
Symi ferry port is also known as Gialos. It's located in the capital of Symi with many shops, hotels and restaurants within walking distance of the ferry terminal. If you're venturing further, taxis and public buses are also available to take you to various locations on Symi.
If you’re travelling by car or renting a car whilst there, speed limits on the Greek Islands are as follows:
Built-up areas: 50km/h or 31mph
Open roads: 90km/h or 56mph
Motorways: 130km/h or 81mph
