Rhodes - Kalymnos: Ferry tickets and routes

Rhodes - Kalymnos: Ferry tickets and schedules

You can travel from Rhodes to Kalymnos by high-speed catamaran or conventional ferry. The main difference is the journey time, although ticket prices are particularly important when travelling with your family or taking a car.

The route is served by Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways and SAOS Ferries.

The cheapest recorded passenger ticket starts from €18.50 on a conventional ferry. With Dodekanisos Seaways, high-speed ferry tickets start from €37.

The fastest recently recorded connection is operated by the Dodekanisos Express, departing at 08:00 and arriving at 10:50. The crossing takes 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Conventional ferries take longer because they serve more intermediate ports. Some departures arrive in Kalymnos after midnight.

Vehicle transportation is available on ferries equipped with garages, while onboard facilities differ between high-speed catamarans and conventional vessels.

Before booking, compare the final ticket price, arrival time and vehicle availability. On booktickets.gr, you can choose a suitable departure and book your ferry tickets online.

Which ferry ticket offers the best value from Rhodes to Kalymnos?

Choosing the right ferry becomes easier when you calculate the total cost of your journey.

The car ticket price is added to the passenger fares.

If you are travelling alone and want to reach Kalymnos quickly, a high-speed ferry can save considerable time.

For families travelling with a car, a conventional ferry may reduce the total cost. However, check the arrival time carefully, particularly when travelling with young children.

How long does the ferry from Rhodes to Kalymnos take?

Journey times vary considerably between ferry services.

The high-speed catamarans Dodekanisos Express and Dodekanisos Pride operate some of the shortest crossings, calling at Symi and Kos on selected departures.

Conventional ferries take longer. Their journeys may include additional ports and longer stops between crossings.

If you are planning a same-day trip, check the available return ferries from Kalymnos before purchasing your outbound ticket.

Ferry frequency and departure times

The Rhodes - Kalymnos ferry connection operates throughout the year.

Dodekanisos Seaways offers morning departures on several days of the week. Conventional ferries provide different travel options, including afternoon and evening sailings.

A recent 14-day period included 19 departures, equivalent to 9 - 10 weekly crossings.

During summer, travellers have more departure options. In the winter months, the frequency of certain services is reduced.

Dodekanisos Express and Dodekanisos Pride: High-speed ferries

Dodekanisos Seaways operates the high-speed catamarans Dodekanisos Express and Dodekanisos Pride.

Both vessels feature enclosed, air-conditioned passenger areas, numbered seats and garages with limited vehicle capacity.

These ferries are particularly convenient for travellers who want to arrive in Kalymnos early without spending several hours at sea.

Vehicle spaces are more limited than on large conventional ferries. Booking early is recommended, especially during the summer months.

Blue Star Ferries and SAOS Ferries: Vessels and onboard services

Blue Star Ferries operates conventional passenger and vehicle ferries on this connection, including Blue Star Delos on recently recorded sailings.

Larger ferries offer passenger lounges, catering facilities and vehicle garages. Cabin accommodation is available on selected services.

SAOS Ferries also serves the route with the Saonisos, calling at several islands across the Dodecanese.

Conventional ferries are particularly useful for passengers travelling with a car or looking for a lower passenger fare.

Intermediate stops between Rhodes and Kalymnos

Not every ferry follows the same itinerary.

On the fastest connections, the main intermediate ports include Symi and Kos before arrival in Kalymnos.

Other services may also call at Tilos or Nisyros.

The number of port calls affects the total journey time. Passengers remain on the same vessel throughout the selected connection, without having to change ferries.

Departure from Rhodes: Port and boarding information

Ferries depart from the port of Rhodes, close to the town and its main tourist facilities.

Rhodes ferry port - Google Maps

Conventional ferries and high-speed vessels may use different berths. Check the boarding location on your ticket before arriving at the port.

Plan to arrive at least 1 hour before departure. If you are travelling with a vehicle, follow the ferry company's instructions and complete the required document checks in good time.

The wider port area has cafés, other catering establishments and some shaded areas. For information about an air-conditioned waiting room, contact the local port agency or port authorities.

Arrival in Kalymnos: Where is the ferry port?

The ferry arrives at Pothia, the main port of Kalymnos.

Kalymnos ferry port, Pothia - Google Maps

Pothia is the island's capital. Near the harbour, you will find shops, restaurants, hotels and vehicle rental services.

To reach Panormos, Myrties or Masouri, you can use taxis or local buses.

If your ferry arrives late at night, arrange transportation before reaching Kalymnos. Pre-booking a transfer is particularly useful when your accommodation is outside Pothia.

Cabins, Wi-Fi and passenger seating

Onboard facilities vary depending on the ferry operating your chosen departure.

Conventional Blue Star Ferries vessels offer organised seating areas and, on selected services, cabin accommodation.

Dodekanisos Seaways high-speed catamarans provide numbered seats in air-conditioned indoor passenger areas.

Wi-Fi is available on selected vessels. Connection quality at sea may vary, and access to certain internet packages may involve additional charges.

Charging sockets are not guaranteed beside every seat. Make sure your smartphone is charged before boarding.

Ferries have shared toilets maintained by the crew. If any facilities require attention during the journey, you can inform the passenger services staff.

Ferry ticket discounts for children, students and families

Dodekanisos Seaways offers discounts for eligible passenger categories.

Children under 4 travel free of charge, although a zero-fare ticket must be issued. Children aged 4 to 10 are eligible for a 50% discount.

A 50% discount is also available to eligible students and large families. Special fare categories are offered for retired seafarers and passengers with disabilities.

Blue Star Ferries offers similar reduced-fare categories under its own booking conditions.

You can explore the available discounts and offers:

• Ferry ticket discounts for children and infants
• Student ferry ticket discounts
• Ferry ticket discounts for large families
• Ferry ticket offers and discounts

Select the correct passenger category when booking and carry the documents required to prove eligibility for discounted fares.

Travelling with pets and luggage

You can travel with your pet, provided you follow the selected ferry company's transportation conditions.

Pets must be declared during booking. You will also need the required health and identification documents.

Larger conventional ferries offer designated pet accommodation areas and, where available, pet-friendly cabins. Different restrictions apply to high-speed catamarans.

Use the designated luggage storage areas for your bags. Keep documents, money, medication and valuable personal belongings with you.

Ferry connections from Rhodes to the Dodecanese islands

Rhodes offers ferry connections to several islands across the Dodecanese.

Explore these specific ferry routes:

• Rhodes - Kalymnos
• Rhodes - Kos
• Rhodes - Symi
• Rhodes - Leros

These connections allow you to visit several islands during the same holiday without returning to your original departure port each time.

Return ferry from Kalymnos to Rhodes

For your return journey, you can check the Kalymnos - Rhodes ferry route.

Ferries depart from Pothia and arrive at the port of Rhodes.

If you are planning to spend a few days in Kalymnos, check the available return dates before booking your accommodation.

Strong winds and changes to ferry departures

Weather conditions in the Aegean can affect ferry operations.

Strong winds may lead to delays, changes in departure times or sailing restrictions imposed by the port authorities.

High-speed catamarans can be more sensitive to certain adverse sea conditions, while conventional ferries have different operating characteristics.

If you have a flight scheduled after arriving in Rhodes, allow sufficient time for possible changes to your ferry journey.

How to book Rhodes - Kalymnos ferry tickets online

On booktickets.gr, you can search ferry departures and complete your reservation online.

Follow these steps:

1. Select Rhodes as your departure port.
2. Choose Kalymnos as your destination.
3. Enter your preferred travel date.
4. Select the number of passengers and seating category.
5. Add a car or motorcycle if required.
6. Choose the discount category you are eligible for.
7. Complete payment and receive your booking confirmation.

On ferry services supporting Web Check-in, you can receive an electronic ferry ticket and use it directly from your smartphone.

Find all the routes.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Does Kalymnos have an airport?

Yes. Kalymnos has an airport near the village of Argos. Check available flight connections separately when planning your journey.

Can I take a bicycle on the ferry?

Yes, subject to the selected ferry company's transportation rules. Declare your bicycle during booking where required.

Are there facilities for passengers with disabilities?

The ferries provide facilities for passengers with reduced mobility. Contact the operator before departure if you require boarding assistance or accessible accommodation.

Can I change the date of my ferry ticket?

Ticket changes are subject to the fare conditions. Availability on the new departure and any difference in ticket price are checked when requesting a modification.

Can I buy food onboard?

Ferries have catering facilities, with different options depending on the vessel. Drinks, snacks and other food items may be purchased during your crossing.

Is a day trip from Rhodes to Kalymnos possible?

A day trip depends on the combination of outbound and return departures. Check how much time you will have on the island before purchasing tickets.

What to see in Kalymnos after arrival

Kalymnos is known for its traditional sponge-diving heritage and its rock-climbing routes.

From Pothia, you can visit the Maritime Museum, walk around the harbour or head towards the beaches on the island's western coast.

Masouri and Myrties are popular areas for accommodation. From Myrties, you can also take a local boat to the nearby island of Telendos.

If you are travelling with a car, consider visiting Vathy, an area known for its sheltered bay and distinctive natural surroundings.

Useful tips for travelling from Rhodes to Kalymnos

• Choose a morning departure if you want more time in Kalymnos.
• Check the intermediate stops before purchasing your ticket.
• Reserve garage space early if you are travelling with a car.
• Arrange transportation from Pothia to your accommodation.
• Carry your identification documents and any certificates required for discounted tickets.
• Check weather conditions before departure.

At a glance

The Rhodes - Kalymnos ferry route offers both high-speed and conventional ferry connections.

Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways and SAOS Ferries serve the route with different journey times and vehicle transportation options.

To choose the most suitable ticket, compare the total cost, crossing duration and arrival time.

On booktickets.gr, you can complete your booking online and select the passenger or vehicle category you need.

Content edited by: booktickets.gr