Rhodes - Karpathos: Ferry tickets and routes
- Passenger ferry tickets: From €14.50 for a one-way journey
- Car ferry tickets: From €63 for vehicle transport
- Journey duration: From 3 hours and 50 minutes to 5 hours to Pigadia
- Ferry company: Blue Star Ferries
- Ferry frequency: Up to 3 weekly departures in the recorded period
- Recorded departure times: 09:00 and 15:00
- Fastest recorded crossing to Pigadia: 3 hours and 50 minutes
- Ferry: Blue Star Chios
- Vessel type: Conventional passenger and vehicle ferry
- Arrival port: Pigadia, Karpathos
- Car and motorcycle transport: Available
- Electronic ferry tickets: Available through Web Check-in
Rhodes - Karpathos: Ferry tickets and schedules
If you are travelling from Rhodes to Karpathos, the first thing to consider is which port you want to arrive at. Pigadia is the main choice for travellers staying in the island's capital or southern areas, while Diafani serves northern Karpathos.
The connection is operated by Blue Star Ferries with the conventional Blue Star Chios. This passenger and vehicle ferry offers economy seating, numbered seats, cabins and a vehicle garage.
Passenger tickets for the Rhodes - Karpathos route start from €14.50 in the fare information used for this article. A car fare from €63 has also been recorded and is added to the driver's passenger ticket.
The fastest recorded crossing to Pigadia takes 3 hours and 50 minutes. Other services call at Chalki and Diafani, increasing the total journey time.
Up to 3 weekly departures were recorded during the period considered. Passengers remain on the same vessel throughout the journey.
If you are travelling with your family, compare economy seats with the available cabin options. When taking a car, check garage availability before organising your accommodation.
On booktickets.gr, you can select your travel date, seating category and vehicle type, then complete your reservation online.
How much do Rhodes - Karpathos ferry tickets cost?
The total cost depends on the number of passengers, seating category and whether you are taking a vehicle.
For two adults travelling at the lowest recorded passenger fare, tickets start from €29 without a vehicle, provided that fare is available for both travellers.
Cabins and numbered seats are separate booking categories. Any applicable passenger discounts are calculated when you make your reservation.
For families travelling with a car, add the price of each passenger ticket to the vehicle fare before comparing the available options.
How long does the ferry from Rhodes to Karpathos take?
The Blue Star Chios crosses the Karpathian Sea, connecting Rhodes with Chalki and Karpathos.
The journey time is affected by the number of intermediate ports. The ferry may stop at Chalki before calling at Diafani and continuing to Pigadia.
The Diafani stop is particularly useful for travellers heading to Olympos and other areas of northern Karpathos.
If your accommodation is in Pigadia, Amoopi or southern Karpathos, choose Karpathos - Pigadia as your arrival port.
What time do ferries depart from Rhodes?
The following Blue Star Chios departures were included in the most recently recorded journeys used for the Greek article:
| Day | Departure from Rhodes | Arrival in Pigadia |
| Sunday | 09:00 | 13:45 |
| Tuesday | 15:00 | 20:00 |
| Thursday | 15:00 | 18:50 |
These departures were recorded for October 25, 27 and 29, respectively. For a future travel date, select an available sailing during the booking process.
Ferry frequency changes between summer and winter, with more options during periods of increased passenger demand.
Blue Star Chios: Ferry, seats and cabins
The Blue Star Chios is a conventional passenger and vehicle ferry operated by Blue Star Ferries.
It offers organised passenger areas, lounges, numbered seats, cabins and catering facilities.
For a daytime crossing, you can choose economy seating. If you prefer to rest in a private space or are travelling with young children, check cabin availability.
The vehicle garage accommodates cars and motorcycles with advance reservations. Vehicle capacity is checked separately for each departure.
Departure from Rhodes ferry port
Ferries depart from the main port of Rhodes, close to the Medieval Old Town and the commercial centre.
Rhodes ferry port - Google Maps
The berth and boarding gate are confirmed for each departure. Check the relevant details on your ticket or with the local port agency.
Plan to arrive at least 1 hour before departure. If you are travelling with a car, follow the check-in time specified by the ferry company.
There are cafés and shaded areas around the port. For information about an air-conditioned waiting room, contact the local port services.
Arrival at Pigadia ferry port, Karpathos
The ferry arrives in Pigadia, the main port of Karpathos.
Pigadia ferry port, Karpathos - Google Maps
The harbour is located next to the island's capital and is convenient for travellers staying in Pigadia, Amoopi or southern Karpathos.
Near the waterfront, you will find restaurants, cafés, travel agencies and vehicle rental businesses.
To reach other parts of the island, you can use taxis or local buses where suitable connections are available.
If you are arriving late in the evening, arrange transportation to your accommodation before reaching the port.
Diafani, Karpathos: When should you choose the northern port?
Diafani is located in northern Karpathos and serves travellers heading to Olympos and the surrounding villages.
The Rhodes - Diafani, Karpathos ferry route is a separate booking option.
If you have booked accommodation in Olympos, consider arriving at Diafani. This may reduce the road journey from the main port at Pigadia.
Before choosing your arrival port, check the location of your accommodation and the transportation options available after disembarking.
Taking a car and luggage on the ferry
If you are taking your car to Karpathos, enter its correct category, length and height when booking.
For vehicles fitted with roof boxes, bicycle racks or additional equipment, use the total dimensions.
Vehicle boarding takes place under the crew's instructions. Once you have parked in the garage, take everything you will need during the crossing.
Blue Star Ferries allows passengers to carry up to 50 kg of luggage or 1 cubic metre without an additional charge, under the company's transportation conditions.
Wi-Fi, phone charging and onboard facilities
On the Blue Star Chios, passengers can use the indoor seating areas and available catering facilities.
Wi-Fi packages are offered for internet access. Connection quality may vary at sea, while certain packages involve an additional charge.
Charging sockets are not guaranteed beside every economy-class seat. Charge your mobile phone before boarding and consider bringing a power bank.
Shared toilets are maintained by the crew. If any facilities require cleaning during the journey, you can inform a member of staff.
Blue Star Ferries ticket discounts and offers
Blue Star Ferries offers reduced fares for specific passenger categories.
Eligible travellers may include children, infants, students, families with three or more children, people with disabilities and other qualifying passengers, subject to the company's conditions.
Explore the relevant offers:
- Ferry ticket discounts for children and infants
- Student ferry ticket discounts
- Ferry ticket discounts for families with three or more children
- Round-trip ferry ticket offers
- All ferry ticket offers
For the correct fare, select the appropriate passenger category and carry the documents required to prove eligibility.
Each offer is subject to the ferry company's conditions and may apply only to selected routes, dates or ticket categories.
Ferry connections from Rhodes to other islands
From Rhodes, you can organise ferry trips to several destinations across the Dodecanese.
Explore the following routes:
These connections are useful for travellers who want to visit more than one island or continue their journey towards Crete.
Return ferry from Karpathos to Rhodes
For your return journey, you can check the Karpathos - Rhodes ferry route.
The ferry departs from Pigadia and travels towards Rhodes, calling at intermediate ports on selected sailings.
As return services do not operate every day of the week, choose your outbound and return travel dates before finalising your accommodation.
Strong winds in the Karpathian Sea and changes to ferry services
The Karpathian Sea is affected by strong winds, especially during the summer meltemi season.
Unfavourable weather conditions may cause delays, changes to departure times or sailing restrictions imposed by the port authorities.
If you have another journey planned immediately after arriving in Karpathos, allow sufficient time between connections.
How to book Rhodes - Karpathos ferry tickets online
Through booktickets.gr, you can search available ferry departures and complete your reservation online.
- Select Rhodes as your departure port.
- Choose Karpathos - Pigadia as your destination.
- Enter your preferred travel date.
- Add the passengers and select your seating category.
- Include a car or motorcycle if required.
- Apply any discounts you are eligible for.
- Complete payment and receive your booking confirmation.
Blue Star Ferries supports electronic tickets and Web Check-in on eligible departures, allowing you to use your ferry ticket directly from your smartphone.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I travel with my pet?
Yes. You must declare your pet during booking and carry the required health and identification documents.
Are pet-friendly cabins available on the Blue Star Chios?
The ferry offers designated accommodation options for pets. The availability of a suitable pet-friendly cabin can be checked during booking.
Can I take a bicycle to Karpathos?
Yes, subject to the ferry company's transportation conditions. Check whether your bicycle needs to be registered separately.
Are there facilities for passengers with reduced mobility?
The Blue Star Chios has facilities for passengers with disabilities. Contact the ferry company before departure if you require assistance with boarding.
Can I change my ferry ticket after purchasing it?
Ticket changes are subject to the fare conditions. Availability on the new departure and any price difference are checked when you request a modification.
Can I buy food during the crossing?
Yes. The Blue Star Chios has catering facilities where you can purchase meals, snacks and drinks.
What to visit in Karpathos after arrival
Karpathos offers plenty to explore beyond Pigadia.
Apella and Kyra Panagia are among the best-known beaches on the eastern coast. In Amoopi, you can enjoy the sea while staying close to the island's capital.
For an excursion to northern Karpathos, visit Olympos, a village known for preserving distinctive elements of the island's traditions and architecture.
If you have a car, you can explore more beaches and mountain villages, planning your trips from Pigadia.
Useful tips before travelling
- Check whether your destination port is Pigadia or Diafani.
- Reserve garage space early if you are travelling with a car.
- Carry your identification documents and any certificates required for discounts.
- Charge your phone before boarding.
- Arrange transportation from the port to your accommodation.
- Check weather conditions before leaving Rhodes.
At a glance
The Rhodes - Karpathos ferry route is operated by Blue Star Ferries with the conventional Blue Star Chios.
The service offers economy seats, cabins, vehicle transportation and electronic ferry tickets.
Choosing between Pigadia and Diafani matters for the rest of your journey. Check the arrival time and available return services as well.
On booktickets.gr, you can compare the available options and complete your ferry ticket reservation online.
Content edited by: booktickets.gr