Symi - Rhodes Ferry Tickets & Schedules | Book Online

Symi - Rhodes: Ferry tickets and ferry schedules

Travelling from Symi to Rhodes is easy with both conventional ferries and high-speed vessels serving the connection. Whether you are travelling without a vehicle or taking your car, there are several ferry options to consider.

Passenger ferry tickets start from €7 with Blue Star Ferries, while car tickets start from €14. The fastest crossing takes 50 minutes with the high-speed catamarans operated by Dodekanisos Seaways.

The route is served by Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways and Sebeco Lines, with SAOS Ferries also operating regional connections in the Dodecanese.

Vessels associated with this connection include Dodekanisos Express, Dodekanisos Pride, Panagia Skiadeni, Sebeco II and conventional ferries operated by Blue Star Ferries.

Direct crossings are available, while some regional services call at additional ports. Ferry frequency increases during the summer, when passenger demand is higher.

Before booking, check whether your selected vessel carries vehicles, which port it departs from and how much time you need after arriving in Rhodes.

How much do Symi - Rhodes ferry tickets cost?

Ferry ticket prices vary between conventional vessels and high-speed ferries.

The main passenger fares are:

• Blue Star Ferries: from €7 for an economy-class ticket
• SAOS Ferries: from €7.40 on relevant services
• Dodekanisos Seaways: from €24 with Panagia Skiadeni and €32 with Dodekanisos Express or Dodekanisos Pride
• Sebeco Lines: from €20 for a one-way passenger ticket

For passengers travelling with a car, prices start from €14 with Blue Star Ferries.

A car ticket with Panagia Skiadeni costs from €15, while vehicle fares on Dodekanisos Express and Dodekanisos Pride start from €64.

Families should compare the total cost of all passenger and vehicle tickets. A lower individual fare does not always produce the cheapest overall booking.

How long is the ferry journey from Symi to Rhodes?

The fastest direct ferry crossing takes 50 minutes, operated by Dodekanisos Express and Dodekanisos Pride.

Sebeco II completes the journey in 1 hour and 20 minutes, while Panagia Skiadeni takes 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Conventional Blue Star Ferries vessels may take longer, depending on the sailing and any additional port calls.

If you are connecting to a flight from Rhodes International Airport, allow sufficient time between your ferry arrival and airport departure.

Which ferry companies operate between Symi and Rhodes?

Blue Star Ferries operates conventional passenger and vehicle ferries with indoor lounges, seating areas and vehicle garages.

Dodekanisos Seaways operates Dodekanisos Express and Dodekanisos Pride, two high-speed catamarans that accommodate passengers and vehicles.

The company also operates Panagia Skiadeni, a conventional ferry with a vehicle garage.

Sebeco Lines serves the route with the passenger-only high-speed vessel Sebeco II. This ferry does not transport cars.

SAOS Ferries operates regional services in the Dodecanese. Its availability on the Symi - Rhodes connection should be checked for the selected travel date.

Ferry departure times and weekly crossings

The Symi - Rhodes connection offers morning, afternoon and, on certain services, later departures.

Sebeco Lines operates summer morning departures at 07:45, arriving in Rhodes at 09:05, as well as afternoon services.

Dodekanisos Seaways provides crossings with Panagia Skiadeni, Dodekanisos Express and Dodekanisos Pride on selected days.

A recent average is 13 weekly departures, although the total number changes during the year.

Summer brings additional sailings and more opportunities for passengers who need to reach Rhodes on the same day. Winter services are more limited.

Direct ferries and departures from Panormitis

Most fast connections from Symi's main port, Yialos, reach Rhodes directly.

However, Symi has another important ferry departure point at Panormitis, near the Monastery of Archangel Michael.

You can also explore the Panormitis, Symi - Rhodes ferry route.

Yialos and Panormitis are different locations, so check the departure port carefully before purchasing your ticket.

Symi departure port and Rhodes arrival port

Ferries from Symi mainly depart from Yialos, the island's central harbour. The waterfront is close to restaurants, cafés, shops and local accommodation.

Google Maps - Symi Ferry Port

In Rhodes, passenger ferries arrive at port facilities near Rhodes Town and the medieval Old Town.

Google Maps - Rhodes Ferry Port

Passengers travelling without a vehicle should arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure.

If you are bringing a car, allow at least 60 minutes for check-in and vehicle boarding, unless your ferry company specifies an earlier arrival.

How to book Symi - Rhodes ferry tickets online

Through booktickets.gr, you can search available departures, select your preferred ferry and compare ticket prices.

Enter your travel date, number of passengers and vehicle details if required.

Choose the appropriate passenger categories, apply any eligible discounts and complete your booking online.

For ferry companies offering electronic tickets and Web Check-in, you can receive your boarding documents by email or directly on your mobile phone.

Ferry discounts for children, students and families

Several ferry operators offer reduced fares for children, students, large families, passengers with disabilities and other eligible travellers.

Dodekanisos Seaways allows infants and children under 4 to travel free of charge with a mandatory zero-fare ticket.

Children aged 4 to 10, eligible students and large-family cardholders can receive discounts of 50% on qualifying passenger tickets.

Explore the following English-language offer pages:

• Ferry ticket discounts for children and infants
• Student ferry ticket discounts
• Ferry discounts for large families
• Round-trip ferry ticket offers and discounts
• Main ferry offers for passengers travelling with a car

Discount eligibility depends on the ferry company, ticket category and supporting documents. Return and vehicle offers do not automatically apply to every sailing.

Travelling with a car or motorcycle

If you need to transport a vehicle, choose a ferry equipped with a garage.

Dodekanisos Express, Dodekanisos Pride, Panagia Skiadeni and conventional vehicle ferries operated by Blue Star Ferries can accommodate cars and motorcycles, subject to available space.

When booking, provide the correct vehicle category and dimensions.

Cars with roof boxes, bicycle racks or additional equipment may require special classification if their overall height or length exceeds the standard category.

For a short visit to Rhodes Town, travelling without a car may be cheaper. If you plan to explore Lindos, the east coast or villages further inland, taking a vehicle offers greater independence.

Cabins, seating and onboard facilities

The crossing is short, so passengers generally do not need a cabin.

Conventional ferries offer economy seating and indoor lounges. Some vessels also have aircraft-style numbered seats, food outlets and outdoor decks.

High-speed ferries mainly provide air-conditioned passenger lounges.

Wi-Fi access and charging sockets are not guaranteed at every seat. Facilities differ by vessel, and internet connectivity may be interrupted during the crossing.

Passenger toilets are shared facilities, with onboard cleaning managed by the crew.

Pets are permitted under the ferry company's transport rules. You must declare your pet during booking and use the designated pet areas.

Ferry connections from Symi to other destinations

Symi provides ferry access to several islands in the Dodecanese.

Depending on your travel plans, you can explore the following routes:

• Symi - Kos ferry tickets and schedules
• Symi - Nisyros ferry tickets and schedules
• Symi - Kalymnos ferry tickets and schedules
• Symi - Halki ferry tickets and schedules

For the opposite direction, see the Rhodes - Symi ferry route.

You can also return directly to the Symi - Rhodes ferry tickets and schedules page to review the main connection.

What to expect when arriving in Rhodes

Rhodes Town is close to the main ferry port, making it convenient for passengers heading to the Old Town, Mandraki or nearby hotels.

Taxis and local transport services are available in the city. If you are travelling to Rhodes International Airport or accommodation outside the town, arranging your transfer beforehand may be useful during the summer.

At Symi's Yialos harbour, cafés and shops provide places to wait before boarding. However, a dedicated air-conditioned waiting area should not be assumed for every departure.

For summer trips, bring drinking water and avoid standing in direct sunlight longer than necessary.

Strong winds and ferry disruptions

Strong winds in the southeastern Aegean can affect ferry operations between Symi and Rhodes.

High-speed vessels may face operational restrictions in difficult sea conditions. Conventional ferries can also experience delays or cancellations.

If you have a flight, an organised excursion or another ferry connection after arriving in Rhodes, leave enough time for possible schedule changes.

Frequently asked questions about Symi - Rhodes ferries

Can I take a bicycle on the ferry?

Bicycles may be accepted on vessels with suitable storage facilities. Check whether your ferry company requires advance registration or an additional ticket.

Do I need a passport or identity card to board?

You need valid identification. Greek and eligible EU passengers may use an accepted national identity card, while other travellers should carry the travel document required for their circumstances.

What happens if I miss my ferry?

Contact the ticket provider immediately. Ticket changes, refunds and rebooking options depend on the ferry company's conditions.

Can I travel with several suitcases?

Passengers can bring personal luggage within the operator's allowance. Oversized items, sports equipment and unusually heavy luggage may be subject to additional conditions.

Are ferries accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?

Accessibility facilities vary between vessels. Contact the ferry operator before travelling if you require wheelchair access or assistance during boarding.

Can I change my ferry ticket after booking?

Changes may be possible depending on ticket conditions and seat availability. Fare differences or amendment fees may apply.

In brief

Travelling from Symi to Rhodes offers a choice between lower-cost conventional ferries and faster passenger services.

If you are travelling with a car or family, compare the full booking cost and check that your preferred vessel has a garage.

With booktickets.gr, you can compare ferry departures, select available discounts and book your tickets online.

Last updated: 31 October

Content edited by: booktickets.gr