How to Get from Athens to Rhodes
Complete 2026 guide — compare flights, buses, driving, and guided tours with prices, durations, and insider tips.
The fastest way from Athens to Rhodes is a 55-minute direct flight from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Rhodes Diagoras Airport (RHO), with fares starting from around €35 when booked in advance. Ferries from Piraeus take 13-18 hours and cost €45-70. Rhodes is the most distant popular island from Athens at 420 km (261 miles) in the southeastern Aegean.
| Transport | Duration | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ By Flight | 55 minutes | €35–€130 | Most travelers — by far the most practical option |
| 🚢 By Direct Ferry | 13–18 hours | €45–€85 (deck to cabin) | Adventurous travelers wanting the full Aegean experience |
| ⛴️ By High-Speed Ferry (Seasonal) | 10–13 hours | €55–€80 | Summer travelers who prefer sea over air travel |
By Flight
Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Sky Express, Ryanair, and Volotea operate direct flights from Athens (ATH) to Rhodes Diagoras Airport (RHO). In summer, there are 6-10 daily flights. Rhodes also receives many direct international flights from European cities. The airport is 14 km southwest of Rhodes Town.
- Fastest option at just 55 minutes
- Multiple daily flights year-round
- Competitive pricing with advance booking
- Rhodes airport well-connected by bus and taxi to town
- Airport is 14 km from Rhodes Town — transfer needed
- Prices rise significantly in peak summer
- Luggage limits on budget carriers
- Does not provide the Aegean island experience
By Direct Ferry
Blue Star Ferries operates the main conventional ferry route from Piraeus to Rhodes, with stops at several Dodecanese islands (Patmos, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos) along the way. Departures are typically in the afternoon, arriving the next morning. ANEK Lines and Dodekanisos Seaways also serve this route seasonally. These are large, comfortable ferries with cabins, restaurants, and lounges.
- Island-hopping experience through the Dodecanese
- See multiple islands during the journey (Patmos, Kos, etc.)
- Comfortable cabins available for overnight travel
- Can bring a vehicle
- Very long journey (13-18 hours)
- Only practical as an overnight journey
- Limited departures (typically 3-4 per week)
- Much more expensive than flying when cabin cost is included
By High-Speed Ferry (Seasonal)
In summer, some operators like Dodekanisos Seaways and SeaJets occasionally run faster services to Rhodes, though this route is long even for high-speed vessels. These seasonal services may not operate every year. Most stop at Dodecanese islands en route. Check current schedules carefully as availability changes annually.
- Faster than conventional ferry
- May offer daytime crossings in summer
- Scenic island-hopping route
- Still very long (10-13 hours)
- Seasonal and unreliable scheduling
- More expensive than conventional ferry
- Susceptible to weather cancellations
By Guided Tour (Hassle-Free)
One Nation Travel Greece tours include flights from Athens to Rhodes. Explore the UNESCO-listed Medieval Old Town, the Palace of the Grand Master, Lindos Acropolis, and the island's beautiful beaches with an expert licensed guide. All transfers, accommodations, and guided excursions are arranged.
- Flights, hotels, transfers, and guides all included
- Expert guide for the Medieval Old Town and Lindos
- No logistics stress for this distant island
- Can combine with other Dodecanese islands
- Fixed itinerary (though customizable on request)
📊 Athens to Rhodes — At a Glance
| Transport | Duration | Cost | Best For | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ By Flight | 55 minutes | €35–€130 | Most travelers — by far the most practical option | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🚢 By Direct Ferry | 13–18 hours | €45–€85 (deck to cabin) | Adventurous travelers wanting the full Aegean experience | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| ⛴️ By High-Speed Ferry (Seasonal) | 10–13 hours | €55–€80 | Summer travelers who prefer sea over air travel | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🎫 By Guided Tour (Hassle-Free) | Included in multi-day package | All-inclusive from tour price | Travelers who want to explore Rhodes and its medieval history | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
🧳 Travel Tips for This Route
Unlike other Greek island routes, flying is almost always the best choice for Athens to Rhodes. The ferry takes 13-18 hours versus just 55 minutes by air. Save the ferry for island-hopping, not for getting to Rhodes from Athens.
Rhodes Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Allow at least a full day to explore the Palace of the Grand Master, the Street of the Knights, and the ancient walls.
Lindos, 50 km south of Rhodes Town, features a stunning Acropolis perched on a cliff above a whitewashed village and beautiful bay. It is one of Greece's most photographed spots.
Rhodes enjoys 300+ days of sunshine per year. May-June and September-October are ideal. July-August is very hot (35-40°C) but perfect for beach holidays. Even April and November can be pleasant.
Rhodes is a large island (79 km long). Renting a car lets you explore Lindos, Prasonisi (windsurfing), Tsambika beach, and the quieter west coast. Roads are generally good.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Direct flights from Athens to Rhodes take approximately 55 minutes. With 6-10 daily flights in summer operated by Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, Ryanair, and Volotea, this is one of Greece's best-connected domestic routes.
Yes, Blue Star Ferries operates conventional ferries from Piraeus to Rhodes, typically 3-4 times per week. The journey takes 13-18 hours and passes through the Dodecanese islands. Departures are usually in the afternoon, arriving the next morning. However, for most travelers, flying is far more practical.
One-way flights range from €35-€70 when booked 4-6 weeks in advance. In peak July-August, prices can reach €100-130. Budget airlines like Ryanair occasionally offer fares as low as €25-30 in the off-season.
We recommend at least 3-4 days. One full day for Rhodes Old Town and Palace of the Grand Master, one day for Lindos and the east coast, and one day for beaches and the quieter parts of the island. With 5-7 days, you can include day trips to Symi or explore more of the island.
Yes, Rhodes is an excellent base for Dodecanese island-hopping. Day trips to Symi (1 hour by boat) are very popular. You can also reach Kos (2-3 hours), Patmos, and other Dodecanese islands by ferry. Catamaran services run frequently in summer.
Yes, Rhodes is just 18 km from the Turkish coast. Day trips to Marmaris, Turkey are available by ferry (approximately 50 minutes). You will need your passport for this crossing. Several operators run daily services in summer.
Skip the Hassle — Book a Guided Tour
Let One Nation Travel handle your Athens to Rhodes journey. All transfers, flights, hotels, and guides included in one package.
