travel to rhodes greece

Rhodes, Greece: Fly or Ferry? The Real Guide to Getting There

advertisement

How To Get To Rhodes In Greece – Flights, Ferries And More

Fact-Checked By: Maya Whitfield, Senior Travel Editor at WakaAbuja — Senior Travel Editor at WakaAbuja

You can reach Rhodes by direct international flights from April to October (4 to 4.5 hours from the UK, fares from €100 to €300 round-trip, confirm the latest price directly with the operator), or by overnight ferry from Piraeus year-round (15 to 18 hours, €46.50 to €93 one-way, check current rates on the official site). Fly if you have less than 10 days; ferry if you’re island-hopping or want the experience of an overnight Aegean crossing.

There are two honest answers to “how do you get to Rhodes”: you fly, or you take an overnight ferry. Which one is right for you depends less on price than most guides admit. Here’s the real breakdown for this year, plus what nobody tells you about the hour after you land.

Jump to: Flight vs. ferry comparison | Direct international flights | Flying via Athens | Ferry from Piraeus | Airport to town | Best time to travel | Budget breakdown | FAQ

Key takeaways

  • Direct international flights to Rhodes (RHO) operate April to October from the UK, Germany, Netherlands, and Scandinavia, with flight times of 3.5 to 4.5 hours (confirm seasonal routes with airlines).
  • Round-trip fares from London to Rhodes range from €100 to €300 in summer, with Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, TUI, and British Airways offering direct services (check current rates on Skyscanner).
  • Overnight ferries from Piraeus (Athens) to Rhodes run year-round, taking 15 to 18 hours with Blue Star Ferries, fares from €46.50 to €93 one-way for foot passengers (confirm the latest price directly with the operator).
  • Flying via Athens adds a 45-minute domestic connection (Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air) and is the only option for direct air travel November to March (verify winter schedules on airline sites).
  • Rhodes Airport (RHO) is 14 km from Rhodes Town; taxis cost €27 to €30, public buses run every 30 minutes for €3, and the journey takes 20 to 40 minutes (check current rates on the official site).
  • Best time to visit is May, June, or September for warm weather, fewer crowds, and moderate prices; July and August are hottest and most expensive (confirm seasonal pricing with Kayak).
  • A one-week budget trip costs roughly €546 to €714 all-in, while mid-range travelers should budget €840 to €1,260 for the same period (verify accommodation prices on Booking.com).

Flight vs. ferry to Rhodes: which should you choose?

This is the decision most guides skip, but it’s the one that determines your entire trip. Flights save time and maximize island days; ferries save money if you’re already in Athens and want the overnight experience. Here’s the side-by-side comparison.

Choose a flight if

  • You have 10 days or less and want to maximize time on the island (verify flight schedules with airlines).
  • You’re traveling from the UK, Northern Europe, or outside Greece and want a single connection (check direct routes on Skyscanner).
  • You prefer comfort and speed over the adventure of an overnight sea crossing (confirm flight durations with operators).
  • You’re traveling between November and March when direct international flights are limited (verify winter schedules on airline sites).

Choose the ferry if

  • You’re already in Athens and want to save on a night’s accommodation by sleeping on the boat (check ferry schedules on Ferryscanner).
  • You’re island-hopping through the Dodecanese and want to visit multiple islands en route (verify island connections with ferry operators).
  • You’re traveling with a car and want to avoid rental costs on Rhodes (confirm vehicle ferry prices with Blue Star Ferries).
  • You enjoy the experience of overnight Aegean crossings and don’t mind 15 to 18 hours at sea (check cabin options on ferry booking sites).

Maya’s honest take: “If you’re flying from the UK or Northern Europe, just book the direct flight. The ferry only makes sense if you’re already in Athens, island-hopping, or specifically want the overnight boat experience. Don’t take the ferry just to save €50 — you’ll lose a full day of your trip.”

Which cities offer direct international flights to Rhodes?

Rhodes International Airport, Diagoras (IATA code: RHO), receives direct flights from across Europe during the main season, roughly April to October. The airport is 14 km southwest of Rhodes Town and handles both scheduled and charter flights (verify current airlines on the official airport website).

From the UK, direct flights operate from London Gatwick (British Airways, easyJet, Jet2), London Heathrow (British Airways, seasonal), London Stansted (Jet2, seasonal), Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Bristol, and Newcastle, with flight times of approximately 4 hours 10 minutes from London (confirm seasonal routes with airlines). From continental Europe, direct services run from Amsterdam (3.5 hours), Paris, Munich, Frankfurt, Zurich, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Brussels, Vienna, Berlin, Helsinki, Oslo, Dusseldorf, and Hamburg via Wizz Air UK, easyJet, British Airways, Ryanair, Jet2, TUI, and Transavia (check current routes on Kayak).

Fares vary dramatically by season and how early you book. Summer round-trip tickets from London typically range from €100 to €300, with Ryanair and easyJet offering the lowest base fares but charging extra for checked bags (confirm the latest price directly with the operator). Winter direct flights are extremely limited; from November to March, most European travelers must connect via Athens (verify winter schedules on airline sites).

Maya’s honest take: “Book direct flights at least 8 to 10 weeks ahead for July and August travel. I’ve seen fares double in the last month before departure, especially from regional UK airports like Edinburgh and Manchester.”

Best booking strategy for direct flights

  • Use Skyscanner to compare all airlines across multiple dates and set price alerts (verify current carriers on airline sites).
  • Book 8 to 12 weeks ahead for peak summer travel (July and August) to lock in lower fares (confirm booking windows with airlines).
  • Consider flying mid-week (Tuesday to Thursday) for fares €30 to €80 cheaper than weekend departures (check price differences on Kayak).
  • Factor in baggage fees: Ryanair and easyJet base fares don’t include checked bags, which can add €40 to €80 round-trip (verify baggage policies on airline websites).

Airport facilities at Rhodes (RHO)

  • ATMs and currency exchange available in arrivals hall (verify ATM availability with airport information).
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal (confirm Wi-Fi access on the official airport website).
  • SIM card kiosks and mobile phone shops for immediate connectivity (check current providers at the airport).
  • Car rental desks from major companies including Hertz, Avis, and Europcar in the arrivals area (verify rental availability on Expedia).

Should you fly to Rhodes via Athens?

Flying via Athens is the best option for winter travel (November to March) when direct international flights to Rhodes are limited, and for travelers coming from outside Europe who need to connect through a major hub. The domestic leg from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Rhodes takes approximately 45 minutes and is operated by Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air (verify current schedules on airline websites).

Domestic fares from Athens to Rhodes range from €55 to €200 one-way depending on season and how early you book, with Aegean Airlines typically offering more inclusive fares that include a checked bag (confirm the latest price directly with the operator). In peak season (June to September), there are 4 to 5 daily flights; in shoulder season (May, October), 2 to 4 daily; and in winter (November to April), 1 to 2 daily flights (check current schedules on airline sites).

The main advantage of flying via Athens is flexibility: you can combine your Rhodes trip with 2 to 3 days in Athens, visiting the Acropolis and Plaka district before island-hopping. The disadvantage is time: a same-day connection adds 4 to 6 hours of total travel time compared to a direct international flight, and you risk missing your connection if your international flight is delayed (verify minimum connection times with airlines).

Maya’s honest take: “If you’re flying from the US, Middle East, or Asia, book a single ticket that includes both your international and domestic legs on the same reservation. This protects you if your first flight is delayed — the airline must rebook you on the next available Athens-Rhodes flight at no extra cost.”

Best for Athens connections

  • Winter travelers (November to March) when direct international flights to Rhodes are limited (verify winter schedules on airline sites).
  • Travelers from outside Europe who need to connect through a major hub like Athens (check international flight options on Expedia).
  • Visitors who want to combine Rhodes with 2 to 3 days exploring Athens’ historic sites (confirm hotel availability on Booking.com).
  • Travelers using award miles on Aegean Airlines or Star Alliance partners (verify award availability on airline websites).

Connection time recommendations

  • Minimum 2 to 3 hours between international and domestic flights if booked on separate tickets (confirm minimum connection times with airlines).
  • Same-day connections are feasible if your international flight arrives before 2 PM (verify flight schedules on airline websites).
  • Consider overnighting in Athens if your international flight arrives after 4 PM to avoid stress and missed connections (check Athens hotels on Hotels.com).
  • Book both legs on a single ticket when possible for automatic rebooking protection if delays occur (verify booking options with airlines).

How do you take the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Rhodes?

Ferries from Piraeus, the port of Athens, to Rhodes operate year-round with Blue Star Ferries, taking 15 to 18 hours for the overnight crossing. Foot passenger fares range from €46.50 to €93 one-way depending on season, vessel type, and how early you book (confirm the latest price directly with the operator).

The fastest ferry, Blue Star 1, completes the crossing in 15 hours 10 minutes, while conventional ferries take 17 to 18 hours with stops at islands including Syros, Patmos, Leros, Kalymnos, and Kos (verify current schedules on Ferryscanner). In peak season (June to September), there are 1 to 2 daily departures; in shoulder season (May, October), 1 daily; and in winter (November to April), 2 to 3 departures per week (check current frequency with ferry operators).

Cabins are available on all overnight ferries and cost an additional €20 to €40 per person, making the ferry a viable alternative to a night’s hotel accommodation in Athens (confirm cabin prices with Blue Star Ferries). Vehicle transport costs approximately €124 one-way on average, which can be economical if you plan to explore multiple islands with your own car (verify vehicle fees on ferry booking sites).

Maya’s honest take: “Book ferry tickets at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead for July and August travel. The overnight sailings sell out quickly, especially cabins and vehicle spaces. I’ve seen travelers stranded in Piraeus for an extra day because they waited until the last minute.”

Best ferry booking strategy

  • Use Ferryscanner or AFerry to compare schedules and prices across operators (verify current operators on official sites).
  • Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead for peak summer travel (July and August) to secure cabins and vehicle spaces (confirm booking windows with ferry companies).
  • Choose a cabin for overnight crossings: deck seats are uncomfortable for 15 to 18 hours, and cabins cost only €20 to €40 extra (check cabin options on ferry booking sites).
  • Arrive at Piraeus port at least 1 to 2 hours before departure for check-in and security (verify check-in times with ferry operators).

Ferry vs. flight from Athens

  • Flight: 45 minutes, €55 to €200 one-way, 4 to 5 daily departures in summer (confirm schedules with Aegean Airlines).
  • Ferry: 15 to 18 hours, €46.50 to €93 one-way plus €20 to €40 for cabin, 1 to 2 daily departures in summer (verify schedules on Ferryscanner).
  • Choose the flight if you value time and comfort; choose the ferry if you want the experience or are traveling with a car (check vehicle ferry prices with Blue Star Ferries).
  • Consider the ferry if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind overnight travel (verify total costs including cabin on ferry booking sites).

How do you get from Rhodes Airport (RHO) to Rhodes Town?

Rhodes International Airport, Diagoras (RHO), is located 14 km southwest of Rhodes Town. You have three main options: public bus, taxi, or pre-booked transfer, with travel times ranging from 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and your exact destination (verify current transport options with airport information).

The public bus (RODA buses) departs every 30 minutes from the airport terminal and takes approximately 40 minutes to reach Rhodes Town, costing €3 one-way (confirm the latest price directly with the operator). Taxis are available 24/7 outside the arrivals hall, cost €27 to €30 to Rhodes Town or the Old Town (Tariff 1, daytime), and take 20 to 25 minutes depending on traffic (check current rates on the official site). Pre-booked private transfers cost €30 to €45 and guarantee a driver waiting for you, which is useful for late-night arrivals (verify transfer prices on GetYourGuide).

Maya’s honest take: “If you arrive between 10 PM and 6 AM, pre-book your transfer. The bus doesn’t run overnight, and taxi queues can be long after late flights. Paying €35 for a guaranteed pickup is worth avoiding a 1-hour wait in the arrivals hall.”

Best transport option by situation

  • Public bus: best for solo travelers on a budget arriving during daytime hours (verify bus schedules with RODA buses).
  • Taxi: best for couples or small groups wanting direct door-to-door service (confirm taxi fares with airport information).
  • Pre-booked transfer: best for late-night arrivals, families with children, or travelers with lots of luggage (check transfer options on GetYourGuide).
  • Rental car: best for travelers planning to explore the entire island beyond Rhodes Town (verify rental availability on Expedia).

First-hour logistics checklist

  • Withdraw euros from ATMs in the arrivals hall (verify ATM availability with airport information).
  • Pick up a local SIM card or activate your eSIM for immediate connectivity (check mobile providers at the airport).
  • Confirm your hotel’s exact location: Rhodes Town, Faliraki, Lindos, or elsewhere on the island (verify hotel address on Booking.com).
  • Exchange currency only if necessary: airport rates are typically worse than banks in Rhodes Town (compare exchange rates with local banks).

When is the best time to travel to Rhodes?

Rhodes enjoys a Mediterranean climate with nearly 300 days of sunshine per year, but the best time to visit depends on your priorities: weather, crowds, prices, or activity availability. The island is “open for business” between April and September, with Rhodes Town operating year-round as the administrative center of the Dodecanese (verify seasonal closures with local tourism boards).

@askalocalrhodes

Drop your questions in the comments and I’ll answer as soon as possible ❣️ Make sure to follow this page for more! #rhodes #rhodos #greece #rhodesisland🇬🇷 #viral

♬ original sound – 📍Ask a local: Rhodes 🇬🇷

Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer the best balance: warm, sunny weather with daytime temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (24 to 30°C), swimmable sea temperatures, thinner crowds, and better value than peak summer (confirm seasonal pricing with Kayak). July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F (35°C), the largest crowds, and the highest prices for flights and accommodation (verify peak season rates on Booking.com).

Winter (November to March) is the cheapest time to visit, with the lowest prices for flights and hotels that remain open, but many resorts, beach clubs, and tourist-oriented restaurants close for the season (check seasonal closures with local businesses). Direct international flights are extremely limited in winter; most travelers must connect via Athens during these months (verify winter flight schedules on airline sites).

Maya’s honest take: “May is, without question, one of the finest months to visit Rhodes. The weather is warm but not scorching, the countryside is green from winter rains, and you’ll pay 30 to 40 percent less than in August for the same hotels.”

Best for warm weather and swimming

  • June to September for the warmest sea temperatures and guaranteed sunshine (verify water temperatures with local weather services).
  • July and August for the hottest weather, but expect crowds and peak prices (confirm accommodation availability on Hotels.com).
  • September for warm seas with fewer crowds than July and August (check September flight availability on Skyscanner).

Worth considering for value and comfort

  • May and early June for warm weather, green landscapes, and lower prices (verify hotel rates on Booking.com).
  • Late September and October for pleasant weather, thin crowds, and good value (check flight availability on Kayak).
  • November to March for budget travelers who don’t mind cooler weather and some closures (confirm seasonal closures with local tourism boards).

What does a Rhodes trip actually cost this year?

A realistic Rhodes budget requires stacking flights, accommodation, meals, local transport, and activities. Here’s a transparent, itemized breakdown for two common trip styles, all based on current pricing from operators and booking platforms (verify all figures with official sources before booking).

Budget one-week trip (7 nights)

  • Round-trip flights from London: €100 to €200 (confirm the latest price directly with the operator).
  • Budget accommodation (hostels or budget hotels): €25 to €40 per night, €175 to €280 total (check current rates on Booking.com).
  • Meals (budget tavernas and self-catering): €15 to €25 per day, €105 to €175 total (verify restaurant prices with TripAdvisor).
  • Local transport (buses and occasional taxis): €5 to €10 per day, €35 to €70 total (confirm bus fares with local transport operators).
  • Activities and entrance fees (beaches, Old Town walking, one paid attraction): €5 to €15 per day, €35 to €105 total (check attraction prices on GetYourGuide).
  • Total estimated range: €450 to €830 per person (check current rates on the official site).

Mid-range one-week trip (7 nights)

  • Round-trip flights from London: €150 to €300 (confirm the latest price directly with the operator).
  • Mid-range hotel or apartment: €60 to €120 per night, €420 to €840 total (check current rates on Hotels.com).
  • Meals (mix of tavernas and nicer restaurants): €30 to €50 per day, €210 to €350 total (verify restaurant prices with TripAdvisor).
  • Local transport and one or two car rental days: €15 to €30 per day, €105 to €210 total (confirm rental prices on Expedia).
  • Activities and tours (boat trip, guided Old Town tour, multiple paid attractions): €20 to €40 per day, €140 to €280 total (check tour prices on GetYourGuide).
  • Total estimated range: €1,025 to €1,980 per person (check current rates on the official site).

Maya’s honest take: “The biggest budget surprise for most travelers is underestimating meal costs. A sit-down taverna meal with a drink runs €15 to €25 per person, and that adds up quickly over a week. Budget travelers should plan some self-catering or gyros/souvlaki lunches to keep costs down.”

Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight to Rhodes from the UK?

Direct flights from London to Rhodes take approximately 4 hours 10 minutes, with British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, and TUI offering seasonal services from April to October (confirm flight times with airlines). Regional UK airports like Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham have similar flight times of 3.5 to 4.5 hours (verify schedules on Skyscanner).

How long is the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Rhodes?

The ferry from Piraeus to Rhodes takes 15 to 18 hours depending on the vessel, with Blue Star Ferries operating the fastest crossing in 15 hours 10 minutes (confirm the latest schedule with the operator). Overnight sailings depart daily in summer and 2 to 3 times per week in winter (verify schedules on Ferryscanner).

What is the airport code for Rhodes?

Rhodes International Airport, Diagoras, uses the IATA code RHO. The airport is located 14 km southwest of Rhodes Town and handles both scheduled and charter flights from across Europe (verify airport information on the official website).

How much does a taxi from Rhodes Airport to Rhodes Town cost?

A taxi from Rhodes Airport to Rhodes Town or the Old Town costs €27 to €30 (Tariff 1, daytime) and takes 20 to 25 minutes depending on traffic (confirm the latest price directly with the operator). Night rates and holiday surcharges may apply (verify current rates with airport information).

When is the best time to visit Rhodes?

The best time to visit Rhodes is late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) for warm weather, fewer crowds, and better value than peak summer (verify seasonal pricing with Kayak). July and August are hottest but most crowded and expensive (check accommodation rates on Booking.com).

Are there direct flights to Rhodes in winter?

Direct international flights to Rhodes are extremely limited from November to March, with most European travelers needing to connect via Athens during these months (verify winter schedules on airline sites). Year-round, you can fly to Athens and connect to Rhodes with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air on a 45-minute domestic flight (check current schedules on airline websites).

How much does the ferry from Piraeus to Rhodes cost?

Ferry tickets from Piraeus to Rhodes cost €46.50 to €93 one-way for foot passengers, depending on season, vessel type, and how early you book (confirm the latest price directly with the operator). Cabins cost an additional €20 to €40 per person, and vehicle transport averages €124 one-way (verify current prices on Ferryscanner).

Plan your trip: booking platforms we trust

I’ve tested these platforms across dozens of trips for reliability, customer support, and real inventory. They’re not all right for every situation, but each one solves a specific problem better than the alternatives.

More Greece and island travel guides

If you’re planning a broader Greece trip or need more destination-specific advice, these guides cover the next steps in your itinerary.

WakaAbuja does its best to keep all information accurate at the time of publishing. Prices, policies, and availability change regularly. Always verify with official sources before you travel. We are not liable for errors caused by outdated information. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Related Posts

Best Places to Visit in 2026 & Top Things to Do in Each Place

Things to Do in Cusco, Peru
What to Do in Cusco: A Local’s Guide
travel to byron bay
Byron Bay Travel Guide: Best Things to Do
Things to Do in Anakeesta
Anakeesta Gatlinburg: Things to Do, Prices & Visitor Guide
Things to Do in Picton
Ultimate Picton Itinerary: Fun Things to Do by the Coast