Ferry from Kalymnos (Pothia) to Rhodes (Rodos)

Kalymnos to Rhodes runs the length of the Dodecanese chain, and how long it takes depends entirely on the boat. The Dodekanisos Express and Dodekanisos Pride catamarans do it in around two and a half hours, while the conventional Blue Star ships take much longer, up to around eight and a half hours with calls at islands on the way. Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways and SAOS Ferries all serve the route.

Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodecanese and a major destination in its own right, with a UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town built by the Knights of St John. Ferries come in at Rhodes Town, close to Mandraki harbour, long associated with the legend of the Colossus. Beyond the Old Town there are beaches down both coasts and onward links to Crete, Piraeus, Turkey and the rest of the Dodecanese.

The route runs a couple of times a day in season, mixing fast and conventional sailings. The current timetable and fares are listed below. If the journey time matters, check which vessel you are booking, since the difference between the catamaran and the overnight ferry is substantial.

Kalymnos to Rhodes Ferry Fares

Weekly Kalymnos to Rhodes Ferry Schedule

The repeating pattern behind the dated timetable, without dates. Each row is one scheduled departure and the days it runs.

Hiring a car

Is it worth hiring a car in Rhodes?

Worth it if you're staying more than a couple of days, since the island is large and its two bus companies (Roda in the west, KTEL in the east) don't make it easy to combine both coasts in a day. The port is a 10-minute walk from Rhodes Old Town, with paid parking nearby. Compare local suppliers at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Kalymnos to Rhodes between 24 August 2026 and 6 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Kalymnos to Rhodes ferry

• October brings the first autumn swells to the northern Aegean; high-speed catamaran services may cancel more frequently from this point.
• On routes operated by a single company, focus on choosing the right class of service rather than comparing operators.
• July and August are the busiest months on almost every Greek ferry route; expect crowded vessels, longer boarding queues, and higher prices.
• Once you arrive in Rhodes, the medieval walled Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, with the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master as its centrepieces. Tsambika Beach on the east coast and the ancient hilltop site of Lindos are the island's other headline attractions.

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