Rhodes to Karpathos Ferry
Rhodes to Karpathos — At a Glance
- Season: Year-round service.
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day, year-round.
- Sailing days: Ferries sail several days per week.
The Rhodes to Karpathos ferry route connects two of the most distinctive islands in the Dodecanese. Rhodes needs little introduction — its medieval old town, sandy beaches, and lively port have made it one of Greece’s most visited islands. Karpathos is a different proposition entirely: wilder, quieter, and largely unspoiled. The ferry crossing between them runs year-round, making it a reliable link whether you’re planning a summer escape or a quieter off-season visit.
On average, you can expect around one ferry per day on this route throughout the year. That frequency gives you a reasonable degree of flexibility when planning your crossing, though booking ahead is always wise in the peak summer months.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Rhodes to Karpathos:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | No | – |
| February | Yes | 1.0 |
| March | Yes | 1.0 |
| April | Yes | 1.0 |
| May | Yes | 1.0 |
| June | Yes | 1.0 |
| July | Yes | 1.0 |
| August | Yes | 1.0 |
| September | Yes | 1.0 |
| October | Yes | 1.0 |
| November | No | – |
| December | No | – |
Tips for the Rhodes–Karpathos Ferry
- Sunglasses are essential on open deck in the Aegean – the reflected glare off the water is very intense, especially in the middle of the day.
- Check whether your booking confirmation requires you to collect a physical ticket from the operator’s port office – some agents issue vouchers that need exchanging.
- Pack a reusable water bottle in an accessible pocket – hydration is important in summer and onboard water is expensive.
- At smaller island ports, the quay surface can be cobblestone, wooden planking, or rough concrete – wheeled bags take a beating and can tip on uneven ground.
- Once you arrive in Karpathos, you’ll find an unspoiled island with an extensive network of around 50 hiking routes crossing rugged mountains and remote villages. The northern village of Olympos, perched on a clifftop ridge, is one of the most striking traditional settlements in the Dodecanese.
Useful Resources for Your Greek Island Trip
- Find accommodation in Greece – hotels, apartments and villas on Booking.com
- Book tours and activities in Greece via Viator
- Find guided experiences and day trips via GetYourGuide
- Compare car hire prices in Greece via DiscoverCars
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do ferries run from Rhodes to Karpathos?
Ferries on this route run typically once per day, and the service operates year-round. That said, January, November, and December see no scheduled departures, so check the schedule carefully if you’re travelling outside the main season.
Which ferry companies operate the Rhodes–Karpathos route?
Several ferry companies serve the Rhodes to Karpathos route. Operators can change from season to season, so it’s worth checking current schedules on a booking platform to see which companies are running at the time you plan to travel.