Ferry from Rhodes (Rodos) to Karpathos (Pigadia)

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. Blue Star Ferries runs the crossing, which typically takes somewhere between about three and three-quarter hours and four and a half hours depending on the sailing. Karpathos itself has two ferry ports: the main harbour, and a separate one at Diafani on the island’s north coast. The two are some distance apart, so it’s worth checking which port your particular sailing is booked into before you travel.

On average, you can expect around one ferry per day on this route, sailing on several days of the week rather than every single day. The schedule box above and the monthly table below reflect the latest confirmed dates the operator has filed, so it’s worth checking there before you plan, particularly if you’re travelling outside the main summer months, and booking ahead is always wise in peak season.

Rhodes to Karpathos Ferry Fares

Weekly Rhodes to Karpathos 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

Can you rent a car in Karpathos?

Yes, with desks in Pigadia near the port. It's worth it if you're staying several days: the drive north to Olympos, about 58km, runs along narrow, winding cliff roads that can turn genuinely windy, and buses only cover the main routes. For a short stay, buses and boat trips to the beaches are enough. Compare hire options at Discover Cars.

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 Rhodes to Karpathos between 4 September 2026 and 17 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Rhodes to Karpathos ferry

• Rhodes has two separate ferry ports: large car ferries such as Blue Star Ferries use Akandia, while Dodekanisos Seaways catamarans and small boats to Symi depart from Kolona, just outside the Old Town walls – check your ticket for the correct one.
• Akandia port is roughly a 20-minute walk from the Old Town and has no shelter, seating or toilets while you wait, so it is more comfortable to wait in town and take a taxi straight to your ferry.
• Arrive at least one hour before departure to allow time to check in, since boarding for ferries from Rhodes typically closes around 20 minutes before the scheduled sailing time.
• Carry a smaller day bag separately from your main luggage: this holds your passport, wallet, phone, charger, sunscreen, and anything else you need during the crossing.
• 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.

Plan a journey

Search for a connection between any two Greek ports, including journeys that need a change.