Ferry from Rhodes (Rodos) to Nisyros (Mandraki)

Rhodes to Nisyros takes from around two and a half hours on the Dodekanisos Seaways catamarans to five and a half hours on the conventional ferries, which stop at Symi and Tilos along the way. Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways and SAOS Ferries all serve the route, with vessels including the Blue Star Patmos, the Dodekanisos Express and Pride, and the Saonisos. Fares start around twelve euros.

Nisyros is a volcanic island and the caldera inland is the reason most people make the trip. Ferries dock at Mandraki, the small port town on the northwest coast, with whitewashed houses stacked up under a monastery built into the cliff. Buses run from the quay up to the crater, where a track leads down onto the floor of the volcano itself.

Around a dozen sailings a fortnight means several a week in season, though a day trip from Rhodes works best on the faster services. Current departures, journey times and fares are listed below. Nisyros also has very frequent short crossings to Kos, which is the usual jumping-off point.

Rhodes to Nisyros Ferry Fares

Weekly Rhodes to Nisyros 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 Rhodes to Nisyros between 24 August 2026 and 6 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Rhodes to Nisyros 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.
• When the vessel is manoeuvring into port, crew will announce boarding locations over the PA system; listen for instructions on which gangway to use.
• If you are island-hopping across multiple islands, pack light – you will be lifting your bag on and off ferries, into overhead racks, and up and down steps repeatedly.

Plan a journey

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