Ferry from Rhodes (Rodos) to Athens (Piraeus)

Rhodes to Piraeus is the long trunk route of the Dodecanese, worked by Blue Star Ferries and Superfast Ferries with the Blue Star 2, Chios and Patmos and the Lefka Ori. Times vary enormously depending on the routing: a fairly direct sailing runs around twelve hours, while services calling at a string of islands on the way can take twenty three hours or more. Most people travel it overnight, and cabins are worth booking on the longer sailings. Fares start around €59.

Piraeus is the port of Athens and one of the busiest passenger ports in Europe, the main gateway to every Aegean island group. It is a sprawling place with numbered gates running from E1 to E12, so it pays to know which gate your ferry uses well before arrival. The metro terminus is right by the harbour and runs directly into central Athens, and the Mikrolimano marina and archaeological museum are nearby if you have time to spare.

With around twenty six sailings a fortnight this runs at least daily in season, so there is usually a workable option. Exact departures, durations and current fares are shown in the table below, and the difference between the direct and multi-stop services is worth checking before booking. From Piraeus there are onward ferries to the Cyclades, Crete and the Saronic islands.

Rhodes to Piraeus Ferry Fares

Weekly Rhodes to Piraeus 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 Piraeus?

Yes, several agencies meet passengers directly at the ferry gates (E1 to E12), so there is no need to arrange transport into central Athens first. It suits travellers continuing on to the mainland rather than islanders, since central Athens is only 20 minutes away and has good metro and bus links. Compare local suppliers 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 Piraeus between 24 October 2026 and 6 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Rhodes to Piraeus 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.
• Ferry cancellations are announced on the operator's website and app, and also through the Hellenic Coast Guard (limenarxeio) at the departure port.
• Ferries from Piraeus depart from the main port of Athens, giving easy access to the Acropolis, the world-class Acropolis Museum, and the ancient Agora. The historic Plaka neighbourhood at the foot of the Acropolis hill, with its neoclassical lanes, Roman ruins, and traditional tavernas, is the most atmospheric place to spend time before or after your crossing.

Plan a journey

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