Ferry from Rhodes (Rodos) to Vathy (Samos)

Rhodes to Vathy is a long northbound crossing of the eastern Aegean, operated by Superfast Ferries with the Lefka Ori. Journey times run from around eight hours to a little over ten, depending on how many islands the ship calls at on the way up the Dodecanese chain. It is a conventional car ferry, so there is deck space, indoor seating and a canteen for the trip.

Vathy, officially Samos Town, is the capital and main port of Samos, set at the head of a deep bay that gives the town its name. It has the feel of a working town rather than a resort, with shopping streets, administrative buildings and a lively harbourfront, plus an archaeological museum near the centre. It is the island's principal ferry gateway and the usual arrival point for travellers heading anywhere on Samos.

The route runs a few times a fortnight, so it needs checking against your dates. Current departures, journey times and fares are listed below. From Vathy there are onward services to Piraeus, Chios and the northern Aegean, and the short crossing to Kusadasi in Turkey.

Weekly Rhodes to Vathy Ferry Schedule

What each ferry company has published from 13 November 2026 to 27 November 2026, where the published timetable ends: the days it sails and its departure times from Rhodes.

Rhodes to Vathy Ferry Fares

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 Vathy between 13 November 2026 and 26 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Rhodes to Vathy 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.
• A portable power bank is one of the most useful things to carry – reliable mains power is not guaranteed on any vessel.
• Large ferries can feel labyrinthine at first; take a few minutes to walk the accessible decks after boarding so you know where the toilets, exits, and cafeteria are.

Plan a journey

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