%2Cpin-s-a%252B356151(23.7293%2C37.9776)%2Cpin-s-b%252B8B4513(27.92%2C36.17)%2F25.82465%2C37.073800000000006%2C5%2F560x280%402x%3Faccess_token%3Dpk.eyJ1IjoiZ2Vja29yb3V0ZXMiLCJhIjoiY2plc2p0NmQ4MHh1cDJ4bXI3aWlraGh3YyJ9.ftb9bE1kUJiddMRbmZblQQ&w=3840&q=75)
Rhodes sits about 423 kilometres (263 miles) from Athens, across the Aegean near the Turkish coast, so this is a long haul by sea. The ferry is an overnight-length crossing at 16h - 23h 30m for $69 (€60), usually run as a slow overnight sailing. Flying is the far quicker way, covering it in 2h 20m for $59 (€52) once you're in the air, though you'll add the airport transfers at each end.
Distance from Athens to Rhodes
Athens and Rhodes are about 423 km (263 miles) apart; the sea crossing itself covers around 610 km over water. The quickest way to get from Athens to Rhodes is by taking the flight, which takes around 2h 20m.
2 ways to travel from Athens to Rhodes
There are two ways to travel from Athens to Rhodes. You can choose between the flight and ferry. The journey takes 2h 20m–16h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by flight with tickets starting at $45 (€40).
Reach out to our Community
1Athens to Rhodes by Flight
When travelling from Athens to Rhodes, there’s really no better option than flying. It’s fast, cheap, and convenient, a much better choice than taking a 16-hour ferry.
We highly recommend that you book a flight as early as you can to secure the cheapest rates possible!
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Athens City Centre to Athens Airport by Train
When you fly from Athens to Rhodes, you first need to travel 35 km southeast from Athens city centre to Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos).
Depending on where you're staying, you have three primary transport options:
Metro (Line 3): $10 (€9.00), 40 minutes
Express Bus (X95): $6.30 (€5.50), 1 to 1.5hrs
Official Taxi: Flat fare of $46 (€40) during the day (05:00–24:00) or $63 (€55) overnight (00:00–05:00), 35 minutes. You can also compare prices with Uber.
The train is our recommended option for getting to Athens Airport, especially if you’re staying near a Metro Line 3 station. The journey takes around 40 minutes, and trains to the airport depart throughout the day from around 05:50 until 23:20.
Always check the latest timetable before you travel, as schedules may change.
Look for trains marked "Airport" (Αεροδρόμιο), as most Line 3 services terminate at Doukissis Plakentias Station
Step 2: Athens to Rhodes by Flight
Aegean Airlines and Sky Express operate several daily flights from Athens to Rhodes.
Travel time takes 1 hour, and ticket prices start from $46 (€40).
Again, it’s best to book your flight months in advance to score the lowest airfares.
Flights arrive at Rhodes – Diagoras International Airport.
Step 3: Rhodes Airport to Rhodes City Centre
To get to Rhodes city centre, you’ll have to travel 20 km northeast from Rhodes Airport. You can take either a taxi (25 minutes) or a bus (40 minutes).
The taxi is a quick and easy way to reach your hotel. Fares start from around $29 (€25), but we think you’ll appreciate the time and hassle you save with this option!
A bus ride only costs $2.90 (€2.50). However, the travel time is almost double that of a taxi ride because the bus makes several stops along the way. During the busy summer months, buses can get crowded, so you may have to stand or wait for the next bus.
If you're travelling on a budget, then you can find the buses just outside the airport terminal. Buses arrive at RODA Bus Station on Averof Street in Rhodes city centre.
Flight tickets are available on Skyscanner.
Athens to Rhodes by Ferry
An alternative to taking the flight is a ferry ride from Athens to Rhodes.
We honestly don't think the ferry offers much of an advantage when it comes to travel time or price. However, if you’re looking for 15h 30m - 23h of quiet time at sea, then this is the best choice for you!
Step 1: Athens City Centre to Piraeus Port by Train
Piraeus Port is located about 15 km southwest of Athens city centre. You can get there by metro train in around 30 minutes for only $1.40 (€1.20).
From Athens city centre, take Metro Line 1 (Green Line) or Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) to Piraeus Station. Popular departure stations include Monastiraki (Lines 1 and 3), Omonia (Line 1), and Syntagma (Line 3).
You need to get off at Piraeus Station.
Line 1 (Green Line): Arrives at the historic station building.
Line 3 (Blue Line): Arrives at the newer underground station.
From either station, follow the signs to your ferry gate. Depending on your departure gate, the walk through Piraeus Port takes around 5–20 minutes.
If you'd rather be dropped off closer to your ferry terminal, you can take a taxi from central Athens. The journey takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic, and fares start at around $18 (€16).
Step 2: Piraeus to Rhodes by Ferry
Blue Star Ferries is the only ferry company operating from Piraeus to Rhodes.
Keep in mind, however, that the travel time takes 15h 30m - 23h. Along the way, the ferry stops at several islands to pick up and drop off passengers. Whether the journey is worth it depends on how you'd like to spend your time on board.
If you’re planning to get away from the world for a while and be lulled to sleep by the waves, then this option is definitely worth considering!
Ferry rates start from $67 (€59). Although it’s more expensive than a flight, all ferries are overnight, so you can also think of it as saving a night on accommodation.
Ferry schedules vary by day, so make sure to check the latest timetable before you travel.
Ferry tickets are available on Omio.
Booking Tip
Ferries arrive at Rhodes Port in the city centre, which is just 500m north of the Medieval City.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Rhodes?
Rhodes is a Greek fairytale island off the southern coast of Anatolia, Turkey. As the capital of the Dodecanese group of islands, Rhodes boasts of such a colourful history. War-torn walls and towers, stone-paved roads, a beautifully preserved medieval castle — everywhere you look will take you back in time!
Summer can be very busy on this so-called Knights' Island surrounded by pristine waters and charming beaches. We recommend exploring the Old Town early in the morning to skip the crowd of tourists visiting Rhodes.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Athens to Rhodes. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Athens to Rhodes?
The distance from Athens to Rhodes is 423 kilometres (263 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Athens to Rhodes?
The fastest way to get from Athens to Rhodes is by flight and takes 2h 20m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Athens to Rhodes?
The cheapest way to get from Athens to Rhodes is by flight with ticket costs starting from €52.
Route Update History
- Updated ferry prices.
- Updated flight prices.
- New ferry operator: Blue Star Ferries.
- Updated ferry departure times.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Travel Writer
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gecko Routes free and up to date.
Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.