Athens Airport to Rhodes 2026: Transfer, Ferry & Flight Guide
Planning a trip from Athens Airport (ATH) to Rhodes? You have two main options: a quick 55-minute flight or an overnight ferry from Piraeus Port. This guide covers every route, cost, and transfer option so you arrive at Greece’s most historically rich island without stress.
How to Get from Athens to Rhodes
| Option | Duration | Cost (approx) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | ~55 min | €40–€120 | Speed & convenience |
| ⛴️ Ferry (overnight) | 12–18 hrs | €30–€90 | Budget travellers, vehicles |
Option 1 – Fly Athens to Rhodes
Flights from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Rhodes Diagoras Airport (RHO) take around 55 minutes. Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air operate multiple daily services; Sky Express and Ryanair also fly the route seasonally. Book early — summer flights sell out fast and prices spike in July and August. Allow at least 2 hours at ATH before departure.
Planning to visit multiple Greek islands? See the complete Athens Ferry Guide 2026 for all routes, ports, and booking tips in one place.
Option 2 – Ferry Athens (Piraeus) to Rhodes
Ferries depart from Piraeus Port (Gate E7–E9) and reach Rhodes in 12–18 hours depending on the route and operator. ANEK Lines and Blue Star Ferries run the route, with comfortable overnight cabin options that save on accommodation costs. Check Ferryhopper or Directferries for timetables — frequency drops outside summer. Rhodes Port sits right next to the UNESCO-listed Old Town.
| Ferry Company | Duration | Cabin Available |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Star Ferries | 14–16 hrs | Yes |
| ANEK Lines | 12–15 hrs | Yes |
Rhodes Airport & Port Transfer Options
Rhodes Diagoras Airport (RHO) is 14 km from Rhodes Town. The port sits in the heart of the city. Here is how to get to your hotel from either arrival point:
| Transfer Type | Duration | Cost | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Pickups (private taxi) | 20–30 min | Fixed price | Book Now |
| Local taxi (metered) | 20–30 min | €20–€30 | Taxi rank at airport |
| Public bus (KTEL) | 45–60 min | €2.50 | At airport terminal |
| Rental car | Self-drive | €30–€60/day | At airport desks |
For a stress-free arrival, Welcome Pickups offers fixed-price private transfers with flight tracking — your driver waits even if you land late. Book your Rhodes transfer here.
When to Visit Rhodes
Rhodes enjoys one of the longest sunshine seasons in Europe, welcoming visitors from April through November. Peak months are July and August when temperatures regularly exceed 35°C. For the best balance of weather and manageable crowds, aim for May–June or September–October. Spring brings wildflowers and emptier beaches; autumn means warm seas and lower prices. Winter is quiet — many businesses close — but the UNESCO-listed Old Town remains atmospheric year-round.
Getting Around Rhodes
- Rental car or scooter — Best for exploring the island independently. Roads are generally good and driving is straightforward outside peak season.
- KTEL buses — Two bus terminals in Rhodes Town serve the island. Buses run to Lindos, Faliraki, and other villages but frequency drops in the evening.
- Taxis — Plentiful in Rhodes Town and at the airport. Confirm whether the price is metered or fixed before you get in.
- Day-trip boats — Regular excursion boats run from Mandraki Harbour to Symi, Lindos, and coastal spots in summer.
- Welcome Pickups — Ideal for airport-to-hotel and inter-city transfers with fixed pricing and English-speaking drivers.
Practical Tips for Rhodes
- Book transfers in advance — In July and August, airport taxis fill up fast. Pre-booking guarantees your ride.
- Old Town parking — Cars cannot enter the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Drop bags at your hotel entrance and park outside the walls.
- Lindos access — Vehicles are not allowed in Lindos village. Take the bus or a taxi, then walk up to the Acropolis.
- Ferry check-in — Arrive at Piraeus at least 60 minutes before departure, especially with luggage or a vehicle.
- Currency — Rhodes is on the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry cash for smaller tavernas and beach bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Athens to Rhodes?
The flight from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Rhodes Diagoras Airport (RHO) takes approximately 55 minutes. Multiple airlines operate this route daily, with increased frequency during summer.
Is there a direct ferry from Athens to Rhodes?
Yes. Direct overnight ferries run from Piraeus Port to Rhodes Port operated by Blue Star Ferries and ANEK Lines. The journey takes 12–18 hours and cabin tickets are available for the overnight crossing.
How far is Rhodes Airport from Rhodes Town?
Rhodes Diagoras Airport (RHO) is approximately 14 km from Rhodes Town. By private transfer or taxi, the journey takes 20–30 minutes. The public KTEL bus takes 45–60 minutes and costs around €2.50.
What is the best way to get from Rhodes Airport to my hotel?
A pre-booked private transfer with Welcome Pickups offers fixed pricing and flight tracking, with the driver meeting you in arrivals. Taxis are also available at the rank outside the terminal.
Find Hotels in Rhodes
From the Medieval Old Town to the resort beaches of Faliraki — find and book the best hotels in Rhodes on Booking.com with free cancellation on most rooms.
You can also compare and book vetted private airport transfer operators on GetYourGuide, with fixed pricing and free cancellation on most bookings.
Ferry from Piraeus to Rhodes: 2026 Schedule & Prices
| Ferry Type | Journey Time | Operator | Approx Fare | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overnight Conventional Ferry | 12–15 hours | Anek Lines, Blue Star Ferries | €45–€75 | 4–5x weekly |
| Express Ferry (summer only) | 8–10 hours | Seajets | €85–€120 | 3–4x weekly (Jun–Sep) |
The ferry journey from Piraeus to Rhodes covers 320 km across the Aegean Sea. Overnight ferries depart Piraeus in the late afternoon or early evening, arriving in Rhodes early the following morning—saving you a hotel night in Athens. The crossing takes 12–15 hours depending on sea conditions; modern ferries offer cabins, restaurants, and sleeping facilities. Book through Ferryhopper to compare operators—summer sailings cost 40–60% more than shoulder season and fill fast, so reserve at least two weeks in advance. Many travelers also consider flying from Athens (1.5 hours, €40–80 one-way) as a faster alternative.
Top Things to Do in Rhodes
Rhodes Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, enclosed by medieval fortifications and packed with over 6,000 years of history. Narrow cobblestone streets wind past Venetian palaces, Ottoman mosques, Byzantine churches, and Turkish baths. The Palace of the Grand Masters dominates the skyline—this imposing 14th-century fortress once governed the entire island. The Street of the Knights (Odos Ippoton) connects fortifications to the palace. Entry to the Palace costs €7; allow 2–3 hours to explore the old town. Mornings before 9 AM offer the quietest experience.
Lindos Acropolis crowns a dramatic hilltop on Rhodes’ east coast, with a magnificent ancient Greek temple perched 116 meters above sea level. The temple honors Athena Lindos, and climbing the stone staircase offers progressively stunning views across the Aegean. Arrive early morning (8–9 AM) to beat heat and crowds—the site offers minimal shade. Entry costs €10. The picturesque village of Lindos sprawls below with whitewashed houses, tavernas, and pebble beaches.
Valley of the Butterflies reveals Rhodes’ unexpected natural treasure—a lush canyon where hundreds of thousands of Jersey Tiger butterflies gather seasonally (primarily July–September). Visitors walk gently through shaded forest trails where waterfalls cascade through a cool microclimate, a refreshing escape from island heat. Visit early morning before the day warms; the site closes October–June. Entry costs €6.
Prasonisi Beach at the southern tip of Rhodes is where two bays meet—the Aegean Sea on one side and the Mediterranean on the other. The western beach offers strong winds ideal for windsurfing and kiteboarding; the eastern bay provides calmer water for swimming. The island remains wild and undeveloped, preserving its rugged appeal. The journey takes 1.5–2 hours from Rhodes Town, making it a full-day commitment worth every minute.
Getting Around Rhodes
Rhodes is 78 km long, making car rental the best option for independent exploration. Compact cars cost €35–€55 daily in shoulder season, €50–€75 in summer. Public buses (RODA) run frequent services between Rhodes Town, Lindos (1 hour, €5), and the airport. Day passes cost €8–€12. Taxis cost €12–€20 within town, €50–€80 for longer trips to Lindos. Key distances from Rhodes Town: Lindos 54 km (50 min), Valley of the Butterflies 31 km (40 min), Prasonisi Beach 78 km (1.5 hrs), Airport 16 km (25 min).
Best Time to Visit Rhodes
April–May and September–October offer ideal conditions: temperatures of 20–28°C, crystal-clear sea, and 20–25% hotel discounts vs. summer. Peak season (June–August) brings temperatures of 28–35°C and packed beaches—adjust to Greek summer rhythm by exploring early morning and evening, resting during midday heat. Windsurfers flock to Prasonisi for optimal summer conditions. Off-season (November–March) brings 30–50% accommodation discounts; the Valley of the Butterflies closes but historical sites remain open year-round.
Other Greek Island Transfers
Also flying to a nearby island? See our guides: Athens Airport to Kos, or browse the full Greek islands transfer guide and Athens ferries guide.
For a full comparison of all Athens Airport transfer options, see our Athens Airport Transfers Complete Guide 2026.
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