Rhodes to Kalymnos Ferry
🚢 Rhodes → Kalymnos — this week
12 sailings over the next 7 days · usually 2/day
Tomorrow (Fri 7 Aug): 2 ferries — first at 08:00
Rhodes to Kalymnos Ferry
Rhodes to Kalymnos -- At a Glance
- Season: Sailings are scheduled into the winter, with timetables published through 1 November 2026.
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day, year-round.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Journey time: 2 hours 45 minutes to 8 hours 55 minutes.
- Operators: Dodekanisos Seaways, Blue Star Ferries, SAOS Ferries.
- Tickets from: €18 – €44 per person.
- Book tickets: Check prices at Ferryscanner
Travelling from Rhodes to Kalymnos puts you on one of the more rewarding short hops in the Dodecanese. Rhodes needs little introduction -- it's one of the most visited islands in Greece, with a UNESCO-listed medieval old town that rewards hours of wandering. Kalymnos is a different proposition: quieter, more rugged, and with a character shaped less by mass tourism than by sponge diving and, more recently, rock climbing. The crossing connects these two islands efficiently, and the journey itself is a pleasant stretch of Aegean sea travel.
You can expect at least one ferry a day on this route throughout the year, with frequency nudging up slightly in spring and autumn when connecting services pass through the island chain. That consistency makes it a dependable option whether you're building a longer island-hopping itinerary or simply making a direct crossing.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Rhodes to Kalymnos:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | Not yet published | – |
| February | Yes | 1.5 (1–2) |
| March | Yes | 1.8 (1–3) |
| April | Yes | 1.8 (1–4) |
| May | Yes | 1.8 (1–3) |
| June | Yes | 1.7 (1–3) |
| July | Yes | 1.7 (1–2) |
| August | Yes | 1.7 (1–2) |
| September | Yes | 1.7 (1–2) |
| October | Yes | 1.8 (1–3) |
| November | Yes | 1.0 |
| December | Not yet published | – |
Book ferry port and airport transfers here: Welcome Pickups →
Rhodes to Kalymnos — next 14 days
Actual sailing dates and departure times for the next two weeks (last updated 2026-08-06):
| Date | Sailings | Departure times |
|---|---|---|
| Thu 6 Aug | 2 | 08:00, 17:00 |
| Fri 7 Aug | 2 | 08:00, 16:30 |
| Sat 8 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Sun 9 Aug | 2 | 08:00, 17:00 |
| Mon 10 Aug | 2 | 08:00, 16:30 |
| Tue 11 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Wed 12 Aug | 2 | 08:00, 17:00 |
| Thu 13 Aug | 2 | 08:00, 17:00 |
| Fri 14 Aug | 2 | 08:00, 16:30 |
| Sat 15 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Sun 16 Aug | 2 | 08:00, 17:00 |
| Mon 17 Aug | 2 | 08:00, 16:30 |
| Tue 18 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Wed 19 Aug | 2 | 08:00, 17:00 |
Check availability & book on Ferryscanner →
Tips for the Rhodes–Kalymnos 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.
- Booking a summer return to Athens a week or two before departure gives you flexibility while still securing a ticket before the final-week rush.
- In Kalymnos, world-class rock climbing routes in the island's limestone cliffs have made it a magnet for climbers from across Europe, while the sheltered pebbly beach of Vlychadia and other coastal spots offer superb swimming. The island also has a deep tradition as a sponge-diving centre, which still shapes its culture today.
Useful Resources for Your Greek Island Trip
- Find accommodation in Greece – hotels, apartments and villas on Booking.com
- Book tours and activities in Greece via Viator
- Find guided experiences and day trips via GetYourGuide
- Compare car hire prices in Greece via DiscoverCars
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do ferries run from Rhodes to Kalymnos?
Typically 1 ferry per day, year-round. Service runs year-round.
Are there ferries from Rhodes to Kalymnos today?
Yes – 2 sailings today. See the 14-day timetable above for departure times.
How many ferries run from Rhodes to Kalymnos this week?
Around 12 sailings over the next 7 days (typically 2 per day).
What time is the first ferry from Rhodes to Kalymnos?
The first departure is usually 08:00.
How long is the ferry from Rhodes to Kalymnos?
The fastest crossing takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, while the slowest takes around 8 hours 55 minutes. Journey times depend on the ferry type and company.
How much does the Rhodes to Kalymnos ferry cost?
Ticket prices start from €18 per person for a standard seat. Prices can go up to €44 depending on the company, seat class, and time of year.
Which ferry companies operate the Rhodes–Kalymnos route?
The route is served by Dodekanisos Seaways, Blue Star Ferries, SAOS Ferries.
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.