Rhodes to Karpathos Ferry
🚢 Rhodes → Karpathos — this week
3 sailings over the next 7 days · usually 1/day
Rhodes to Karpathos Ferry
Rhodes to Karpathos -- At a Glance
- Season: Timetables are currently published through 29 October 2026.
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day.
- Sailing days: Ferries sail several days per week.
- Journey time: 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 35 minutes.
- Operators: Blue Star Ferries.
- Tickets from: €21 per person.
- Book tickets: Check prices at Ferryscanner
The Rhodes to Karpathos ferry route connects two of the most distinctive islands in the Dodecanese. Rhodes needs little introduction — its medieval old town, sandy beaches, and lively port have made it one of Greece’s most visited islands. Karpathos is a different proposition entirely: wilder, quieter, and largely unspoiled. Blue Star Ferries runs the crossing, which typically takes somewhere between about three and three-quarter hours and four and a half hours depending on the sailing. Karpathos itself has two ferry ports: the main harbour, and a separate one at Diafani on the island’s north coast. The two are some distance apart, so it’s worth checking which port your particular sailing is booked into before you travel.
On average, you can expect around one ferry per day on this route, sailing on several days of the week rather than every single day. The schedule box above and the monthly table below reflect the latest confirmed dates the operator has filed, so it’s worth checking there before you plan, particularly if you’re travelling outside the main summer months, and booking ahead is always wise in peak season.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Rhodes to Karpathos:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | Not yet published | – |
| February | Yes | 1.0 |
| March | Yes | 1.0 |
| April | Yes | 1.0 |
| May | Yes | 1.0 |
| June | Yes | 1.0 |
| July | Yes | 1.0 |
| August | Yes | 1.0 |
| September | Yes | 1.0 |
| October | Yes | 1.0 |
| November | Not yet published | – |
| December | Not yet published | – |
Book ferry port and airport transfers here: Welcome Pickups →
Rhodes to Karpathos — 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 | 1 | 17:00 |
| Sun 9 Aug | 1 | 11:00 |
| Tue 11 Aug | 1 | 15:00 |
| Thu 13 Aug | 1 | 17:00 |
| Sun 16 Aug | 1 | 11:00 |
| Tue 18 Aug | 1 | 15:00 |
Check availability & book on Ferryscanner →
Tips for the Rhodes–Karpathos 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.
- Carry a smaller day bag separately from your main luggage: this holds your passport, wallet, phone, charger, sunscreen, and anything else you need during the crossing.
- Once you arrive in Karpathos, you'll find an unspoiled island with an extensive network of around 50 hiking routes crossing rugged mountains and remote villages. The northern village of Olympos, perched on a clifftop ridge, is one of the most striking traditional settlements in the Dodecanese.
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 Karpathos?
Typically 1 ferry per day. Timetables are currently published through 29 October 2026.
Are there ferries from Rhodes to Karpathos today?
Yes – 1 sailing today. See the 14-day timetable above for departure times.
How many ferries run from Rhodes to Karpathos this week?
Around 3 sailings over the next 7 days (typically 1 per day).
What time is the first ferry from Rhodes to Karpathos?
The first departure is usually 17:00.
How long is the ferry from Rhodes to Karpathos?
The fastest crossing takes approximately 3 hours 45 minutes, while the slowest takes around 4 hours 35 minutes. Journey times depend on the ferry type and company.
How much does the Rhodes to Karpathos ferry cost?
Ticket prices start from €21 per person for a standard seat.
Which ferry companies operate the Rhodes–Karpathos route?
The route is served by Blue Star Ferries.
Can you rent a car in Karpathos?
Yes, with desks in Pigadia near the port. It's worth it if you're staying several days: the drive north to Olympos, about 58km, runs along narrow, winding cliff roads that can turn genuinely windy, and buses only cover the main routes. For a short stay, buses and boat trips to the beaches are enough. Compare hire options 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.