Rhodes to Symi Ferry
Rhodes to Symi -- At a Glance
- Season: Year-round, with reduced service in winter.
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day in winter, increasing to multiple daily departures (8 per day) in summer.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Journey time: 1 hour 5 minutes to 7 hours 40 minutes.
- Operators: Dodekanisos Seaways, Anes Ferries, Saos ferries, Sea Dreams, Sebeco lines.
- Tickets from: €8 per person.
- Book tickets: Check prices at Ferryscanner
The Rhodes to Symi ferry is one of the great short hops in the Dodecanese – a crossing that connects two islands with very different characters, separated by a sliver of Aegean sea. Rhodes is busy, cosmopolitan, and rich in history; Symi is intimate, unhurried, and instantly memorable. The route runs year-round, though you will find a much fuller schedule once the season picks up.
On average, five ferries a day make this crossing throughout the year. Summer is when the route really comes alive: by June through August, you can choose from up to eight daily departures, giving you genuine flexibility. In winter, the service drops to around one ferry per day, so planning ahead matters if you are travelling off-season.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Rhodes to Symi:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | Yes | 1.0 |
| February | Yes | 1.3 (1–3) |
| March | Yes | 1.7 (1–4) |
| April | Yes | 5.2 (3–7) |
| May | Yes | 5.4 (3–8) |
| June | Yes | 7.2 (6–8) |
| July | Yes | 8.3 (7–9) |
| August | Yes | 8.3 (7–9) |
| September | Yes | 7.7 (6–9) |
| October | Yes | 5.6 (3–8) |
| November | Yes | 1.0 |
| December | Yes | 1.0 |
Ferry Companies
Five operators share the Rhodes–Symi route, offering a range of crossing times to suit different itineraries:
- Dodekanisos Seaways
- Anes Ferries – approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
- Saos ferries – approximately 7 hours 40 minutes
- Sea Dreams – approximately 1 hour 5 minutes
- Sebeco lines – approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
Tips for the Rhodes–Symi Ferry
- A portable power bank is one of the most useful things to carry – reliable mains power is not guaranteed on any vessel.
- Electric scooters and bicycles are occasionally permitted on small inter-island ferries; confirm with the operator before you arrive at the port.
- If you are connecting to another ferry on the same day, check whether both depart from the same area of the port to gauge how much walking time you need.
- In Symi, the neoclassical mansions in shades of ochre, terracotta, and gold rising above the harbour of Gialos form one of the most striking port scenes in the Dodecanese. St Georges Bay on the island’s east coast offers some of the best swimming in the area, and the island is a short ferry ride from Rhodes.
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 Symi?
Typically 1 ferry per day in winter, increasing to multiple daily departures (8 per day) in summer. Service runs year-round.
How long is the ferry from Rhodes to Symi?
The fastest crossing takes approximately 1 hour 5 minutes, while the slowest takes around 7 hours 40 minutes. Journey times depend on the ferry type and company.
How much does the Rhodes to Symi ferry cost?
Ticket prices start from €8 per person for a standard seat.
Which ferry companies operate the Rhodes–Symi route?
The route is served by Dodekanisos Seaways, Anes Ferries, Saos ferries, Sea Dreams, Sebeco lines.