Ferry from Paros to Rhodes

The ferry from Paros to Rhodes is a long distance route that connects the Cyclades with the Dodecanese, giving travellers the chance to combine two very different island regions on one itinerary. Services on this line are typically operated by Blue Star Ferries using large conventional ships that run multi island routes across the Aegean, stopping at several islands before reaching Rhodes. Most schedules show an average Paros to Rhodes journey time of about 13 hours 35 minutes, with the route usually running once per week in the main season, and departures often in the evening so that you arrive in Rhodes the following morning or around midday. Ferries depart from Parikia, the main port of Paros, and arrive at Rhodes Town port, which is the principal harbour on the island and sits right next to the medieval old town. Ticket prices for foot passengers generally start from around 51 to 58 euros and can rise towards 90 to 130 pounds, depending on the season, availability and whether you choose simple economy seating or cabins for the night. Because this is a long crossing with limited frequency, it is best suited to travellers on extended island hopping trips who are happy to spend a full night or most of a day at sea in return for the convenience of sailing directly between the Cyclades and Rhodes when the route is available.

Key information for the Paros to Rhodes ferry

Ferry duration

The Paros to Rhodes ferry typically takes around 13 hours 35 minutes when operated as a direct through service by Blue Star Ferries, often with intermediate stops at islands such as Lipsi, Kalymnos, Kos, Nisyros, Tilos or Symi. Some route planners and travel guides note that total journey times, including transfers via islands like Amorgos Katapola or Syros, can range between about 11 hours 15 minutes and up to 1 full day when longer multi leg itineraries are used. This means you should expect at least half a day of travel and often an overnight crossing when planning this route.

Ferry companies

Blue Star Ferries is the primary company that runs ferries between Paros and Rhodes, usually as part of long multi island lines that also connect to Dodecanese islands such as Patmos, Kalymnos and Kos. Some ticket platforms and guides mention Anek Superfast in partnership with Blue Star on Rhodes to Paros routes, but the underlying services are still operated by the Blue Star fleet. Other operators like Dodekanisos Seaways connect Rhodes with nearby Dodecanese islands, which can be combined with separate Paros to Dodecanese routes, but they do not normally provide a single direct Paros to Rhodes ferry.

Fast vs slow ferry

There are no high speed catamarans running solely between Paros and Rhodes; all standard services on this corridor are provided by conventional Blue Star ferries designed for long distance travel. Travel time differences mainly come from the route taken and the number of island stops rather than big differences in vessel speed, with typical direct listings showing 13 hours 35 minutes and more complex combinations via other islands running longer. Some travel advice sites mention high speed options between Santorini and Rhodes that can take as little as 8 hours, but in practice these still form part of multi leg journeys from Paros, rather than a separate fast Paros to Rhodes category.

Best time to travel

The Paros to Rhodes ferry is usually a seasonal route, with the most reliable connections operating from late spring to early autumn when Blue Star Ferries runs extended Dodecanese networks and more cross Aegean lines. Current schedules often show about 1 weekly sailing on this specific route, usually on set days, so travellers need to fit their itinerary around that weekly pattern rather than expecting daily departures. Outside the main season, some aggregators currently report no direct Paros to Rhodes sailings, meaning you may need to route via other islands or combine ferry journeys with flights to reach Rhodes from Paros in winter or shoulder months.

Sea conditions and wind

This long crossing passes through central and south eastern Aegean waters, which can be strongly affected by summer Meltemi winds and occasional storms in other seasons. The large Blue Star vessels that handle this route are built to cope with open sea conditions and usually provide a stable ride, but passengers can still feel some motion, especially during windy nights or around more exposed sections near islands like Astypalea or Rhodes. If you are prone to seasickness, it is a good idea to book a cabin or a seat in the middle of the ship, carry motion sickness tablets and avoid heavy meals before boarding, particularly in July and August when winds are strongest.

Port guide

On Paros, all long haul ferries depart from the port of Parikia, which is the main town and harbour on the island, with easy access from local hotels and bus stops. Because the Paros to Rhodes sailing is long and often overnight, departure times are commonly in the evening, with some schedules highlighting departures around 19:20, so you should arrive at the port well in advance to check in and find your boarding gate. In Rhodes, ferries arrive at Rhodes Town port, also known as Mandraki or the main port, which lies just outside the medieval old town, with plenty of taxis, buses and car rental offices nearby to help you reach accommodation anywhere on the island.

Car rental advice

Blue Star Ferries usually carry vehicles on their long routes, including the Paros to Rhodes line, but vehicle deck space is limited and must be booked well in advance, especially in summer. Given the long distance and duration, taking a car all the way from Paros to Rhodes can become expensive, as fares for vehicles on similar Dodecanese routes often add dozens of euros on top of passenger tickets. Many travellers therefore prefer to travel as foot passengers on the Paros to Rhodes ferry and then rent a car in Rhodes Town, where there is a wide choice of car hire companies close to the port, making local driving easier and cheaper overall.

Foot passenger tips

Foot passengers should plan to arrive at Parikia port at least 1 hour before departure for such a long journey, and earlier in high season, to allow time for ticket collection and boarding. Many bookings made online for Blue Star Ferries still require a printed boarding pass from a travel agency or port kiosk, so you should check your confirmation carefully and factor in time to pick up tickets before going through the gate. On board, you will find economy lounges, air seat sections and cabins; for a 13 hour crossing it is often worth paying for a reserved seat or cabin so you can rest properly, especially if the ferry runs overnight.

Is this route worth it?

The Paros to Rhodes ferry route is worth considering if you want to combine the Cyclades with the Dodecanese in one continuous island hopping journey and you enjoy long sea voyages. It saves you from having to return to Piraeus and then head out again to the Dodecanese, and it offers a unique way to experience the length of the Aegean, with glimpses of multiple islands along the way. However, because it is a long crossing with limited weekly frequency, this route is most suitable for travellers who can commit several days to Rhodes and appreciate the slower, more scenic style of travel rather than those seeking quick transfers.

Alternative route if cancelled

If there is no direct Paros to Rhodes sailing available for your dates, or if your planned ferry is cancelled, one common alternative is to travel from Paros to another island such as Santorini, Astypalea, Syros or Amorgos and then continue from there to Rhodes on a separate ferry. Travel guides often recommend Paros to Santorini as a first leg, which takes about 2 to 3 hours, followed by a longer ferry from Santorini to Rhodes that can range from 8 hours on faster sailings up to about 21 hours on slower routes. Another alternative is to sail from Paros to Piraeus and then take a direct Blue Star ferry from Piraeus to Rhodes, which runs several times per week and offers more flexibility, or to combine a ferry from Paros with a domestic flight from Athens or another island to Rhodes.

Reverse route internal links

The reverse Rhodes to Paros route follows a similar pattern and is also typically operated by Blue Star Ferries, sometimes listed under Anek Superfast and Blue Star combined services. Netferry data indicates that Rhodes to Paros usually has about 1 weekly sailing, often on Mondays, with average travel times of around 14 hours and departures in the late afternoon. Some ticketing platforms mention typical journey times from Rhodes to Paros of around 14 hours to 18 hours 15 minutes and prices starting from roughly 115 euros, so when planning a round trip you should check both directions carefully, as the days and timings may not be identical.

Paros to Rhodes ferry FAQs