Ferry from Santorini to Rhodes

The ferry from Santorini (Thira) to Rhodes is a long, overnight‑style crossing that links the Cyclades with the Dodecanese, normally taking around 12–17 hours depending on the ship and intermediate stops. Ferries depart from Athinios Port in Santorini and arrive at the main port of Rhodes, with the route operated mainly by Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries, usually 3 times per week all year. Published durations range from about 11 hours 45 minutes on the fastest Blue Star departures up to around 17 hours 10 minutes or more on slower Aegeon Pelagos or multi‑stop services, with most schedules clustering around 14–15 hours. Typical departure times are late at night (often around 23:50 or just after midnight), arriving in Rhodes late morning or early afternoon the next day. Foot passenger tickets usually start around €20–€25 (about £22–£26) and average roughly €40–€50, with higher prices for cabins, reserved seats and vehicles. This route is one of the main direct sea links between Santorini and the Dodecanese, ideal if you want to combine both island groups without flying via Athens.

Key information

Ferry duration

The Santorini to Rhodes ferry usually takes between about 11 hours 45 minutes and 17 hours 25 minutes depending on the operator and number of stops. Netferry and Direct Ferries quote average trip times around 14 hours 20 minutes to 15 hours 20 minutes, which matches real‑world experiences on Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries vessels.

Ferry companies

The line is primarily served by Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries, which runs several long‑distance routes linking Piraeus, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese. Aggregators and route guides also mention Aegeon Pelagos on some longer Dodecanese services, but for the direct Thira (Santorini)–Rhodes connection, Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries is the core operator listed for 2026.

Fast vs slow ferry

Even the “fast” Santorini–Rhodes ferries are conventional ships, not small high‑speed catamarans, so you are looking at overnight‑style durations rather than a quick hop. The quickest Blue Star sailings are around 11 hours 45 minutes to 12 hours 10 minutes, while slower Aegeon Pelagos‑type departures can take 20–21 hours when they call at multiple islands en route.

Best time to travel

This route runs all year, but it is most predictable and frequent from roughly April to October, when there are usually around 3 departures per week. In winter, the line continues but may have fewer sailings and is more prone to weather‑related schedule changes, so checking exact days (often Monday, Wednesday, Friday) matters.

Sea conditions/wind

The route crosses a long stretch of open Aegean and Dodecanese sea, which can be windy and rough, especially when the meltemi blows in summer. Conventional ferries cope well, but because you may be on board 12–17 hours, many travellers prone to motion sickness book cabins or inside seats and bring seasickness remedies for comfort.

Port guide

In Santorini, ferries to Rhodes leave from Athinios Port, the main ferry harbour below the caldera cliffs, connected to Fira, Oia and other villages by buses, taxis and hotel transfers. In Rhodes, ships dock at the main commercial port just outside Rhodes Town’s medieval walls, within walking distance of accommodation, car hire agencies and buses to resorts like Lindos and Faliraki.

Car rental advice

Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries vessels on this line accept vehicles, but example price ranges show car tickets adding roughly €80–€150 on top of foot passenger fares, especially in summer. Because of the long distance and cost, many people travel as foot passengers, returning their hire car in Santorini and renting again on Rhodes, where there are plenty of local and international rental firms.

Foot passenger tips

As a foot passenger for a late‑night departure, arrive at Athinios Port at least 1–1.5 hours before sailing; boarding a long‑distance ferry with vehicles and cargo can take time. For comfort on a 12–17 hour trip, it is worth paying for a numbered seat or cabin rather than an open deck ticket, bringing snacks, water and anything you need for a night on board.

“Is this route worth it?”

The Santorini to Rhodes ferry is very worthwhile if you want to link the Cyclades and Dodecanese in one itinerary and enjoy the experience of a long sea journey. Many travellers see it as a mini‑cruise that lets them wake up in a completely different island group, rather than flying via Athens and spending time in airports.

Alternative route if canceled

If your direct Santorini–Rhodes ferry is cancelled, alternatives include rebooking for a different day (since there are usually several sailings per week) or routing via another Dodecanese island such as Kos or Karpathos. When ferries are widely disrupted or your schedule is tight, you can also fly via Athens, which is still the fastest option in terms of pure travel time despite the detour.

Reverse route internal links

The reverse route, Rhodes to Santorini, runs with similar frequency, and sources report 3–6 weekly sailings, often at night, taking about 11–17 hours depending on ship and stops. Ticket prices and onboard services are essentially the same in both directions, so you can plan a loop trip or use Rhodes as a stepping stone deeper into the Dodecanese.