Rhodes To Symi Cruise
Fare Guide

How Much Is the Ferry From Rhodes to Symi

Fares between Rhodes Town and Symi are not fixed by a single authority — they shift with the operator, the vessel, and how far ahead a seat is reserved. This how much is the ferry from rhodes to symi guide sets out the base figure, the conditions attached to it, and the sailing-day realities that shape what a crossing ends up costing. Everything below draws on published port information rather than estimates.

9 min read Updated 2026-09-24 Fact-checked
How Much Is the Ferry From Rhodes to Symi

Quick answer

The minimum base fare is 7 EUR, and that figure varies by operator, vessel type, and booking time. Departures leave from the Main Port of Rhodes in Rhodes Town, where ticket counters operate 08:00–18:15 every day of the week. Faster catamarans and excursion vessels sit above that base rate; conventional passenger ferries sit closest to it.

The strait between Rhodes and Symi is barely twenty-four nautical miles wide, yet the price of crossing it can differ substantially from one gangway to the next on the same morning. This is not inconsistency so much as structure. The route is served by several independent operators running different classes of vessel — conventional passenger ferries, high-speed catamarans, and smaller excursion boats — and each sets its own tariff under Greek coastal shipping rules. Anyone researching how much is the ferry from rhodes to symi is therefore comparing a range rather than reading a single number off a board. The context that makes the range comprehensible is the vessel itself. A conventional ferry moves slowly, carries vehicles and freight alongside passengers, and prices accordingly. A catamaran halves the crossing time and charges for that speed. Excursion boats bundle the passage with a stop at Panormitis Monastery on Symi's southern coast, or a swim call in a bay along the way, and their fares reflect the itinerary rather than the distance. None of these is the correct choice in the abstract. A traveller with a return flight from Diagoras Airport the same evening values speed; someone staying overnight in Gialos, the harbour village where neoclassical mansions rise in ochre tiers above the waterfront, has no reason to pay for it. The Symi ferry cost question resolves only once the shape of the day is settled. Booking timing forms the second variable. Sailings between Rhodes and the Dodecanese islands run at their fullest through the summer months, and August in particular sees capacity tighten on the morning departures that day-trippers favour. Walk-up availability exists, but it narrows as the season peaks, and the fares attached to late reservations rarely match the base rate. The Main Port of Rhodes sits directly below the medieval walls of Rhodes Town, its ticket windows and operator kiosks open from early morning until early evening, which gives arriving travellers a practical window to confirm details in person rather than relying on cached timetables. What to do with the answer is simpler than the arithmetic suggests. Establish the base figure, then decide which of the three variables — vessel class, itinerary, booking lead time — actually applies. A traveller who wants nothing more than passage to Symi and back should look at the conventional Dodecanese ferry services and reserve early. A traveller who wants Panormitis, a swim stop, and a commentary should treat the crossing as an excursion and expect the fare to sit higher, because it is buying more than transport. Understanding how much is the ferry from rhodes to symi means understanding which product is being priced. Official schedules and operator listings are published through the regional port authority, and those remain the authoritative source when timetables shift with the season. Cross-check any figure found elsewhere against them before committing, particularly outside the high-summer window when services thin out and the pattern of daily departures changes without much public notice across the Rhodes to Symi route.

“The price of the crossing is not a measure of distance — it is a measure of which vessel, and which kind of day, is being purchased.”
Prices

How Much Is The Ferry From Rhodes To Symi: Ticket Pricing Explained

Ferry pricing from Rhodes to Symi is not fixed, as costs fluctuate based on the specific ferry operator, the type of vessel selected, and the timing of your booking.

Minimum Base Fare Subject to operator and vessel variations.
7 EUR
Standard Passenger Final price depends on booking time and availability.
Varies

Verdict: While the minimum base fare starts at 7 EUR, most adult travelers will find the final ticket price varies depending on the chosen operator and how far in advance the ticket is secured.

Timing

When Is The Best Time To Travel From Rhodes To Symi?

The best arrival window for your trip is between 08:00 and 10:00. Departing during these hours allows you to bypass the midday heat while maximizing your time to explore the island.

May to June

Moderate crowds

Mild, 20°C–25°C

Ideal temperatures for walking and sightseeing before peak summer heat.

July to August

High crowds

Hot, 28°C–35°C

Expect high temperatures and peak tourist numbers during these months.

September to October

Decreasing crowds

Warm, 22°C–27°C

The weather remains pleasant, and the island is quieter than the summer peak.

Weekday mornings

Low crowds

—

Traveling on weekdays helps avoid the larger weekend visitor volume.

Verdict: The best time to travel is between 08:00 and 10:00 on a weekday during May, June, September, or October for comfortable weather and lighter crowds.

Directions

Logistics: How To Get To The Ferry From Rhodes To Symi

Ferries to Symi depart from the Main Port of Rhodes, located in Rhodes Town. The port area is accessible via local transport, taxi, or on foot if you are staying within the city center.

Taxi 10-15 min from Airport —

Direct to Main Port of Rhodes

Bus 5-10 min —

Main Bus Station to Plateia Eleftherias

On foot 10-20 min —

From Rhodes Old Town gates

The official site is https://www.12ne.gr for schedules. We recommend arriving between 08:00–10:00, as earlier departures help you avoid midday heat and provide more time to explore Symi.

Checklist

Preparation Checklist For Your Trip: How Much Is The Ferry From Rhodes To Symi

Work through these steps in order, from the weeks before your crossing down to the morning you sail.

Book

Check availability

Frequently asked

Frequently Asked Questions: Rhodes to Symi Ferry Travel

Everything you need to know about how much is the ferry from rhodes to symi

How much is the ferry from rhodes to symi?

The ferry from Rhodes to Symi has a minimum base fare starting at 7 EUR. This base price varies depending on the specific operator, the vessel type, and when you choose to book your ticket.

What is the typical cost for a boat trip to Symi?

Travelers often ask how much is the ferry from rhodes to symi, and the answer is that prices are not flat rates. Costs fluctuate based on the ferry company you choose and the specific category of the vessel utilized for the crossing.

Is the price for a ferry ticket to Symi fixed?

Your final ticket price is not necessarily fixed and can change based on the booking time and operator. It is recommended to check the official site for real-time pricing and availability before your journey.

When is the best time to catch the ferry from Rhodes?

The best arrival window at the main port of Rhodes is between 08:00 and 10:00. Departing during this time helps you avoid the intense midday heat and ensures you have enough time to explore Symi once you arrive.

How much is the ferry from rhodes to symi for families?

When considering how much is the ferry from rhodes to symi for a group, keep in mind that the starting fare is 7 EUR per person. Total costs will depend on the number of passengers and the specific operator you select for your trip.

What is the minimum fare for a ferry from Rhodes to Symi?

The minimum base fare for crossing from the main port of Rhodes to Symi starts at 7 EUR. Please note that this is the base rate and actual ticket costs will vary by operator and vessel type.

How much is the ferry from rhodes to symi during the summer?

While researching how much is the ferry from rhodes to symi, remember that the cost remains subject to operator policies and demand. You can always check the official site for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing for your travel dates.

Are there varying costs to travel from Rhodes to Symi?

Yes, the amount you pay can differ because different ferry companies operate various types of vessels. Since the base fare starts at 7 EUR, you should always verify the specific price for your chosen departure on the official website.

How much is the ferry from rhodes to symi if I book early?

The starting price is 7 EUR, but the final cost when asking how much is the ferry from rhodes to symi depends on your booking window and operator. Securing your travel plans early on the official site is the most reliable way to confirm your specific fare.

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