Kos to Rhodes Ferry
Kos → Rhodes
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- High-speed crossing
- ~2–2.5 h
- Conventional crossing
- ~3–4 h
- Frequency
- several weekly in summer, reduced in winter
- Carries cars
- Yes (on the car ferry)
Crossing times and frequency are typical ranges and vary by season and operator. Check the operator or Direct Ferries for current sailings before booking.
Where it leaves from
Ferries to Rhodes depart from Kos Town harbour, the main port on the northeastern coast of Kos, directly below the ancient castle of the Knights of St John. The waterfront is walkable from the town centre. On arrival in Rhodes Town, the ferry port sits beside the medieval old city, with its UNESCO-listed walls, the Palace of the Grand Master, and the Street of the Knights all within easy walking distance.
Connecting the Dodecanese
Kos and Rhodes are the two largest and most visited islands in the Dodecanese, the chain of Greek islands strung along the Aegean coast of Turkey. The ferry between them is part of the main Dodecanese trunk line that runs from Piraeus southward, stopping at smaller islands like Leros, Kalymnos and Symi along the way. The direct Kos–Rhodes leg skips the intermediate stops, making it faster than the full scheduled service.
Operators
Blue Star Ferries is the principal operator on the Dodecanese line and provides both conventional and high-speed services depending on the vessel type deployed on any given sailing. Conventional ferries carry cars and are more stable in the wind conditions that can affect the eastern Aegean in summer. High-speed services offer a faster crossing for foot passengers. On some timetables, the same ferry continues beyond Rhodes toward smaller southern Dodecanese islands.
Rhodes as a Dodecanese base
Rhodes Town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and is a destination in its own right, but Rhodes is also a logical hub for reaching smaller Dodecanese islands. Day trips run by local operators go to Symi, Tilos and Halki. From Kos, the ferry to Rhodes can form part of a longer southward route through the chain — or a return journey from a Piraeus departure that has worked its way down island by island.
Ports & terminals
- KosView on map →
- RhodesView on map →
Port guides
Related ferry routes
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the ferry from Kos to Rhodes?
- High-speed services take around 2 to 2.5 hours; conventional ferries typically take 3 to 4 hours. The route heads southward along the Dodecanese chain.
- Where does the ferry dock on Rhodes?
- Ferries arrive at Rhodes Town, the island's main port and capital, close to the old walled city and its medieval harbour.
- How often does the Kos–Rhodes ferry run?
- In summer, there are typically several sailings per week. The route is part of the Blue Star Ferries Dodecanese line, which also serves Piraeus. Check schedules for current days.