DODEKANISOS SEAWAYSHIGH-SPEED
Rhodes → SymiExample sailing · 30 October 2026
17:15Rhodes
1hhigh-speed
18:15Symi
- Seat
- Economy
- Vehicles
- Passengers only
- Fare for
- 1 adult · one way
Fare from€32.00
Economy1 adult · one way
Symi by ferry
Symi has one of the most beautiful harbours in Greece: Gialos, an amphitheatre of pastel neoclassical mansions rising from the water, built in the island’s golden age of shipbuilding and sponge trading. Steps lead up to the old village of Chorio, and in the south lies the great monastery of Panormitis.
Most visitors come from Rhodes: boats sail every day, all year, in 1 h – 1 h 25 m, from €7. Blue Star also calls on its long line from Piraeus (about 16 h 30 m, from €65).
Stay in Gialos
Around the harbour, with tavernas, shops and the boats.
Stay in Chorio
Up the steps, for views and a village atmosphere.
Ferry routes & prices
Symi is easiest from Rhodes, with several boats a day: the Blue Star ferry is cheapest, and the fast boats of Dodekanisos Seaways and Sebeco are quicker. Some boats call at Panormitis in the south before Gialos.
Search your datesDodekanisos Seaways guide →
BLUE STAR FERRIESCONVENTIONAL
Rhodes → SymiExample sailing · 30 October 2026
07:45Rhodes
1h 10mconventional
08:55Symi
- Seat
- Deck / economy
- Vehicles
- Cars carried
- Fare for
- 1 adult · one way · no vehicle
Fare from€7.00
Economy1 adult · one way
| From | Companies | Fastest | Fares from | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhodes | Blue Star, Dodekanisos Seaways, Sebeco Lines | 1 h | €7 | All year, daily |
| Piraeus | Blue Star Ferries | 16 h 30 m | €65 | Some days |
| Tilos | Blue Star Ferries | 1 h 35 m | €7.50 | Some days |
| Kos | Blue Star, Dodekanisos Seaways | 1 h 20 m | €9 | Some days |
Children travel at reduced fares. Other discounts, such as for students, large families or people with disabilities, apply only to Greek citizens. For a group booking, ask us for a quote.
Related guides: Dodecanese islandsIsland hoppingAll destinations
Island hopping from Symi
October 2026 fares.
Arriving & getting around
Where does the boat arrive?
Boats arrive in the harbour of Gialos, the main town; some also stop at Panormitis monastery in the south.
Leaving from Piraeus
Gates in Piraeus
Ferries to the Dodecanese often leave from gate E1, at the far end of the port from the metro; Blue Star shows your gate when you check in. Allow extra time to get there.
Overnight sailings
The Blue Star ferries usually leave in the evening and sail through the night: book a cabin for a bed and your own bathroom.
Flying instead
Rhodes, Kos, Leros, Kalymnos and Astypalaia have airports; many travellers fly one way and sail the other, or fly to Rhodes or Kos and hop by boat.
On the island
From the port
Gialos is the town; Chorio is up about 400 steps, or take the bus.
Getting around
Water taxis go to the beaches; a bus runs to Pedi and Panormitis.
Day trip from Rhodes
Easy with a morning boat and an evening boat back.
Flying
Symi has no airport. Fly to Rhodes.
Campers, vans & vehicles
Taking a camper, motorhome, van or your boat on a trailer to Symi? Big vehicles need a little more planning on Greek ferries. Here is what to know, for holidays and for business.
1
Measure and declare
Give the exact length and height of your camper, van or car with caravan, including bike racks, roof boxes and tow bars. The ferry fare and deck space depend on them, and a vehicle bigger than booked may be refused or charged extra at the port.
2
Gas and fuel
Vehicles running on LPG or other gas, and hybrid or electric vehicles, must be declared when you book. Gas tanks may be filled to no more than 50% and EV batteries charged to no more than 40%. Make sure gas bottles are turned off before boarding.
3
At the port
Be at the port at least 1 hour before departure. Large vehicles are loaded in the order set by the port authority, so arriving early helps. Book well ahead in July and August: garage space for big vehicles runs out first.
4
On board
Only the driver stays with the vehicle to drive it on and off; everyone else boards on foot. Nobody may stay in the vehicle during the crossing, so take what you need for the trip with you.
5
Boat on a trailer
Taking your own boat? We also book ferry tickets for a car towing a boat trailer. Give the total length of car, trailer and boat together, and the height of the boat on the trailer, including any mast, frame or outboard engine.
On Symi: wild camping is not allowed in Greece. You can park a camper wherever car parking is allowed, but setting up camp outside a campsite can be fined. Roads are few and steep, and parking in Gialos is very limited.
1
Vans and goods
Vans carrying goods, tools or equipment for work may be booked as commercial vehicles, with a different fare and different paperwork from a private car. Tell us what the vehicle carries and its weight.
2
Teams and fleets
Several vehicles and drivers on the same sailing, or regular crossings for a project? We book them together so your team travels on the same ship.
3
Exact dimensions
Length, height and weight decide the category. Include racks, ladders and trailers, and tell us if anything is loaded on the roof.
4
Timing
Commercial vehicles may need to be at the port earlier than cars. We confirm the exact check-in time and gate for your sailing.
5
Company invoice
Travelling for work? We issue an invoice in your company’s name. Send us the company name, address and VAT number with your quote request.
Beaches & things to see
Harbour
Gialos
Pastel mansions around the harbour.
South
Panormitis monastery
A large monastery in a sheltered bay.
Hill
Chorio
The old village and the castle above the harbour.
By boat
Agios Georgios Dysalona
A pebble beach under a huge cliff.
East
Nanou
A pebble bay with a taverna.
Evenings & nightlife
Evenings in Gialos are about dinner by the water and a drink as the lights come on around the harbour.
Ferry companies serving Symi
Symi ferry FAQ
How do I get to Symi?
From Rhodes by boat, every day, in 1 h – 1 h 25 m, from €7. Blue Star also sails from Piraeus on some days.
How much is the ferry to Symi?
From €7 from Rhodes on Blue Star (October 2026); fast boats from €18.
Can I visit Symi as a day trip from Rhodes?
Yes, many visitors do.
Can I take my car to Symi?
Yes, on Blue Star, but roads are few and parking tight. Get a vehicle quote.