Ferry sailings connecting the principal island of Rhodes to Astypalaia run year-round, operated primarily by Blue Star Ferries as part of its main Dodecanese inter-island trunk line.
- Frequency: 4 times a week (year-round baseline, with slight seasonal schedule adjustments)
- Travel Duration: 9 hours 20 minutes
- Average Ticket Price: €26.00
- Distance: 146.45 kilometers (91.00 nautical miles / ~79 nautical miles direct)
Key Route Details & FAQs
How long does the ferry ride from Rhodes to Astypalaia take?
The journey takes approximately 9 hours and 20 minutes on standard conventional car ferries. Voyage duration varies slightly depending on sea conditions and intermediate Dodecanese port calls (such as Symi, Tilos, Nisyros, Kos, or Kalymnos).
How much do tickets cost from Rhodes to Astypalaia?
An economy passenger ticket is very reasonably priced, averaging around €26.00:
- Seating & Cabins: Given the ~9.5-hour crossing across the southern Aegean, booking an aircraft-style seat or a private cabin berth is recommended for added comfort.
- Vehicle Transportation: Transporting a standard passenger car typically costs around €60 to €95 extra, while motorcycles range from €15 to €25.
- Passenger Discounts: Infants and toddlers up to 4 years old travel free of charge, while children aged 5 to 10, university students, and large families qualify for up to a 50% discount.
Are there direct ferry connections?
Depending on the specific sailing day, you can find both direct routes and multi-stop island-hopping connections calling at intermediate Dodecanese ports before arriving in Astypalaia.
Useful Tips for Travelers
- Departure Port in Rhodes: Ferries depart from Tourist Port / Acandia Port in Rhodes City, located just outside the walls of the historic Medieval Old Town.
- Arrival Port in Astypalaia: Conventional passenger ferries dock at Agios Andreas (New Port) on the central-western coast of Astypalaia. KTEL buses and taxis meet arriving ferries to transfer passengers up to Chora and surrounding settlements.
- Traversing the Dodecanese: Astypalaia marks the westernmost boundary of the Dodecanese chain. This multi-stop route offers a scenic journey across the entire archipelago from east to west.
