If you’re dreaming of island-hopping between the serene Dodecanese gems Symi and Halki, you’re in for a treat—but planning the route might need a bit of guidance. These two picturesque islands don’t have a direct ferry connection, so here’s everything you need to know to make the journey smooth and stress-free.
🚤 Option 1: Private Boat or Yacht Transfer (The Only Direct Way)
If you’re looking for the most convenient and time-efficient option—and you’re ready to splurge—hiring a private boat or yacht is the only direct route between Symi and Halki.
⏱️ Duration: Around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the vessel
💶 Cost: Starts from €1000 and can go up to €2500, depending on the boat size, amenities, and time of year
✅ Pros:
Total flexibility in departure time
Breathtaking, personalized experience
Great for groups or special occasions
❌ Cons:
Pricey for solo travelers or small groups
Availability may vary—best to book in advance
Tip: Check with local charter companies or through your accommodation—many boutique hotels can help arrange transfers.
Option 2: Via Rhodes (The Budget-Friendly Route)
For those traveling on a budget or not in a rush, the alternative is to travel via Rhodes using the public ferry system.
Step 1: Symi ➡️ Rhodes
📍 Several ferries daily, depending on the season
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
Ferry Services from Symi to Rhodes
Multiple ferry operators provide services between Symi and Rhodes, with varying frequencies and durations:
Dodekanisos Seaways: Offers high-speed catamarans with travel times as short as 50 minutes.
Blue Star Ferries: Operates conventional ferries with crossings typically around 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Sea Dreams and Sebeco Lines: Also operate on this route, especially during peak seasons.
Frequency: During high season (June – September), there are approximately 145 scheduled ferry crossings per week.
In the low season (October – May), this reduces to about 47 crossings per week.
Duration: Crossing times range from 50 minutes to 1 hour and 35 minutes, depending on the operator and vessel type.
Fares: Ticket prices vary, starting from around €7 and can go up to €32, depending on the operator and vesse
Step 2: Rhodes Halki
Less frequent—usually 3–5 times a week, depending on the season
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Ferry Services from Rhodes to Halki
Traveling from Rhodes to Halki is possible via several ferry operators, but it’s important to know that ferries to Halki depart from three different ports on Rhodes. Make sure to double-check your departure location when booking:
1. Rhodes Central Port (Commercial Port of Rhodes Town)
Located in the heart of Rhodes Town, this is the main port for larger ferries and serves many domestic and international routes.
Operators:
Blue Star Ferries (e.g., vessel “Blue Star Patmos”)
Travel time: Approx. 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the ferry
Frequency: Usually once or twice a week (e.g., Thursdays or Sundays)
2. Rhodes Kolona Port
Right next to the Central Port, this is a smaller terminal used mainly by passenger-only vessels.
Some fast ferries and seasonal connections to nearby islands may depart from here.
Operators: Occasionally Dodekanisos Seaways, though most of their vessels use the main port
❗ Check your ticket closely to confirm if it leaves from Kolona instead of the main port.
3. Kamiros Skala (West Coast of Rhodes)
A small port approximately 45 km southwest of Rhodes Town, offering a shorter, more direct route to Halki.
Operators:
Local Ferry Company
Local vessels during the high season
⏱️ Travel time: Just 1 hour, the fastest option to reach Halki
Access: Can be reached by car, taxi, or local bus (roughly 1 hour from Rhodes Town)
Frequency: Daily during summer season
How to Return: Halki to Symi
The same two options apply for the return trip:
Private Boat/Yacht – Book a one-way or round-trip charter, prices and flexibility remain the same.
Via Rhodes – Take the ferry from Halki to Rhodes, then catch a connecting ferry from Rhodes to Symi.
While Halki and Symi are close geographically, getting between them requires some planning due to the lack of direct public transport. But whether you’re traveling in luxury via private yacht or adventuring via ferries and Rhodes, the journey is part of the experience—and every stop along the way is worth exploring.
Happy island-hopping!
