Kos to Rhodes Ferry with Car Hire | Kos Car Hire

The Ultimate Guide: Taking the Ferry from Kos to Rhodes with Car Hire

Taking a rental car from Kos to Rhodes depends on the selected supplier’s written permission and the ferry operator’s vehicle service. Check cover, return arrangements, full price and cancellation terms for the exact booking before committing.

Ferry Operators: Blue Star Ferries and Dodekanese Seaways

When planning your journey from Kos to Rhodes, you generally have two main ferry operators to choose from, each offering a distinct experience on the Aegean Sea:

Blue Star Ferries: Blue Star is the heavyweight of the Aegean, operating large, conventional car-passenger ferries. These vessels are incredibly comfortable, featuring spacious decks, cafes, restaurants, and airline-style seating. Because of their size, they are very stable, making them a great choice if you are prone to seasickness. They are also the primary choice for travelers with a car hire, as their massive garages can accommodate a high volume of vehicles with ease.

Dodekanese Seaways: For a faster, more nimble journey, Dodekanese Seaways operates high-speed catamarans. These vessels cut the travel time significantly, making them ideal for day-trippers or those who just want to get to Rhodes quickly. While the ride is smoother in calm waters, high-speed ferries can be more susceptible to weather-related cancellations. Additionally, their vehicle capacity is much lower than the Blue Star giants, meaning space for your car hire fills up much faster. You will want to book well in advance if you opt for the high-speed option.

Schedules and Frequency

The ferry route from Kos to Rhodes is well-traveled, but the schedule fluctuates based on the season. During the peak summer months (June through September), you can expect multiple departures daily, usually one high-speed crossing in the morning and a conventional ferry in the afternoon or evening. The crossing time varies drastically depending on your chosen vessel: Dodekanese Seaways’ high-speed catamarans can whisk you to Rhodes in as little as 2 hours and 15 minutes, while Blue Star Ferries’ conventional vessels take roughly 4 to 5 hours, as they make intermediate stops at islands like Patmos, Leros, and Kalymnos.

In the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn), the frequency drops, often to just one departure per day. It is absolutely crucial to check the live schedules and book your tickets well in advance, particularly if you are traveling with a vehicle. Car spaces on ferries are limited and sell out much faster than passenger tickets. Always build some flexibility into your travel itinerary to account for potential delays caused by the notorious Aegean summer winds, known as the Meltemi.

Costs for Passengers and Vehicles

Price the exact Kos–Rhodes sailing with the ferry operator for each passenger. Timetables, vessel types and fares vary by date, and a passenger sailing may not carry vehicles.

If the operator carries vehicles on your sailing and your rental supplier approves the crossing in writing, quote the vehicle ticket using the correct category and dimensions. Check any supplier ferry charge, cover restriction, one-way fee and the selected rental’s cancellation terms separately.

Driving on Rhodes: What to Expect

Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese, and having a car hire here is an absolute game-changer. The island features a well-maintained, comprehensive road network. The main coastal road circles the entire island, making it incredibly easy to navigate. Newer, faster highways connect the airport and the city to the popular resorts on the eastern coast, while older, winding mountain roads offer breathtaking panoramas for the more adventurous driver.

Driving is on the right, and road signs are typically in both Greek and English. While driving in Rhodes is generally straightforward, you should exercise caution on the narrower mountain roads, especially when navigating blind corners. Greek drivers can be assertive, so it is best to stay aware and use pull-offs to let faster traffic pass. With your own vehicle, you can escape the crowded resort strips and discover the authentic, mountainous interior, visiting ancient ruins and sleepy villages at your own pace.

Best Rhodes Beaches Accessible by Car

While Rhodes is famous for its beaches, the absolute best stretches of sand are only reachable with your own set of wheels. Here are the top beaches you must drive to:

Anthony Quinn Bay: Named after the famous actor who fell in love with the island during the filming of “The Guns of Navarone,” this stunning cove features crystal-clear emerald waters surrounded by pine trees and rocks. It is somewhat hidden, and parking is limited, so arriving early with your car hire is essential.

Tsamadou Beach: Located on the eastern coast, this is arguably the most beautiful sandy beach on Rhodes. Lush green hills cascade down to the shore, and the water is spectacularly clear. It has a laid-back, natural vibe that is well worth the drive from the main town.

Prasonisi: For a truly unique experience, drive all the way south to Prasonisi. This is where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet. A sandy spit connects the main island to a tiny islet, and depending on the wind, one side of the beach has calm waters while the other features rolling waves perfect for windsurfing. It is a spectacular, otherworldly landscape that you simply cannot reach without a car.

Glystra Beach: A smaller, family-friendly cove with fine sand and shallow, turquoise waters. It is tucked away from the main resort areas, offering a quieter slice of paradise with easy parking right by the sand.

Rhodes Old Town Parking Tips

Rhodes Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. However, its ancient walls and cobblestone streets mean that cars are strictly prohibited inside the center. Driving into the Old Town is not only illegal but impossible. Therefore, mastering the parking situation is crucial.

The best strategy is to park at the large, open parking lot located near Mandraki Harbor and the New Market (Agora), just outside the walls. This lot is incredibly convenient, usually has available spaces early in the morning, and is within easy walking distance of the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights. There are also smaller parking areas near the Aquarium and along the coastal avenue. Keep in mind that during July and August, these lots fill up rapidly. Aim to arrive before 9:30 AM to secure a spot without the stress of circling the block. Parking fees are very reasonable, usually payable at a kiosk or via a nearby ticket machine.

Island Hopping Tips for the Dodecanese

Island hopping with a car hire requires a bit more logistical planning than traveling as a foot passenger, but the rewards are immeasurable. Here are our top tips to ensure your journey is smooth:

• Book vehicle space: After the rental supplier confirms ferry permission, check whether your chosen sailing carries cars and reserve the correct vehicle category through the operator.
• Check boarding instructions: Follow the ferry operator’s current vehicle check-in time, lane and boarding directions for your sailing.
• Pack an Essentials Bag: You will likely be required to leave your car in the belly of the ship and head upstairs to the passenger decks. You won’t be able to easily access your trunk during the voyage. Pack a small daypack with your ferry tickets, passports, valu, medications, and a sweater for the air-conditioned lounges.
• Check the Weather: The Meltemi winds can strike suddenly, leading to last-minute cancellations. Always check the weather forecast and the ferry company’s social media pages the night before your trip.

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