Rodos Adası, Rhodes Town — Yunanistan Adaları · 11 active ferry routes
Located in Rhodes Town, the capital of Rhodes Island, Mandraki Port is home to the ancient Colossus of Rhodes (one of the Seven Wonders). It serves as the main terminal for the Marmaris-Rhodes route, close to the UNESCO World Heritage Rhodes Old Town walls and the Street of the Knights.
Rhodes (Mandraki) Port is one of the most important maritime gateways of the Aegean Sea, renowned for both its historical significance and its modern strategic location. In ancient times, it was the legendary harbor where ships supposedly sailed beneath the legs of the colossal Sun God Helios statue (Colossus of Rhodes), considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, it is a hub for modern ferry transport and yacht tourism. At the harbor entrance, passengers are welcomed by two bronze deer statues (Eleos and Elafis) perched on columns, honoring the ancient statue and keeping the island's symbol alive.
Used as a naval base by the Knights of St. John (Knights of Rhodes) during the Middle Ages, Mandraki Port has played an active role in every era of maritime history. Today, it is the first point of arrival for thousands of passengers traveling from the Turkish coast and other Greek islands. As ships approach the port, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed walls of Rhodes Old Town rise in the background, offering passengers a unique historical panorama. Blending history with modern infrastructure, Mandraki is not just a transit point for ferry passengers, but the first historical monument where the exploration of Rhodes begins.
Rhodes (Mandraki) Port is located right in the heart of Rhodes Town, the capital of the island. Situated at the coordinates 36.4506°N latitude and 28.2236°E longitude, the pier is one of the most advantageous ports in the Aegean for pedestrian access. The moment you step off the ship, you can walk through the gates of the historical walls in just a few minutes without needing any vehicle, or easily reach the hotels, restaurants, and shopping streets in the city center.
Geographically, the port is located in an eastern indentation near the northernmost tip of the island, providing natural protection against the harsh winds of the Aegean. The pier area consists of passenger waiting lounges, customs and passport control points, and docking areas for sea buses. Mandraki is also part of a large quay complex where local excursion boats, luxury yachts, and other inter-island vessels are moored.
Mandraki Port is one of the busiest points for ferry traffic between Turkey and Greece. The most frequently used route is the line between Marmaris and Rhodes. Ferries and fast catamarans departing from Marmaris cover the distance of approximately 24 kilometers in an average of 50 minutes, depending on weather and sea conditions. This short distance makes Rhodes highly attractive for day trips or weekend getaways from Turkey.
In addition, direct or connecting ferry services to Rhodes are organized from other Turkish ports such as Fethiye and Bodrum during certain periods. Since Rhodes is the administrative center of the Dodecanese, it is also possible to transfer to domestic ferries bound for other Greek Islands such as Kos, Symi, Halki, and Karpathos. As departure times and current Ferry Prices vary according to the summer and winter seasons, it is recommended to check the updated schedules when planning your trip.
The transportation networks to Rhodes Island are highly developed. For those traveling from Turkey, the most practical, economical, and popular method is by sea. Ferry services are preferred because baggage restrictions are more flexible compared to airlines, and they provide direct arrival in the city center (Mandraki Port). Travelers wishing to experience different routes in the Aegean can also review our content on other border crossing points, such as the Kuşadası–Samos Guide, to help with their planning.
Diagoras International Airport (RHO) serves the island for international flights and domestic flights connecting through Athens. The airport is approximately 15 kilometers away from Mandraki Port. The road network for island transportation is quite efficient. KTEL buses departing from just outside the port operate regular services to Lindos in the south, the airport in the west, and other villages. Additionally, there are numerous taxi stands and car rental offices around the port.
The Mandraki Port passenger terminal is equipped to meet the basic needs of passengers waiting for ferries or newly arriving on the island. The passport control and customs area is organized to handle the heavy traffic, especially during the summer months. Inside the terminal, there are air-conditioned waiting lounges, clean restrooms, and a small cafe/kiosk area.
In accordance with international travel regulations, there is also a Duty-Free shop at the port. You can use this store after passing through passport control. When you step outside the terminal building, you are greeted by currency exchange offices, ATMs, tourist information offices, and car rental company stands. Thanks to the port's integrated structure with the city center, it is very easy to spend time in the surrounding cafes until your ship's departure time after completing your check-in procedures.
Rhodes is a massive open-air museum with its rich history spanning from ancient times to the Middle Ages and its natural beauties. The main spots you should explore when you step onto the island from Mandraki Port are:
Rhodes (Mandraki) Port has the status of an international border gate, and specific customs and passport rules apply to passengers arriving from Turkey. For more detailed information on crossing procedures, you can visit our Passport and Visa Guide page.
Visa and Passport Rules: All traveling citizens of the Republic of Turkey must have a passport valid for at least 6 months as of the travel date. A biometric photograph may be requested from passengers upon entry to Greece. For Turkish citizens, a "Gate Visa" application is available for trips to Rhodes lasting up to 15 days; this eliminates the obligation to obtain a Schengen visa in advance. However, a standard Schengen visa application is required for stays longer than 15 days. European Union citizens can enter the island freely with just their chipped identity cards or passports.
Ticket, Baggage, and Customs Rules: Ferry tickets are issued entirely personally and cannot be transferred to anyone else. Due to international maritime regulations, there is no right of cancellation for tickets. However, for open tickets, date changes can be made up to 2 days before the voyage. Passengers are given a full refund only if the voyage is officially canceled due to adverse weather conditions. As for baggage allowance, each passenger is allowed to carry 1 standard suitcase and 1 handbag/backpack for free; additional baggage is subject to a fee. According to customs rules, adult passengers have a crossing limit of 2 liters of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and 50 ml of perfume. For travel with children, if the child is traveling abroad with only one parent, a notarized letter of consent from the other parent is mandatorily requested by the border police. To ensure that all these procedures and passport controls proceed smoothly, check-in procedures at the pier must begin at least 1.5 hours before the departure time.
Can I cancel my Rhodes ferry ticket?
Due to international regulations, cancellation and refund procedures cannot be made for ferry tickets. However, for open tickets, date changes are possible up to 2 days before the voyage. Full refunds are provided only for voyage cancellations caused by adverse weather conditions.
Is a Schengen visa required to go to Rhodes?
No, the Gate Visa application is valid for Turkish citizens for tourist trips of up to 15 days. For stays exceeding 15 days, you need a valid Schengen visa.
How much baggage can I carry on the ferry?
You are entitled to carry 1 standard-size suitcase and 1 additional handbag/backpack included in your ticket. Extra fees must be paid at the port for additional baggage exceeding this specified limit.
Is Mandraki Port far from the Rhodes city center?
No, Mandraki Port is located directly in the Rhodes city center (Rhodes Town). After getting off the ferry, you can reach the Old Town walls, restaurants, and hotels within a few minutes on foot.