From Lindos: Rhodes Old Town and Speedboat Trip to Symi

Two Greek highlights, one very full day. This $55 trip makes it possible to see the UNESCO-listed Rhodes Old Town and the picture-book harbor of Symi without arranging separate transport. I especially like the included hotel pickup from Lindos and the clear mix of independent sightseeing, an 80-minute boat ride, and free time on Symi. The main catch is time: Rhodes Old Town can feel rushed, and the full day may stretch to 13 hours once delays and return transfers are counted.

This is best for you if you prefer to explore on your own rather than follow a guide with a flag. You get a driver, transport, maps or meeting instructions, and free time at both stops. You do not get guided tours, attraction tickets, food, or drinks, so a little planning will make the day much better.

The essential details at a glance

• Two major stops for $55: You visit Rhodes Old Town in the morning and Symi in the afternoon, with all bus and boat transport included.
• Hotel pickup reaches far south: Pickup is available from Lindos, Pefkos, Lardos, Kiotari, Gennadi, Kalathos, and nearby resorts.
• Rhodes time is usually tight: The planned three hours may become closer to two or two and a half hours if pickups run late.
• Symi is the visual highlight: Its colorful harbor buildings, clear water, restaurants, and nearby beach make the afternoon easy to enjoy.
• The boat is not always a small speedboat: It can feel more like a fast ferry, with open seating, indoor areas, and sea spray on the upper deck.
• This is independent sightseeing: You are responsible for meeting times, tickets, and deciding what to see at each stop.

Why this day trip works from Lindos

If you are staying in Lindos or farther south, reaching Symi independently can be awkward. This excursion solves the main problem by collecting you from your hotel area, driving you to Rhodes, arranging the crossing, and bringing you back at the end of the day.

The $55 price is strong value for that amount of transport. You are covering roughly two hours by coach and almost three hours on the boat, plus two well-known Greek destinations. A taxi, separate ferry arrangements, and individual transfers would likely require much more planning.

The tradeoff is that this is transport with free time, not a fully guided tour. I like that arrangement because Rhodes Old Town and Symi are both pleasant places to wander without a fixed route. If you want detailed explanations of medieval buildings, local culture, or Symi’s history, you will need to arrange that separately.

The day receives a 4.4 rating from 336 bookings, which fits the experience well. The strongest praise centers on punctual transport, friendly drivers, simple instructions, and excellent value. The main complaints are also consistent: late pickups can shorten your time in Rhodes, the boat boarding process can be unclear, and the return journey may be crowded.

Starting early from Lindos and the southern resorts

Pickup is offered at many hotels and meeting points around Lindos, Pefkos, Lardos, Kiotari, Gennadi, and Kalathos. The exact departure time depends on your location, but early starts around 7:30 or 8:00 in the morning are common.

You should wait at the main road 10 minutes before the scheduled time. Look for the Sebeco Tours bus. The driver will wait no longer than five minutes after the stated pickup time, although the day can still lose time if other passengers are late.

That detail matters. A few delayed hotel pickups can reduce Rhodes Old Town from a useful three hours to barely two. One late morning also led to less time in Rhodes because the vehicle had to wait for other people. Be ready early, and keep your phone available in case the operator needs to clarify a meeting point.

The drive from the Lindos area to Rhodes takes about one hour under the planned schedule. Buses have been described as comfortable, and the drivers are generally friendly and helpful. A driver named Ivan received particular praise for being informative and assisting with transfers, though the standard service is not presented as a guided bus tour.

A road closure once caused confusion over a pickup point, so do not assume the bus can stop directly outside every hotel. If the main road is closed, call the operator rather than waiting at the usual place.

Three hours, or less, in Rhodes Old Town

The bus drops you near Rhodes Old Town, where you have free time to explore. This is one of the best parts of the arrangement because you can choose between the medieval streets, major monuments, harbor views, shopping lanes, and a quick breakfast or coffee.

The Old Town is surrounded by thick walls and is known for its medieval architecture. With limited time, I would keep your route simple:

• Walk through the main streets inside the old walls.
• See the Palace of the Grand Master if you want a major paid sight.
• Visit the Castle of the Knights area.
• Continue toward the harbor if you want open views and a change from the stone lanes.
• Leave time to return to the meeting point without rushing.

Entry tickets are not included, so budget separately if you plan to enter the Palace of the Grand Master or another attraction. You can still see plenty from outside and enjoy the streets without paying an admission fee.

The most useful strategy is to pick one paid sight at most. Trying to cover the Palace, the castle area, the clock tower, shopping streets, and the harbor in two hours will turn the visit into a march. If your actual free time is closer to three hours, you can slow down and stop for food.

A map or information pack may be provided for Rhodes, which helps you get your bearings. Do not expect a guide to lead you through the Old Town. The meeting instructions are more important than commentary, especially because you must return to the correct point at the stated time.

Several departures have offered only about two hours in Rhodes, while others have provided around two and a half or three. That difference usually comes from the southern pickup route and delays, not from the Old Town itself. If Rhodes is your main interest, this combined trip will give you a taste rather than a thorough visit.

Finding the boat and collecting your ticket

After your time in the Old Town, you return to the port area for the crossing to Symi. The boat ticket process is one place where you need to pay attention.

You may receive instructions to collect a paper ticket from a harbor kiosk before boarding. The ticket is held under the booking name, and passengers have sometimes had to queue for it. Do not assume that the confirmation on your phone is all you need.

Meeting points can feel confusing when several queues and boats are operating at once. The boat departs on time, and missing it is your responsibility. One useful habit is to return to the harbor early, find the kiosk, collect the ticket, and then confirm exactly where boarding takes place.

The scheduled crossing takes about 80 minutes each way. Some people describe the boat as a speedboat, while others find it closer to a fast ferry. Both impressions make sense. It is a fairly large vessel rather than a tiny private boat, and seating may be open rather than assigned.

The upper deck gives you the best views but can be wet. Sea spray can hit hard, especially at speed, so choose an indoor or lower-level seat if you want to stay dry. If you enjoy the wind and water, the rear outdoor area can be fun. Bring a light layer even on a warm day, and protect anything that should not get wet.

Families should know that seats are not necessarily organized together. Boarding can be a scramble, and the return crossing may be more crowded than the outward trip. On one departure, extra chairs were placed inside when regular seating filled up. That does not mean every sailing will be uncomfortable, but you should board promptly if sitting together matters.

Three to four hours in beautiful Symi

Symi is the afternoon reward. The harbor is lined with colorful buildings climbing the hillsides, and the setting feels different from Rhodes Old Town. You can spend your time walking along the waterfront, eating lunch, shopping, taking photographs, or finding a place to swim.

The island is particularly good for a relaxed visit. A quayside meal near the fish market is an easy choice, and there are many restaurants and bars close to the harbor. A nearby beach offers a place to cool off, and water sports have been described as reasonably priced for families.

Do not arrive expecting a packed sightseeing program. The main appeal is the harbor, the buildings, the water, and the slow afternoon rhythm. You might find the island has fewer activities than expected, especially if shops are closed or you are not interested in eating and drinking.

A climb toward the castle area is possible if you want views and exercise, though the hot weather can make the steps tiring. The available time ranges from about three to four hours, depending on the day’s schedule. That is enough to see the harbor and eat lunch without hurrying, but it may feel long if you want only a quick look.

I would use Symi time in this order:

1. Walk the harbor first, before settling into lunch.
2. Check the return departure time immediately.
3. Choose between a meal, a swim, or a climb.
4. Return to the boat area early, especially if the harbor is crowded.

Symi is the stronger destination for many people on this trip. Rhodes gives you grand monuments and medieval streets, while Symi offers a simpler afternoon with water views and attractive buildings. If you have already visited Rhodes Old Town, the balance works especially well.

The long ride home to Lindos

The return boat takes about 80 minutes, followed by the coach ride south. Some departures arrive back around 8:00 or 9:00 in the evening, and a few have taken about 13 hours from pickup to drop-off rather than the advertised 12.

The return bus can take longer than the morning transfer because of the number of hotel drop-offs. One journey from Rhodes took about an hour and a half on the way back. Plan on being tired, especially after walking in the heat and spending several hours at sea.

The timing is not a problem if you expect it. Pack water, wear comfortable shoes, and avoid planning an important dinner reservation immediately after the excursion. If you are traveling with children, the coach and boat may provide chances for naps, but the full day is still demanding.

The positive side is that the driver and bus are waiting for the organized return transfer. You do not need to find a taxi at the port or work out a separate route back to Lindos.

What the $55 price really buys you

At $55 per person, this is one of the easier ways to combine both destinations from the Lindos area. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the driver, the bus transfers, the boat crossings, and free time in both places.

You still pay for:

• Food and drinks
• Entry tickets to attractions
• Any optional activities on Symi
• A guide, since this is not a guided sightseeing tour

The value is highest if you want transportation more than commentary. A solo visitor, couple, or family can see two places without renting a car or arranging ferry logistics. The value drops if you want a slow, detailed visit to Rhodes, since the Old Town portion may be shortened by the southern pickup route.

The free cancellation period is up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve while paying later. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, though you should still confirm the practical details for your specific hotel, bus, harbor access, and boat boarding.

Who should book this experience?

I would choose this trip if you are staying in Lindos, Pefkos, Kiotari, or Gennadi and want to see Symi without handling the transport yourself. It suits independent sightseers, families who can manage a long day, and anyone who enjoys mixing historic streets with a relaxed harbor afternoon.

It is also a good choice if you have already seen Rhodes Old Town and mainly want an easy route to Symi. The Old Town visit becomes an added bonus rather than the main event.

I would think twice if you dislike early starts, crowded boarding, long coach rides, or fixed departure times. It is not the right fit if your dream is a slow exploration of every palace and museum in Rhodes. You should also avoid it if you want a small private speedboat, since the vessel may feel more like a fast ferry and the seats are not always assigned.

Should you book this Rhodes and Symi trip?

Yes, if you want strong transport value and two very different Greek stops in one day. The best parts are the friendly bus service, straightforward hotel pickup, beautiful Symi harbor, and the chance to watch the sunset or evening light from the return boat.

Book it with realistic expectations. Treat Rhodes as a short introduction, arrive early for every meeting point, collect your paper boat ticket at the kiosk, and expect a 12 to 13-hour day. If that sounds manageable, this is a practical and affordable way to add Symi to a Lindos holiday.

FAQ

How much does the Rhodes Old Town and Symi trip cost?

The listed price is $55 per person.

How long does the excursion last?

The planned duration is 12 hours. Actual days can run closer to 13 hours because of pickup delays and the return drop-off route.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is available from many hotels and meeting points around Lindos, Pefkos, Lardos, Kiotari, Gennadi, and Kalathos. Your booking provides the specific location.

How early should I wait for the bus?

Wait at the main road 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. The driver will wait no longer than five minutes after that time.

How long is the bus journey to Rhodes?

The planned coach journey from the Lindos area to Rhodes Old Town takes about one hour.

How much free time do I get in Rhodes Old Town?

The planned free time is three hours, but actual time can be closer to two or two and a half hours if pickups or traffic cause delays.

Are attraction tickets included?

No. Entry tickets to places such as the Palace of the Grand Master are not included.

Is the trip guided?

No. You receive transport and free time, but there is no sightseeing guide leading you through Rhodes Old Town or Symi.

How long is the boat ride to Symi?

The speedboat crossing takes about 80 minutes each way.

Do I need to collect a boat ticket?

You may need to collect a paper ticket from a harbor kiosk before boarding. Follow the instructions given at the port and return early enough to complete the process.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but Symi has restaurants and bars along the harbor.

Is the excursion wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Confirm the details for your particular hotel pickup and boat boarding needs before booking.